Recreating a Classic: Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad at Home

I remember my first “grown-up” lunch. It was at Applebee’s with my aunt, and I felt so sophisticated ordering the Oriental Chicken Salad. The sweet and tangy dressing, the crispy noodles, and the vibrant crunch of the cabbage – it was unlike anything I’d ever had before. That salad marked a turning point, a moment where my palate began to crave more adventurous and exciting flavors, and I’ve been chasing that perfect sweet-and-savory combination ever since. Now, I’m excited to share a recipe that brings those memories flooding back.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes (for chicken, if needed)
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 5
• Yield: About 5 cups
• Dietary Type: Varies (can be adapted to be gluten-free)

Ingredients

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 tablespoon vinegar (rice vinegar recommended)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

For the Salad:

• 3 cups romaine lettuce
• 1 cup red cabbage
• 1 cup napa cabbage
• 2 green onions, chopped finely
• 1/3 cup chow mein noodles
• 1 cup cooked chicken (store-bought chicken fingers or breaded and fried chicken prepared with corn flakes)

Equipment Needed

• Blender or Immersion Blender
• Large Bowl
• Kitchen Scissors or Knife
• Cutting Board

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dressing: In a blender, combine the honey, vinegar, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard.
2. Blend the Dressing: Puree the ingredients in the blender for approximately 30 seconds, or until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. For a sweeter dressing, you can add a little extra honey to taste. This dressing recipe can easily be doubled if you plan to make a larger batch of salad or want to have some leftover for future use.
3. Prepare the Salad Base: Using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife, cut the romaine lettuce, red cabbage, and napa cabbage into very thin, short strips. The finer the strips, the better the overall texture of the salad will be. A good alternative to cutting by hand is using a mandoline with the appropriate blade for shredding.
4. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the shredded lettuce, red cabbage, and napa cabbage. Add the finely chopped green onions.
5. Add Toppings: Top the salad with the chow mein noodles and the cooked chicken. If using store-bought chicken fingers, you can slice them into bite-sized pieces for easier eating.
6. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Add more dressing to taste.
7. Serve immediately: The salad is best served immediately after dressing to prevent the lettuce and noodles from becoming soggy.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Crispy Chicken: For the best flavor and texture, consider making your own breaded chicken using crushed corn flakes. This adds a delightful crunch and complements the other textures in the salad.
• Dressing Consistency: If the dressing is too thick, add a teaspoon of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
• Make Ahead Prep: You can prep the salad ingredients (shredding the lettuce and cabbage, chopping the green onions) ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dressing can also be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator. However, assemble the salad just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.
• Noodle Alternatives: If you don’t have chow mein noodles on hand, you can use crispy wonton strips or even crushed rice crackers for a similar textural element.
• Spice it Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing or a dash of sriracha.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad immediately after dressing. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, be aware that the lettuce and noodles may become soggy over time. It’s best to store the undressed salad components separately from the dressing.

• Room Temperature: Do not leave the salad at room temperature for more than two hours due to the mayonnaise-based dressing.
• Refrigerator: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Freezer: Freezing is not recommended, as the lettuce and dressing will not hold up well.

Nutritional Information

Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	320 kcal	16%
Total Fat	18g	28%
Saturated Fat	3g	15%
Cholesterol	50mg	17%
Sodium	350mg	15%
Total Carbohydrate	25g	8%
Dietary Fiber	3g	12%
Sugars	15g	–
Protein	15g	30%

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free chow mein noodles or rice noodles and ensure your Dijon mustard is gluten-free. If making your own fried chicken, use gluten-free corn flakes or a gluten-free breading mix.
• Vegan: Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Replace the mayonnaise with a vegan mayonnaise alternative. Use maple syrup or agave instead of honey.
• Lower Fat: Use light mayonnaise or a combination of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise to reduce the fat content of the dressing.
• Add Protein: Add edamame or shelled sunflower seeds for extra protein.
• Seasonal Variation: Include mandarin orange segments or dried cranberries for a festive twist.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
A: Yes, you can use pre-shredded cabbage to save time. Just make sure it’s fresh and crisp.

Q: Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Q: What can I substitute for Dijon mustard?
A: If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use yellow mustard or a small amount of horseradish for a similar flavor.

Q: Can I grill the chicken instead of frying it?
A: Yes, grilled chicken is a healthy and delicious alternative. Just make sure it’s cooked through and cut into bite-sized pieces.

Q: My salad is soggy. What did I do wrong?
A: The salad likely became soggy because the dressing was added too far in advance. Dress the salad just before serving to prevent this.

Final Thoughts

Recreating this Applebee’s classic at home is a wonderful way to enjoy a familiar favorite with a touch of personalization. Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the dressing, the type of protein, or the variety of vegetables to suit your own tastes. Don’t hesitate to share your experience and variations – I’d love to hear how you make this salad your own! Perhaps pair it with a light and crisp white wine for a delightful lunch or light dinner. Happy cooking!