Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad & Dressing Recipe

Author:
Sharon Smith
Updated date:
Feb 25, 2020

Sharon has been an online writer for over eight years. Her articles focus on everything from cooking recipes to pet care.

I Love Applebee's Oriental Chicken Salad

It was about 10 years ago when my boss at the time ran out to pick up something for lunch. She wanted to bring it back to the office so she could continue working. As she walked passed me, I caught a glimpse of something that looked really good in the see-through take-out container. So I just had to ask her what it was. She promptly handed me a plastic fork to take a taste and from that day on, I was hooked on Applebee’s oriental chicken salad.

For many years, I would call the Applebee’s near my work about 15 minutes ahead of time to order my salad and bring it back to the office. On occasion, I would actually eat in at Applebee’s too. And without question, I always order the oriental chicken salad. I never even look at the menu.

What About You?

Save Money by Making Your Own Applebee's Oriental Chicken Salad

This salad is offered at Applebee's in a “full” or “half” version. I must confess that I have never ordered the half version. To me, that is just silly. Of course, because I am addicted to this salad, I want the larger version. The half version isn’t cost effective in my eyes.

Applebee’s currently charges $9.49 for their oriental chicken salad. The half size is $7.99. To me, that is really expensive for a salad. I will say, though, that this salad is on their “2 for $20” menu, which means you can get two entrees and an appetizer for 20 bucks.

But times have changed for me over the years, and I do not work at that same job that was near an Applebee’s. In addition, I don’t make the income that I used to.

Recently, I thought about this salad and how sad I am that, for me, it is not something that is easily within reach or affordable. I did a little bit of searching on the internet and there are many “copycat” recipes for Applebee’s oriental chicken salad. I took a look at many of the recipes to help me decide what I thought would make this salad exactly like what I got at the restaurant. And I’m excited to tell you that I believe I have put together a very simple, much less expensive recipe that is a true replica of my favorite Applebee’s salad.

Salad Ingredients

“Just Like Applebee’s” Oriental Chicken Salad Ingredients (6-8 Servings)

2 bags (9 ounce) Dole Classic Romaine bagged salad mix (with carrots and red cabbage)
1 bag (25 ounce) Tyson Crispy Chicken Strips
1 bag (3.5 ounce) sliced Almond Accents (original oven roasted)
1 can (5 ounce) LaChoy Chow Mein Noodles
4 chopped green onions (optional for garnish)

Salad Instructions

Bake entire bag of Tyson crispy chicken strips according to package instructions. Although you can use the microwave or fry in oil, for best results, I suggest heating in the oven to retain crispiness.
Cut chicken strips into sizes that you desire. I cut mine to bite size approximately one inch.
Layer the salad: You can prepare individual dishes/plates or layer the salad in a large roaster pan, approximately 17" X 12" X 3" deep, for easy serving.

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Salad Dressing Ingredients

“Just Like Applebee’s” Oriental Chicken Salad Dressing Ingredients

I’ve never ordered this salad at Applebee’s without asking for extra dressing. It’s different and, I believe, difficult to duplicate. I have tweaked a version that I believe makes you think you ordered it from the restaurant. It is so simple and so good!