Savor Crisp Flavors with Applebees Oriental Chicken Salad

Bring the charm of a restaurant-style lunch to your own table with this fresh and colorful chicken salad that’s full of satisfying crunch.

Enjoy the best of both flavor and freshness in this unbeatable applebees oriental chicken salad recipe. Inspired by Applebee‘s long-time favorite, this cool dish brings together crispy lettuces, crunchy vegetables, and golden-baked chicken tenders, all finished off with a decadent honey-sesame dressing. Whether you require a show-stopping lunch, a quick weeknight dinner, or a crowd-pleasing meal prep option, this salad delivers bold flavor and satisfying texture in every bite. It‘s vibrant, craveable, and on the table in only 40 minutes, perfect for anyone who wants great food without fuss.

Quick Info

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup mayonnaise

• 1 ½ tablespoons high-quality rice-wine vinegar

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• ⅛ teaspoon sesame oil

• Pinch of ground ginger

• Salt, to taste

How to Make:

1. Bake frozen chicken tenders as directed on package. Let cool slightly and cut into strips.

2. Blend all dressing ingredients together in a blender until smooth. Refrigerate dressing until serving time.

3. In a big bowl, toss together romaine, iceberg, Napa cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots.

4. Place salad mixture onto four individual serving plates, dividing it evenly.

5. Top each salad with warm chicken slices, crispy chow-mein noodles, and sliced almonds.

6. Drizzle generously with chilled honey-sesame dressing and serve.

This Recipe Nutrition Information:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cooking Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

• Calories: 255 kcal per serving

• Servings: 4

Cooking Tips:

• Substitute breaded chicken tenders with grilled or air-fried chicken breast to enjoy a healthier option.

• Add mandarin oranges or edamame for extra crunch and flavor.

• Roast the almonds in a pan of a little dry heat over a medium heat for an extra rich nutty taste.

• Prepare the dressing ahead of time and refrigerate for 4 days or so.

• Just before serving, toss the salad to preserve its crisp, just-picked freshness.

Presentation Tips:

• Serve in cold white bowls to emphasize colorful vegetables and golden chicken.

• Sprinkle with some sesame seeds and more chow-mein noodles for crunch.

• For family-style presentation, arrange the ingredients in layers on a wooden platter and drizzle the dressing tableside.

• Use a ring mold to stack the salad for a more elegant and Instagram-worthy display.

• Add fresh herbs like cilantro or chives for a pop of green and extra freshness.

Why You’ll LoveThis Recipe:

• It’s a homemade version of a restaurant favorite that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

• The contrast between crunchy, cool veggies and crispy, warm chicken is irresistible.

• The honey-sesame dressing is silky, tangy, and subtly sweet — totally drinkable!

• It’s ideal for dinner, lunch, or make-ahead meal prep.

• Bright colors and textures make it just as satisfying to the eyes as to the taste buds.

Serving ideas and matches

First, combining the applebees oriental chicken salad recipe with side dishes can make an ordinary meal a well-balanced dining experience. Second, having warm miso soup at the start of the menu gives rich flavors that accompany the salad’s crunchy textures. Third, having chilled jasmine tea served alongside the salad offers a soothing contrast to the intense flavors, hence creating a lasting match. Moreover, the use of lightly buttered whole-grain rolls introduces a rustic note that prevents the dish from being too refined. Furthermore, steamed sugar snap peas served on the side introduce vibrant color while maintaining the Asian-flavored flavor profile.

• Warm miso soup with tofu cubes

• Chilled jasmine tea or iced green tea

• Lightly buttered whole-grain rolls

• Sesame-perfumed rice crackers

• Steamed sugar snap peas

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Meanwhile, experimenting with different pairing combinations provides great surprises in enjoying the applebees oriental chicken salad recipe. Further, a starter of edamame flavored with sea salt provides a richness to the textural content of the meal. Furthermore, serving the salad with pickled ginger on the side lends a pungent note that cleans the palate in between bites. Finally, providing fresh cilantro leaves on each plate includes a bright herbaceous note that completes the energetic personality of the salad. Therefore, well-chosen accompaniments can enhance every serving of this dish.

Step by step applebees oriental chicken salad recipe

First, acquiring the applebees oriental chicken salad recipe requires a structured method of balancing texture and flavor. Second, beginning with homemade crispy chicken strips ensures an interesting crunch that becomes the foundation of the salad. Third, cutting fresh greens and vegetables before dressing preserves their vivid colors and achieves depth of flavor. Consequently, following each step with great care can yield a restaurant-worthy salad that impresses family and friends. Furthermore, having your mise en place prepped beforehand makes the whole cooking process a breeze, hence reducing kitchen anxiety. Lastly, cooking each element separately prevents flavors from becoming confused until they merge in the ultimate toss.

1. Dredge chicken tenders in seasoned flour and bake until golden brown.

2. Combine romaine, shredded red cabbage and Napa cabbage and chopped iceberg lettuce in a large bowl.

   • Add green onions, sliced, and slivered almonds toasted.

   • Make the Oriental vinaigrette and set aside.

   • Dress greens with dressing and toss gently to coat.

   • Top salad with crispy chicken strips.

3. Top with crunchy chow mein noodles.

   • Top with additional almonds and cilantro leaves.

   • Serve immediately for optimal texture.

Finally, after going through the above process, the applebees oriental chicken salad recipe can be topped with chopped cilantro and extra almonds to give a more sophisticated appearance. Also, immediate serving helps in maintaining the ideal crunch of both chicken and noodles, hence retaining the characteristic texture of the salad. Also, serving each portion with a cold dollop of dressing on the side allows visitors to flavor‑intensity regulate according to personal taste.

Properly storing leftovers

• Limiting contact with air preserves the applebees oriental chicken salad recipe fresh for quite a long time in the refrigerator.

• Transferring any leftover portions to tight containers maintains it crisp and prevents the greens from wilting.

• Maintaining dressing separate in a small jar prevents vegetables from becoming soggy between servings.

• Consuming leftovers within two days maintains the salad at optimal taste and texture.

• Lightly shaking the container before serving redistributes dressing evenly without bruising greens.

• On the other hand, adding a layer of paper towels on top of the applebees oriental chicken salad recipe absorbs excess moisture and provides a few extra hours to shelf life.

Preparing crispy chicken strips

• To start with, golden‑brown chicken strips start by marinating tenderloins in a lightly seasoned buttermilk bath that softens meat fibers.

• Second, dredging the strips in a flour mixture of paprika and garlic powder creates a crunchy crust that is resistant to baking or shallow frying.

• Further, shaking off excess flour before cooking prevents clumping and encourages uniform browning of the applebees oriental chicken salad recipe’s core protein ingredient.

• Finally, allowing coated strips to stand on a wire rack ensures air circulation on both sides, hence crispiness upon assembly.

1. Marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.

2. Mix flour with salt, pepper, paprika and garlic powder.

3. Coat strips evenly and shake off surplus flour before cooking.

4. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15 minutes, turning halfway.

5. Allow strips to rest on a wire rack for even crispness.

• Meanwhile, checking a single strip for doneness before removing all pieces guarantees even quality when plating the applebees oriental chicken salad recipe.

• Furthermore, lightly patting strips with paper towels after cooking eliminates excess oil and maintains the sought-after crunch throughout the salad experience.

Tossing with chow mein noodles

• Firstly, incorporating delicate chow mein noodles into the mixture requires handling delicately to prevent breakage while assembling the applebees oriental chicken salad recipe.

• Also, placing noodles on top of dressed greens rather than premixing them ensures that they remain crunchy until serving.

• Additionally, folding ingredients using a gentle tossing motion allows for equal flavor distribution without converting the noodles into soggy bits.

• Thus, this approach leaves room for an excellent contrast between crunchy toppings and crisp vegetables in every bite.

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Secrets behind applebees oriental chicken salad recipe

• First, the secret to getting sweet and sour flavors is in mixing honey and rice vinegar in the base of the salad dressing of applebees oriental chicken salad recipe.

• Secondly, incorporating both Napa cabbage and red cabbage provides textures that are slightly varied in each bite.

• Thirdly, toasting slivered almonds until golden browns releases the natural oils found in them to enhance the flavors of the salad.

• Therefore, controlling the ratio of crunchy toppings to leafy greens defines the identifying character of the salad.

• Moreover, using high-quality sesame oil instead of neutral oils will give the dressing a more powerful, milder aroma that enhances the salad’s flavors.

• At the same time, precooling the bowl and spoon keeps ingredients in a more fresh condition and minimizes the danger of premature wilting in the applebees oriental chicken salad recipe.

• In addition, restricting excessive dressing keeps every ingredient intact until arrival at the diners’ table.

Essential ingredients list

• Most importantly, combining the right ingredients establishes a platform for actual flavor in the applebees oriental chicken salad recipe.

• Second, having chopped romaine lettuce, chopped iceberg lettuce and shredded Napa cabbage establishes a platform for being crunchy-based.

• Third, matchstick carrots, sliced green onions and shredded red cabbage provide colors to give it aesthetic appeal.

• Further, toasted slivered almonds and crunchy chow mein noodles provide texture while brewed dressing keeps everything intact.

• 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce

• 1 cup chopped iceberg lettuce

• 1 cup shredded Napa cabbage

• 1 cup shredded red cabbage

• ½ cup matchstick carrots

• 2 tablespoons sliced green onions

• 2 tablespoons toasted slivered almonds

• ¼ cup crunchy chow mein noodles

• ½ cup homemade Oriental vinaigrette

Frequently asked questions about the salad

• What provides the signature crunch?

• How long can leftovers be stored safely?

• Can I use tofu instead of chicken?

• Is this salad good for meal prep?

• Which nuts are best for added texture?

To begin with, the crunchy signature in the applebees oriental chicken salad recipe is achieved by the combination of crispy chicken strips, toasted chow mein noodles and lightly toasted almonds. Additionally, each one of them has different textures that clash within each bite, hence creating a thrilling mouthfeel. Moreover, accurate timing of dressing application avoids sogginess, with toppings separated until serving time. Moreover, initial crunch is amplified through intentional layering of ingredients with solid ingredients on the base and delicate toppings at the surface. Consequently, intentional building not only preserves texture but also adds taste blending across the salad.

To begin with, cooling of the applebees oriental chicken salad recipe in tightly covered containers within two hours after preparation reduces the possibility of bacterial growth. Besides, keeping dressing apart from ingredients also protects against flavor and texture while refrigerating. Moreover, consuming leftovers within 48 hours maintains the salad’s optimal freshness and avoids vegetables from getting too wilted. Consequently, proper storage instructions retain taste and safety when eating salad leftovers. Meanwhile, re-tossing the salad for a brief period prior to serving may redistribute dressing without compromising crispness.

First, firm tofu offers a vegetarian alternative that is perfectly suited for picking up flavors in the applebees oriental chicken salad recipe. Second, pressuring the tofu for at least 20 minutes before seasoning eliminates excess moisture, thereby enabling it to crisp when pan-fried or baked. In addition, dusting pieces of tofu with the same seasoned flour mixture used on chicken offers a comparative texture that complements vegetables and toppings. Lastly, this substitute maintains the essence of the salad while meeting vegetarian requirements.

First, segmenting the applebees oriental chicken salad recipe into individual containers ensures ease of preparation during busy schedules. Second, delivering dressing in advance separately in miniature mason jars prevents soggy greens before consuming. Third, storing crunchy aspects such as chow mein noodles and toasted almonds in sealable bags ensures the texture holds throughout until assembly. Therefore, such a strategy is a healthy grab‑and‑go meal retaining the signature taste of the salad throughout the week.

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First of all, slivered almonds remain the ideal choice for crunchy texture in the applebees oriental chicken salad recipe since they have a golden color and light flavor when toasted. Secondly, roasted cashews or chopped peanuts can be replaced to give a nuttier flavor, thereby contributing other aspects of taste. Thirdly, minimal seasoning with a sprinkle of sea salt before toasting enhances their natural sweetness. Thus, high-quality nuts are essential to ensuring that every bite of the salad is just right.

Slivered almonds as a texturing addition

• First, topping the applebees oriental chicken salad recipe with toasted slivered almonds offers a nutty crunch that stands up well to soft greens.

• Second, toasting nuts in a dry pan over two to three minutes until fragrant enhances their flavor.

• Third, tossing almonds with a honey glaze prior to baking adds a light sweetness that complements savory flavors.

• Therefore, this simple addition makes each bite a multi‑layered experience.

Applebees oriental chicken salad variations

Primarily, experimenting with substitute variations has the potential to transform the applebees oriental chicken salad recipe to suit different tastes and occasions. Secondly, ingredient replacement or addition by amounts provides home cooks with flexibility to modify the dish to personal taste.

Preparing the perfect Oriental vinaigrette

• First, finding the perfect balance of sweet and sour flavoring is the essence of applebees oriental chicken salad recipe.

• In addition, combining rice wine vinegar, honey and a light soy sauce base gives a harmonious foundation.

• Also, whisking sesame oil into the mixture as it’s being whisked in a slow drizzle gives an elastic consistency that will cling to greens.

• Also, changing each component’s ratio means personal taste can shine through.

1. Combine ¼ cup rice wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons honey and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard.

2. Whisk in gradually ½ cup sesame oil until mixture emulsifies.

3. Sprinkle with a pinch of ground ginger and dash of salt.

4. Taste and correct acidity or sweetness to taste.

Finally, shaking the vinaigrette well before use will give a balanced mixture that lightens every bite of the applebees oriental chicken salad recipe.

Blending the greens and vegetables

• First, topping a colorful bed of chopped romaine, iceberg lettuce and shredded cabbage with the applebees oriental chicken salad recipe gives the visual appeal.

• Second, layering matchstick carrots, green onions and sliced red cabbage over greens adds contrasting flavors and colors.

• Third, folding these ingredients together gently ensures even distribution without tearing fragile leaves.

• Therefore, this process of attention to detail brings out each ingredient’s individuality before adding protein and dressing.