Applebees Salad: The Ultimate Chinese Chicken Salad Copycat Recipe

I still remember the first time I tried Applebee’s Salad at a casual dinner with friends. That crispy chicken on top of the crunchy greens with that sweet, creamy dressing was unforgettable. Since then, I’ve made this Applebees Salad recipe countless times at home, and honestly, it’s become a family favorite. The best part? You can recreate that restaurant magic right in your own kitchen with this Chinese Chicken Salad that tastes just like the original.

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This Mandarin Salad brings together all the textures and flavors you love about Asian Chicken Salad Applebees style. Crispy breaded chicken, crunchy cabbage, sweet mandarin oranges, toasted almonds, and those addictive chow mein noodles all come together in one bowl. The Chinese Chicken Salad Dressing Recipe is the real star here, though. It’s got that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy that makes every bite irresistible.

Whether you’re craving a Crispy Chicken Salad for lunch or planning a light dinner, this Mandarin Orange Salad With Chicken recipe delivers every single time. Plus, making it at home means you control the ingredients and can use fresh, quality components without any preservatives. Let’s get started on creating your own Applebees Chinese Chicken Salad Dressing masterpiece.

Everything You Need for the Perfect Applebees Salad

The beauty of this Chinese Chicken Salad lies in its simple, accessible ingredients. You don’t need anything fancy or hard to find. Most of these items are already in your pantry or easy to grab at any grocery store. The key is getting the right balance of crispy, crunchy, sweet, and creamy elements that make this Mandarin Salad so special.

>2 cups frozen crispy chicken strips or 2 large chicken breasts, breaded and fried >4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped >2 cups coleslaw mix (green and red cabbage with carrots) >1 can (15 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained >1/3 cup crispy chow mein noodles >1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted >3 green onions, thinly sliced >1/3 cup mayonnaise >3 tablespoons honey >2 tablespoons rice vinegar >1/4 teaspoon toasted sesame oil >1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard >1/4 teaspoon salt >1/8 teaspoon black pepper

For this Asian Chicken Salad, I recommend using a good quality coleslaw mix that already has the green and red cabbage plus shredded carrots. It saves you tons of prep time. The crispy chicken strips work perfectly here, but if you want to go all out, you can bread and fry fresh chicken tenders yourself for that extra crunch factor on your Applebees Salad.

The Chinese Chicken Salad Dressing Recipe comes together in minutes with ingredients you probably have on hand. The toasted sesame oil is crucial here, even though it’s just a small amount. It adds that distinctive Asian-inspired flavor that makes this dressing so good you’ll want to put it on everything. The honey balances the tanginess from the rice vinegar perfectly.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Chinese Chicken Salad

Making this Applebees Salad is honestly one of the easiest recipes you’ll master. The entire process takes about 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or when you need something quick but satisfying. The Mandarin Orange Salad With Chicken comes together beautifully when you follow these simple steps.

First, cook your crispy chicken according to the package directions. I always go with the air fryer method when possible because it gets them extra crispy without the mess of deep frying. Once cooked, let the chicken cool slightly before slicing it into strips. Warm chicken on a cold salad creates that perfect temperature contrast in every bite of your Asian Chicken Salad.

While the chicken is cooking, whisk together all your dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Start with the mayonnaise, then add honey, rice vinegar, Dijon mustard, and that essential toasted sesame oil. Season with salt and pepper, then taste and adjust. Some people like their Chinese Chicken Salad Dressing Recipe a bit sweeter, so feel free to add another tablespoon of honey if that’s your preference.

Pro Tips for the Best Crispy Chicken Salad Results

After making this Applebees Salad dozens of times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really elevate the final dish. These small adjustments make a huge difference in the overall quality of your Mandarin Salad and will have everyone asking for the recipe.

>Toast your almonds in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden >Keep the chow mein noodles separate until serving time to maintain maximum crunch >Make the dressing ahead of time so flavors can meld together in the fridge >Use cold lettuce and cabbage for the best texture contrast with warm chicken >Drain mandarin oranges thoroughly so they don’t water down your dressing

Delicious Variations on This Chinese Chicken Salad

One of the best things about this Applebees Salad recipe is how adaptable it is. You can easily customize it based on what you have available or your personal taste preferences. This Mandarin Orange Salad With Chicken works beautifully with different proteins and vegetables too.

For a lighter version, swap the crispy chicken for grilled chicken breast or even shredded rotisserie chicken. If you want extra protein, add some edamame or crispy tofu cubes. For more veggies, try adding sliced red bell peppers, cucumber, or snap peas to your Asian Chicken Salad. Some people love adding fresh cilantro or mint for an herby boost.

Troubleshooting Your Applebees Salad

Even simple recipes like this Chinese Chicken Salad can sometimes have little hiccups. Here are solutions to common issues you might encounter when making this Mandarin Salad at home.

If your dressing seems too thick, thin it out with a teaspoon of rice vinegar or even a splash of water. Too thin? Add another tablespoon of mayonnaise. Soggy salad usually means the dressing was added too early. Always dress this Asian Chicken Salad Applebees style right before serving. If your chicken isn’t crispy enough, pop it in a 400°F oven for 5 minutes to recrisp before slicing.

Smart Ingredient Substitutions

Not everyone has access to all the same ingredients, and that’s totally fine. This Applebees Salad is surprisingly forgiving when it comes to substitutions. Your Chinese Chicken Salad will still turn out delicious even with these swaps.

No coleslaw mix? Use equal parts shredded green cabbage and carrots. Out of rice vinegar? Apple cider vinegar works in a pinch for your Chinese Chicken Salad Dressing Recipe. No chow mein noodles? Crushed wonton strips or even crushed ramen noodles (uncooked) provide similar crunch. For the mandarin oranges in this Mandarin Orange Salad With Chicken, fresh clementine segments work beautifully.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

This Applebees Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep components ahead for easy assembly. The key to a great Crispy Chicken Salad is keeping everything crisp until serving time. Store dressed and undressed ingredients separately for the best results.

Keep the dressing in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Store the lettuce, cabbage, and mandarin oranges separately from the chicken, noodles, and almonds. When ready to serve, combine everything and toss with dressing immediately. This Mandarin Salad pairs wonderfully with wonton soup, spring rolls, or even just some crispy fries on the side.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this Applebees Salad stay fresh in the fridge?

Undressed components last 2-3 days separately. Once dressed, this Chinese Chicken Salad is best eaten within a few hours.

Can I make this Mandarin Salad vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the chicken and add crispy tofu, edamame, or chickpeas for protein in your Asian Chicken Salad.

Is the Chinese Chicken Salad Dressing Recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the dressing is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your chow mein noodles are gluten-free if needed.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this Applebees Salad?

Rotisserie chicken works great! Shred or slice it and add to your Mandarin Orange Salad With Chicken.

What makes this different from regular Asian Chicken Salad?

This Asian Chicken Salad Applebees version features the signature creamy-sweet dressing and crispy chow mein noodles that set it apart.

How do I keep the chicken extra crispy?

Cook in air fryer or oven instead of microwave, and add to your Crispy Chicken Salad just before serving.