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

1. 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.
2. Cut chicken strips into sizes that you desire. I cut mine to bite size approximately one inch.
3. 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.

As you will see by my photos, I decided to layer the salad in a pretty glass trifle bowl but I only used half of the ingredients for display. This recipe will actually fit better in an extra-large roaster pan.

• Bottom layer: Romaine salad mix
• 2nd layer: Almonds
• 3rd layer: Chicken
• 4th layer: Chow mein noodles
• 5th layer: Salad dressing (recipe below)
• Top layer: Optional green onion garnish

This recipe, using two bags of salad mix, will comfortably serve 6-8 large salads. Feel free to split all ingredients in half to serve approximately 4 large salads.

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!

• 1 & 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup rice wine vinegar (plain not seasoned)
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup sesame seed oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Salad Dressing Instructions

Mix all ingredients preferably with a blender. If necessary, a whisk will work too. Keep refrigerated.

Salad Dressing Ready for Serving

Use Your Discretion as to How Much Salad Dressing to Use

Please take a moment to vote!

It's Really That Simple

That's it! So easy and tastes delicious. Now you can have your own Applebee's oriental chicken salad anytime you wish. I truly hope you enjoy!

This is Sharyn's Slant.

Comments

Norma Lawrence from California on May 29, 2016:

You are welcome. I just started submitting articles to Hub Pages and only have 14. They are not doing anything but hopefully the will. I have submitted articles for years but must sites have left or quite paying. Your articles are great so keep it up.

Sharon Smith (author) from Northeast Ohio USA on May 29, 2016:

Oh, you have to try it. The combination with the great dressing is addicting. Thanks for stopping by norlawrence!

Norma Lawrence from California on May 28, 2016:

Another great article. I like to eat at Applebee's but have never tried that salad. Will have to do that.

Sharon Smith (author) from Northeast Ohio USA on March 07, 2016:

Hello sweet Audrey! I haven't been to Applebee's in a long time either but I have made this salad and thinking about making it again some time soon. Thanks so much for stopping by. Hope all is well with you!

Sharyn

Audrey Hunt from Idyllwild Ca. on March 06, 2016:

Sharyn

Love this recipe! I'm always up for a good salad. Haven't been to Applebees for years. I'm glad you included the map as I had no idea they were located outside the U.S.

Thanks my friend.

Audrey

Sharon Smith (author) from Northeast Ohio USA on April 24, 2015:

Hi Susan ~ the dressing is really good. It definitely would be good as a dip for chicken. Thank you so much for your comments!

Sharyn

Susan Deppner from Arkansas USA on April 21, 2015:

Sounds so good! I like the dressing recipe, which I'm sure could be used on any salad or perhaps as a dip for the chicken. Thanks for the yummy inspiration!

Sharon Smith (author) from Northeast Ohio USA on February 06, 2015:

Hey PoetryMan~ do give it try. It's really good and addicting. Thanks for stopping by.

poetryman6969 on February 06, 2015:

I am way to lazy to make the stuff but the next time I am at Applebee's I think I will give it a try.

Sharon Smith (author) from Northeast Ohio USA on May 13, 2013:

Hi Missy ~ this salad is SO good. I wish it was healthier but it is a wonderful treat. Thank you so much for stopping by.

Sharyn

Missy Mac from Illinois on May 11, 2013:

Hi Sharyn's Slant; I am trying this recipe as well. I just visited the Hub on the Trifle desert. I love salads. Another great hub!!!

Sharon Smith (author) from Northeast Ohio USA on April 18, 2013:

Hi Beth ~ I hope you do try it. It is SO good and really does taste like Applebee's. Thanks for stopping by.

Sharyn

Beth37 on April 15, 2013:

This looks good, Id like to try it.

Sharon Smith (author) from Northeast Ohio USA on January 23, 2013:

Hi phdast ~ Me too! I really love the salad at Applebee's and am so glad I can save money and make it myself now. Thank you so much for your feedback.

Sharyn

Sharon Smith (author) from Northeast Ohio USA on January 23, 2013:

Hi Emily ~ I do hope you try this recipe. It is SO simple too. Kind of makes me think "why does Applebee's charge so much for it?" Thanks so much for stopping by.

Sharyn

Sharon Smith (author) from Northeast Ohio USA on January 23, 2013:

Hi Rebecca ~ I love chicken salad with grapes too, yum. This one is very different but oh so good! Thanks for your feedback and sharing.

Sharyn

Theresa Ast from Atlanta, Georgia on January 22, 2013:

I love their Oriental Chicken Salad. How smart of you to figure it out and how generous to share it with all of us. :)

emilybee on January 22, 2013:

Wow this looks delicious. I think I'll try making it! and maybe some day try it at Applebees, too :) Thanks for sharing!

Rebecca Mealey from Northeastern Georgia, USA on January 22, 2013:

How clever to replicate a popular chain's dish. Great job! I love chicken salad, anyway. All kinds. I like it with grapes sometimes, apples and celery other times, and now I have a new CS recipe.Thanks! Sharing this one!

Sharon Smith (author) from Northeast Ohio USA on October 06, 2012:

livingsta

kikalina

Tammy

Bobbi

Sunnie

Thank you all so much for stopping by to read and comment. I apologize for being so behind in my comments. I love this recipe and I hope you do too. I was just at Applebee's last week, and yes, I ordered this salad. It's really hard not to for me. It was good of course but it just reiterated for me how much cost savings there is to make it yourself.

As far as healthy or not, I would say this is not one of the more healthier salad options. At Applebee's, it does come with grilled chicken instead of breaded/fried. But overall, I think it's the dressing that isn't so healthy. But it sure is good.

Thank you all for your time, votes and shares.

Sharyn

Sharon Smith (author) from Northeast Ohio USA on October 03, 2012:

Hi Suzie ~ Ha, that's right. You don't need an Applebee's near you. Just make this salad :) Thanks for stopping by, commenting and voting too.

Sharyn

Sharon Smith (author) from Northeast Ohio USA on October 03, 2012:

Hi Cyndi ~ It is really good and simple too. It's filling, definitely a meal where you really do not need anything else. Thanks for your feedback CC :)

Sharyn

Sharon Smith (author) from Northeast Ohio USA on October 03, 2012:

Hi Kelley ~ YAY, another Oriental Chicken Salad lover. Thanks for your votes and sharing.

Sharyn

Sunnie Day on September 28, 2012:

Yummy Yummy Yummy! Thank you!

Barbara Purvis Hunter from Florida on September 27, 2012:

Hi,

Thanks for the delicious looking recipe. I cannot believe that I missed this salad at Applebee's.

I will try this one a.s.a.p..

Thanks I shared with my FB friends and voted.

Bobbi Purvis

Tammy from North Carolina on September 27, 2012:

I haven't tried this salad at Applebee's. It looks wonderful! Pinning and sharing.

kikalina from Europe on September 27, 2012:

Looks interesting but not too healthy so i am still undecided if to try or not.

livingsta from United Kingdom on September 27, 2012:

Wow, looks yummy and healthy!

Voted up, awesome and sharing!!!

Suzanne Ridgeway from Dublin, Ireland on September 27, 2012:

Applebee's is not available here but your recipe sounds delicious so who needs Applebee's!! Sounds so tasty, definitely going to give it a go, thanks for deciding to do your own spin on it!! voted up, useful and interesting:-)

Cynthia Calhoun from Western NC on September 27, 2012:

MMM, this looks really yummy! Thank you for sharing the "Applebee's" version, though I might have to start calling it Sharyn Slant's version. Hehe. I can't wait to try this! I think it looks wonderful for lunch or dinner. :)

kelleyward on September 27, 2012:

I haven't had this salad in a while but I do really like it. In fact, it's usually what I get when I go to Applebee's. Thanks for sharing this! Voted up, 5 stars, and pinned. Take care, Kelley

Sharon Smith (author) from Northeast Ohio USA on August 20, 2012:

Hey Lela ~ does that mean you've tried it? Thanks for stopping by!

Sharyn

Sharon Smith (author) from Northeast Ohio USA on August 20, 2012:

Hi Cindy ~ it really is yummy. I admit, I am addicted! Let me know if you try it. Thanks for stopping by!

Sharyn

Lela from Somewhere near the heart of Texas on August 20, 2012:

Good stuff!

Cindy Murdoch from Texas on August 20, 2012:

This looks so yummy! I am going to have to try it!

Sharon Smith (author) from Northeast Ohio USA on August 12, 2012:

Hi TT ~ thanks so much for stopping by. I just made this again yesterday and it was really good. No need for me to pay the high price for this salad at the restaurant. I appreciate your feedback!

Sharyn

Terrye Toombs from Somewhere between Heaven and Hell without a road map. on August 12, 2012:

This does look yummy. I always get the spinach and shrimp salad when I get a salad but just might have to try this one. :) Great job, Sharyn!

Sharon Smith (author) from Northeast Ohio USA on July 22, 2012:

Hi Lesley ~ So you are "sold" - GREAT! I hope you love it. Like I mentioned in an earlier comment last night, I just made this again yesterday. I am definitely hooked on making my own Applebee's Oriental Chicken salad at home. Thank you for stopping by.

Sharyn

Sharon Smith (author) from Northeast Ohio USA on July 22, 2012:

Hi tillsontitan ~ Well thank you for the compliment. It is a really huge difference in cost when you make it yourself. Thanks for your feedback and votes too!

Sharyn

Sharon Smith (author) from Northeast Ohio USA on July 22, 2012:

Hello Glimmer Twin Fan ~ You are very welcome, I hope that you enjoy!

Sharon Smith (author) from Northeast Ohio USA on July 21, 2012:

Hi Brenda ~ well that is a nice compliment. Thank you so much! I'm sure this would work with a "chicken substitute" too. I'm glad you stopped by!

Sharyn

Sharon Smith (author) from Northeast Ohio USA on July 21, 2012:

Hi Dr. BJ ~ well you certainly have good taste. I just made this salad again today. All I can say is YUM! Thanks for stopping by. Hope you are enjoying your weekend.

Sharyn

Sharon Smith (author) from Northeast Ohio USA on July 21, 2012:

Hey my dear friend Maria ~ Wuh, huh, uh, no way, we have choices??? Yes, it's difficult to like something at a restaurant and change what you order. I usually play it safe :) Many people may say it is boring, but I think it's smart, ha. I hope you like this one just like the only one you normally order at Applebee's. Thank you for always stopping by! Sending hugs,

Sharyn

Sharon Smith (author) from Northeast Ohio USA on July 21, 2012:

Hi JackFrost ~ I love that name. Mainly because it is the name of my favorite doughnut shop :) I am glad to hear that you will try this salad. Thank you so much for your feedback.

Sharyn

Sharon Smith (author) from Northeast Ohio USA on July 21, 2012:

Hi Billy ~ I do believe it. I'm not a person that goes out to eat often at all. So I am not surprised you've never been to Applebee's. And now you don't have to, ha. You can make this at home. I appreciate you stopping by.

Sharyn

Sharon Smith (author) from Northeast Ohio USA on July 21, 2012:

Hi Sally ~ Well you certainly could leave the chow main noodles out if you make this salad. I'm sure it will still be good but I admit, the noodles are my favorite along with the almonds. Thanks so much for stopping by, I hope you like it.

Sharyn

Movie Master from United Kingdom on July 20, 2012:

Your recipe has me quite excited Sharyn, I have never tried it before, your photos have sold it to me straight away!

Many thanks and voted up

Sharon Smith (author) from Northeast Ohio USA on July 20, 2012:

Hi Susan Z ~ and I've never had the Caesar salad at Applebee's. But I do believe if you like that one, you will love this. Thanks for stopping by!

Sharyn

Mary Craig from New York on July 20, 2012:

Looks like you've captured the Oriental chicken salad...just think of all the money everyone will save because of your efforts! You haven't left anything out and I know everyone's going to try it. Great job.

Voted up, useful and of course, interesting.

Claudia Mitchell on July 19, 2012:

Yummy - this is definitely one to try. Thanks for the info.

Brenda Barnes from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on July 19, 2012:

I give you 5 stars for presentation alone. I do not at chicken and you made me want this salad. Great job on this recipe.

Sharon Smith (author) from Northeast Ohio USA on July 19, 2012:

Hi Marisa ~ Oh gosh, I certainly would be in trouble if I worked at Applebee's, ha, this isn't the healthiest salad. Thanks for your feedback. I'm sure you will enjoy this recipe.

Sharyn

drbj and sherry from south Florida on July 19, 2012:

Hi, Sharon. This is my favorite salad, too, and the one I used to order the most when my assignments took me anywhere near an Applebee's. Thanks for the recipe which I will try for myself.

Sharon Smith (author) from Northeast Ohio USA on July 19, 2012:

Hey Josh ~ Yup, yup, yup, it was me. I was talking about copycat recipes in the Facebook group :) So, yes, this recipe is SO much more cost effective and really good too. Thanks for your feedback and the tongue twister!

Sharyn

Maria Jordan from Jeffersonville PA on July 19, 2012:

Dear Sharyn,

Like you I can be a bit of a creature of habit...

I am only familiar with the "Fiesta Chicken Chopped Salad", never having given the other salads the time of day. Now I will plan to try this, both out and at home. It looks absolutely scrumptuous and I thank you for reminding me that I have choices!

Voted 5-STAR-- UP & UABI! Great work. Hugs, Maria

Sharon Smith (author) from Northeast Ohio USA on July 19, 2012:

Hi Kelly ~ I've never tried the spinach/shrimp salad at Applebee's. Seriously, I have been stuck on this one forever. Since Dave likes this one though, definitely make it for him and see what he thinks. Thanks for stopping by.

Sharyn

Jake Frost from London, United Kingdom on July 19, 2012:

Looks fantastic, I will definitely need to try this

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on July 19, 2012:

Do you believe it? I've never eaten at Applebys....this recipe looks fantastic....I do believe I'll give it a try. Great job my friend.

Sherri from Southeastern Pennsylvania on July 19, 2012:

I'm a big fan of Applebee's, too. I've never had the oriental chicken salad, mostly because I don't care for chow mein noodles and could never justify the cost when I could have their now retired Southwest Chicken salad. Sharyn, your recipe looks so good, I'm going to make it. I'll just leave out the noodles. :)

Susan Zutautas from Ontario, Canada on July 19, 2012:

I've only ever had Applebees Chicken Caesar salad. Your Oriental Chicken Salad looks and sounds delicious. Will try this soon.

Sharon Smith (author) from Northeast Ohio USA on July 19, 2012:

Hi Janine ~ YAY, someone else who it sounds like loves this salad as much as I do. Thank you so much for your feedback and sharing this hub.

Sharyn

Marissa from United States on July 19, 2012:

My husband and sisters used to work at an Applebees, and this salad would come home with them often. It's so yummy! I'll have to try your recipe. :)

Joshua Zerbini from Pennsylvania on July 18, 2012:

Sharon,

Was it you who was asking about Applebees food the other night? :)

Great recipe, looks amazing, and way more cost effective! Thanks for sharing Sharon! :) (that could be mini tongue twister! :) )

Kelly Umphenour from St. Louis, MO on July 18, 2012:

I love Applebees! My fav is the spinach and shrimp salad. I usually get that for lunch when I go there. There's one about 1 mile away so it's a great lunch place to meet with friends.

I'll have to try this - my husband loves this one!

Janine Huldie from New York, New York on July 18, 2012:

I absolutely love this salad too from Applebee's and have just pinned this one to try hopefully very soon. I have also voted up and shared too.