If you’re a fan of Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad, you’re going to love our Oriental Chicken Salad! This homemade version of the restaurant favorite is not only delicious but also surprisingly easy to whip up in your own kitchen. Packed with crunchy veggies, crispy chicken, and a tangy, sweet dressing, this salad is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

Oriental Chicken Salad

One of the best things about this Oriental Chicken Salad is how versatile it is. You can enjoy it as a hearty lunch, a light dinner, or even serve it as a side at your next barbecue. The combination of flavors and textures—crispy lettuce, tender chicken, and the perfect blend of sweet and savory in the dressing—makes every bite a delight.

What makes this salad truly special is the dressing. It’s a simple mix of honey, rice vinegar, mayonnaise, and a few other ingredients that come together to create a deliciously addictive flavor. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Applebee’s version or trying it for the first time, this homemade Oriental Chicken Salad will definitely impress your taste buds. Let’s dive into how to make this classic dish right at home!

What You Will Love About This Recipe

Familiar Flavors: If you’re a fan of Applebee’s version, you’ll love how closely this homemade recipe replicates the familiar, beloved flavors of the original.
Crispy Chicken: The crispy, breaded chicken adds a satisfying crunch and heartiness to the salad, making it a filling and enjoyable meal.
Delicious Dressing: The sweet and tangy dressing is a standout feature, perfectly complementing the other ingredients and tying the whole salad together.
Versatility: This salad is versatile enough to be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish, making it perfect for various occasions.
Fresh Ingredients: The combination of fresh vegetables, juicy chicken, and a homemade dressing ensures a fresh, vibrant taste in every bite.
Easy to Make: Despite its complex flavors, this salad is surprisingly easy to make at home, allowing you to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without leaving your kitchen.

Ingredients:

For the salad:

2 Heads Romaine Lettuce, Chopped
1 ½ Cups Shredded Red Cabbage
1 Cup Shredded Carrots
1 Cup Chopped Napa Cabbage
4 Grilled Chicken Filets
¼ Cup Roasted Sliced Almonds
¼ Cup Crispy Chow Mein Noodles

For the dressing:

½ Cup Plain Greek Yogurt
2 Tablespoons Honey
1 Tablespoon Rice Wine Vinegar
1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard
¼ Teaspoon Sesame Oil
Pinch of Salt
1-2 Tablespoons Milk

How to Make Oriental Chicken Salad

Start by making the dressing. In a small mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, honey, vinegar, mustard, sesame oil, and salt. Whisk until well combined. Add milk as needed to reach your desired consistency. Cover the dressing and rest in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld together.

In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine, red cabbage, carrots, and napa cabbage. Toss to mix. Transfer the mixed salad to a salad bowl or platter.

Slice the grilled chicken into thin strips and place the pieces on top of the salad.

Sprinkle the roasted almonds and chow mein noodles on the top.

Drizzle desired amount of the prepared salad dressing over the salad just before serving. Enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

Homemade Dressing:
Make the dressing a few hours in advance and refrigerate it. This allows the flavors to meld together, creating a richer, more balanced taste.
Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less honey.
Fresh Vegetables:
Use the freshest vegetables possible for the best flavor and crunch. Crisp lettuce and freshly grated carrots make a significant difference.
Keep your veggies cool and crisp by storing them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the salad.
Uniform Chicken Pieces:
Cut the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy eating.
Customizable Add-Ins:
For a touch of sweetness, consider adding mandarin oranges or sliced apples.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the salad immediately after tossing it with the dressing to maintain the crispiness of the chicken.
If making ahead, keep the chicken and dressing separate until just before serving to avoid sogginess.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this ahead of time. Cut and prep all the ingredients and store them separately. Make the dressing and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Leave the almonds and crispy chow mein noodles at room temperature. When you are ready to serve, add all the ingredients together and toss.

FAQs

Absolutely! While romaine or iceberg lettuce is commonly used for its crisp texture, you can substitute with mixed greens, spinach, or your favorite lettuce variety.

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use a store-bought Asian-style dressing. However, making your own dressing at home can give you a fresher and more personalized flavor.

The homemade dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake or stir well before using.

Oriental Chicken Salad

Name: Oriental Chicken Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: For the salad:; 2 Heads Romaine Lettuce, Chopped; 1 ½ Cups Shredded Red Cabbage; 1 Cup Shredded Carrots; 1 Cup Chopped Napa Cabbage; 4 Grilled Chicken Filets; ¼ Cup Roasted Sliced Almonds; ¼ Cup Crispy Chow Mein Noodles; For the dressing:; ½ Cup Plain Greek Yogurt; 2 Tablespoons Honey; 1 Tablespoon Rice Wine Vinegar; 1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard; ¼ Teaspoon Sesame Oil; Pinch of Salt; 1-2 Tablespoons Milk

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

This Oriental chicken salad AKA Applebees oriental chicken salad is always a huge hit! It combines a delicious mix of vegetables topped with chicken, the most flavorful Asian dressing, and then topped with sliced almonds and crunchy chow mein noodles. It is one salad that everyone loves eating!

Ingredients

For the salad:
2 Heads Romaine Lettuce, Chopped
1 ½ Cups Shredded Red Cabbage
1 Cup Shredded Carrots
1 Cup Chopped Napa Cabbage
4 Grilled Chicken Filets
¼ Cup Roasted Sliced Almonds
¼ Cup Crispy Chow Mein Noodles
For the dressing:
½ Cup Plain Greek Yogurt
2 Tablespoons Honey
1 Tablespoon Rice Wine Vinegar
1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard
¼ Teaspoon Sesame Oil
Pinch of Salt
1-2 Tablespoons Milk

Instructions

Start by making the dressing. In a small mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, honey, vinegar, mustard, sesame oil, and salt. Whisk until well combined. Add milk as needed to reach your desired consistency. Cover the dressing and rest in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld together.
In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine, red cabbage, carrots, and napa cabbage. Toss to mix. Transfer the mixed salad to a salad bowl or platter.
Slice the grilled chicken into thin strips and place the pieces on top of the salad.
Sprinkle the roasted almonds and chow mein noodles on the top.
Drizzle the desired amount of the prepared salad dressing over the salad just before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 360Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 151mgSodium: 451mgCarbohydrates: 21gFiber: 7gSugar: 12gProtein: 48g

Melissa

I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!

Oriental Chicken Salad