Master the Classic: Homemade Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad Copycat Recipe
While many chain restaurants often fall short on delivering that truly fresh, homemade taste, there are always a few standout menu items that capture our hearts. For me, it’s never been just about any dish; places like Cafe Rio and the legendary rolls at Texas Roadhouse hold a special spot. However, when it comes to a full entrée salad, the Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad has always been a nostalgic favorite. There’s something undeniably captivating about its unique blend of flavors and textures.
My family, like many others, found ourselves at Applebee’s a handful of times during my childhood. And almost every single time, the draw was Mom’s unwavering love for two things: that irresistible Oriental Chicken Salad and, of course, those delectable blonde brownies. (A copycat recipe for those is definitely on my to-do list!). This particular salad, with its vibrant mix of crisp greens, tender chicken, and that distinctive sweet-and-tangy dressing, always felt like a treat. But as I’ve grown, I’ve come to prefer creating my favorite restaurant dishes right in my own kitchen, ensuring peak freshness and quality.
That’s precisely why I’m thrilled to bring you this incredible, spot-on copycat recipe for the Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad. Forget the wilted lettuce and reheated entrees you sometimes find at large chains; this homemade version promises a burst of fresh flavor and satisfying crunch in every bite. It’s a meal that’s both light and fulfilling, perfect for lunch or a casual dinner. Plus, making it yourself means you have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to tailor it to your exact preferences and dietary needs.
We’ve already perfected a few other beloved copycat recipes on our site, and I’ll include links to those at the bottom of this post, so be sure to check them out if you’re looking for more restaurant-inspired dishes to recreate at home. But first, let’s dive into what makes this Oriental Chicken Salad so special and how you can achieve that authentic Applebee’s taste. This is one recipe you’ll certainly want to save and revisit!
Why Make Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad at Home?
Recreating your favorite restaurant dishes at home offers a multitude of benefits that extend far beyond just saving a few dollars. When it comes to a salad like Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad, the advantages are particularly significant:
- Unmatched Freshness: The most crucial benefit of making this salad at home is the ability to use the freshest ingredients. You can select crisp, vibrant lettuces and cabbages, ensuring a satisfying crunch that can often be lost in pre-made or restaurant-prepared salads. No more wilty greens here!
- Customization to Your Liking: Do you prefer more chicken? A little extra dressing? Maybe a different type of nut or an added vegetable? Making it at home gives you complete control to adjust quantities and ingredients to perfectly suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
- Quality Ingredients: You choose the quality. Opt for organic produce, your favorite brand of mayonnaise, and high-quality rice wine vinegar. This control guarantees a superior flavor profile and avoids any unwanted additives.
- Healthier Options: While the original salad is delicious, preparing it yourself allows for healthier modifications. You can bake or air-fry your chicken strips instead of deep-frying, use a lighter mayonnaise, or reduce the sugar in the dressing without sacrificing flavor. You can also increase the vegetable content for more fiber and nutrients.
- Cost-Effective: Eating out, especially at chain restaurants, can quickly add up. Making the Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad at home is significantly more budget-friendly, allowing you to enjoy this delicious meal more often without breaking the bank.
- Kitchen Confidence: Mastering a copycat recipe builds confidence in the kitchen. It’s rewarding to know you can recreate a beloved dish, and it encourages further culinary exploration.
Key Ingredients: Unveiling the Stars of the Salad
The magic of the Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad lies in its harmonious combination of fresh, crisp vegetables, savory chicken, and that distinctive sweet and tangy dressing. Let’s take a closer look at some of the essential components:
What Is Napa Cabbage?
Napa cabbage, often referred to as Chinese cabbage, is a cornerstone of many Asian-inspired dishes, and it plays a vital role in the authentic texture and flavor of this salad. It’s distinct from the more common round green cabbage.
- Appearance: Napa cabbage has an oblong or barrel shape with thick, crisp white stems and delicate, crinkled, yellow-green leaves.
- Texture: Unlike the tough, fibrous leaves of green cabbage, Napa cabbage is known for its tender yet crisp texture. Its leaves are softer and more pliable, making them pleasant to eat raw in salads.
- Flavor: It boasts a milder, sweeter flavor than its green counterpart, with a slightly peppery undertone. This makes it an ideal base for salads where a subtle sweetness is desired.
- Nutritional Value: Napa cabbage is low in calories but rich in vitamins K and C, as well as folate and fiber, contributing to a healthy digestive system.
- Preparation: When preparing Napa cabbage for salad, simply remove any outer damaged leaves, halve it lengthwise, and then thinly slice or chop it. Its tender nature means it doesn’t require extensive shredding.
Are Almonds Good For You?
Absolutely! Almonds are much more than just a crunchy topping; they are a nutritional powerhouse that adds a delightful texture and a wealth of health benefits to your Oriental Chicken Salad.
- Healthy Fats: Almonds are an excellent source of monounsaturated fats, which are known to support heart health by helping to lower bad cholesterol levels.
- Fiber: They are rich in dietary fiber, aiding in digestion, promoting satiety, and contributing to stable blood sugar levels.
- Protein: Almonds provide a good amount of plant-based protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall bodily function, making your salad more filling.
- Magnesium: This mineral is crucial for over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including nerve and muscle function, blood sugar control, and blood pressure regulation.
- Vitamin E: Almonds are one of the best dietary sources of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative damage, supports skin health, and boosts the immune system.
To enhance their flavor and crunch in the salad, consider lightly toasting your sliced almonds in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant and golden brown. Let them cool completely before adding to the salad.
Is Chicken Healthy?
Chicken is generally considered a healthier protein choice, especially when compared to red meat, making it an excellent component for this Oriental Chicken Salad.
- Lean Protein: Chicken, particularly white meat like chicken breast, is an outstanding source of lean protein. Protein is vital for building and repairing tissues, producing enzymes and hormones, and providing energy.
- Lower Saturated Fat: Red meats (such as beef, pork, and lamb) typically contain higher levels of saturated fat. Saturated fats and trans fats can raise levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol in the blood, which can contribute to heart disease. Chicken, especially skinless varieties, has significantly less saturated fat.
- Essential Nutrients: Chicken also provides essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins (niacin, B6, B12), which are important for energy metabolism and nervous system function, as well as selenium, a powerful antioxidant.
For this recipe, you can use baked or air-fried chicken strips for a healthier, crispy texture, or even grilled chicken for a lighter option. The goal is to get that tender, savory chicken that perfectly complements the fresh salad greens and tangy dressing.
Copycat Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad Recipe
Copycat Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 Frozen Chicken Strips, baked or [THIS] recipe for crunchy chicken fingers
For the Dressing
- 1/4 Cup Mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons Rice Wine Vinegar, good quality
- 2 Tablespoons Honey
- 1 Tablespoon Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 1/8 teaspoon Sesame Oil
- Pinch Ground Ginger
- Salt to taste
For the Salad
- 2 Cups Romaine, chopped
- 1 Cup Iceburg Lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 Cup Matchstick Carrots, I buy them prepackaged
- 1 Cup Napa Cabbage, chopped
- 1 Cup Red Cabbage, chopped
- 2 Tablespoons Sliced Almonds
- 1/4 Cup Chow Mein Noodles
Instructions
For the chicken
-
Cook the chicken according to directions.4 Frozen Chicken Strips
-
Set aside.
For the dressing
-
In a blender, add all ingredients and blend until smooth.1/4 Cup Mayonnaise, 1 1/2 Tablespoons Rice Wine Vinegar, 2 Tablespoons Honey, 1 Tablespoon Sugar, 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard, 1/8 teaspoon Sesame Oil, Pinch Ground Ginger, Salt to taste
-
Store in a mason jar in the fridge until serving.
To assemble
-
In a large bowl, toss the lettuces with the carrots and cabbage.2 Cups Romaine, 1 Cup Iceberg Lettuce, 1/2 Cup Matchstick Carrots, 1 Cup Napa Cabbage, 1 Cup Red Cabbage
-
Top with almonds and chow mein noodles, then the chicken and drizzle with dressing.1/4 Cup Chow Mein Noodles, 2 Tablespoons Sliced Almonds
-
Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
More Beloved Restaurant Copycat Recipes to Try!
If you loved recreating this Applebee’s classic, you’re in for a treat! Our kitchen is constantly buzzing with experiments to bring your favorite restaurant dishes right to your dining table. From savory entrees to irresistible desserts, we believe that the best meals are often those made with love at home. Don’t stop at just one copycat; explore these other fantastic recipes that capture the essence of their restaurant originals, often with even better flavor and freshness.
Copycat Arby’s Beef N Cheddar – A hearty, cheesy sandwich that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal at home.
Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Quesadilla – Indulge in the sweet and savory flavors of this famous sweet pork, wrapped in a crispy quesadilla. A true crowd-pleaser!
Copycat WaffleLove Recipe – Bring the gourmet food truck experience home with these fluffy, flavorful waffles, perfect for breakfast or a decadent dessert.
Chili’s Copycat Molten Lava Cake – Finish your meal with this iconic dessert featuring a rich, gooey chocolate center, just like you remember from Chili’s.