Recipe: Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad & Dressing

Applebee's Oriental Chicken Salad

About 10 years ago, my boss at the time ran out to pick up something for lunch. When she returned with a meal to enjoy in her office, as she walked passed me, I caught a glimpse of a see-through take-out container that looked delicious. I asked her what it was, and 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 at Applebee’s. And without question, I always order the oriental chicken salad. I never even look at the menu.

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.

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)

Instructions

1. Bake the 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.

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.

Rate This Recipe

So Simple!

That's it! It's 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.