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Applebees Salad
Laura

Applebees Salad

Crispy chicken, crunchy cabbage, sweet mandarin oranges, and creamy Asian dressing make this Applebees Salad copycat recipe irresistible.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

  • 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 oz) 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

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small whisk
  • Air fryer or oven
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife

Method
 

  1. Cook the crispy chicken strips according to package directions in air fryer or oven until golden and crispy. Let cool slightly, then slice into thin strips.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, rice vinegar, Dijon mustard, and toasted sesame oil until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, coleslaw mix, and drained mandarin oranges. Toss gently to mix evenly.
  4. Add the sliced crispy chicken on top of the salad mixture.
  5. Drizzle the creamy dressing over the salad and toss well to coat all ingredients evenly.
  6. Divide salad among 4 plates and top each serving with crispy chow mein noodles, toasted sliced almonds, and green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

    >Toast almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and golden >Keep chow mein noodles separate until serving to maintain maximum crunch >For extra crispy chicken, cook in air fryer instead of oven >Drain mandarin oranges thoroughly to prevent watery salad