Applebee’s Asian Salad Recipe

If you’re craving something fresh with lots of flava’, Applebee’s Asian Chicken Salad is my pick for you!

It’s an appealing blend of crispy breaded chicken tenders, crunchy noodles, and fresh Asian greens topped with a zesty Oriental vinaigrette.

For an extra crunch, you can prepare the chicken with crushed cornflakes in the breading.

Also, remember to refrigerate your dressing before using it, which allows the flavors to meld wonderfully.

How to Make Applebee’s Asian Salad Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups Lettuce (shredded)
• 1 cup Red Cabbage (shredded)
• 1 cup Carrots (julienned)
• 1/2 cup Green Onions (sliced)
• 1/4 cup Almonds (slivered)
• 1/4 cup Chow Mein Noodles
• 2 Chicken Breasts (skinless and boneless)
• 2 Eggs
• 1/4 cup Buttermilk
• 1 cup Cornflakes (crushed)
• 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Honey
• 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
• 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar
• 1 tbsp Sesame Oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl.

Refrigerate this dressing while you prepare the salad ingredients.

Step 2:

Beat eggs and buttermilk together in a shallow bowl.

In another bowl, mix crushed cornflakes, flour, and salt for the chicken coating.

Step 3:

Dip the chicken breasts into the egg mixture, then coat evenly with the cornflake mixture.

Cook the chicken until crispy in a skillet with olive oil over medium heat.

Step 4:

Arrange lettuce, red cabbage, carrots, and green onions on a serving platter.

Add slivered almonds and chow mein noodles on top for a crunchy texture.

Step 5:

Slice the cooked chicken breasts and place them over the salad.

Pour the refrigerated dressing evenly over the entire dish.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Keep It Crunchy

To keep your salad crunchy, only add the chow mein noodles just before serving.

They can get soggy if added too early!

Dressing Consistency

If you like a thicker dressing, reduce the amount of vinegar.

Start with half the amount and add more until you reach your preferred consistency.

Spice It Up

Feel free to spice up the chicken by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cornflake mixture.

It adds a nice kick without overpowering the salad.

Use Fresh Produce

Always use fresh vegetables for the salad to ensure the best taste and crunch.

Fresh ingredients make a huge difference in both flavor and texture.

What to Serve with Applebee’s Asian Chicken Salad

Steamed Dumplings

Steamed dumplings make an excellent companion to your Applebee’s Asian Chicken Salad.

Their savory filling pairs wonderfully with the salad’s crisp texture and tangy flavors.

You could try pork, chicken, or even a vegetable stuffing to enhance this meal.

Edamame

Edamame is a light and nutritious side that aligns perfectly with the Asian theme of the salad.

Simply boil or steam the edamame pods, sprinkle them with sea salt, and you have a delicious side ready to enjoy.

Edamame adds a fresh and healthy touch to your dining experience.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Roasted sweet potatoes may not immediately come to mind, but their natural sweetness adds a different dimension to the meal.

Cut them into wedges, season with a bit of olive oil and paprika, and roast until they’re golden.

They provide a warm, comforting balance to the zesty salad.

Sesame Cucumber Salad

A sesame cucumber salad is a refreshing and crunchy addition to this menu.

Toss sliced cucumbers with sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for flavor.

Cucumbers bring a cooling contrast that pairs well with the rest of the dish.

Coconut Rice

Coconut rice might be an unexpected but tasty choice.

Cook jasmine rice with coconut milk and a pinch of sugar for a fragrant and slightly sweet side.

This rice’s rich creaminess is a delightful match to the Asian Chicken Salad’s vibrant flavors.

Variations and Substitutions

Experimenting with different ingredients can add variety to Applebee’s Asian Salad.

Many variations of this dish can be created with minimal effort.

Protein Options

Instead of using the traditional crispy breaded chicken, try grilled chicken for a lighter option.

Tofu is a great alternative if you’re keeping it vegetarian.

Shrimp can add a seafood twist that tastes wonderful.

Dressing Alternatives

The classic sweet and tangy dressing can be swapped for a vinaigrette if you prefer something lighter.

Adding a dash of sesame oil can give the dressing an extra kick.

Soy sauce or tamari can be used to enhance the umami flavor profile of the dish.

Crunchy Additions

For more crunch, add chopped peanuts or cashews along with the almonds.

Consider substituting crunchy ramen noodles for those crispy wonton strips.

Adding sunflower seeds can introduce unique textures that make each bite interesting.

Trying these fun substitutions can make your salad experience fresh and exciting each time you prepare it!

How to Store Leftover Applebee’s Asian Salad

Storing leftover Applebee’s Asian Salad can help you enjoy its freshness later!

Start by keeping the salad and dressing separate, if possible.

This helps maintain the crisp texture of the salad.

Pour the dressing only when you’re ready to eat.

Airtight Containers

Place the salad in a clean, airtight container.

This keeps moisture and air out, preserving the flavors.

Store your container in the refrigerator to keep it cool and fresh.

Fridge Placement

Position your stored salad on the top shelves of the fridge.

This helps avoid any drips from other foods.

The top sections are also less cold, protecting veggies from freezing.

Timing

Try to consume leftovers within 2-3 days.

This keeps flavors vibrant and prevents spoilage.

Always check for freshness before serving again.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overdressing the Salad

You want to be careful not to drench your salad in dressing, as too much can easily overwhelm the other flavors.

I recommend starting with a small amount and taste-testing as you go!

Skimping on Crunch

Make sure you add enough crunchy elements like fried noodles or almond slivers to keep the texture interesting.

You wouldn’t want your salad to end up too soft or one-note, right?

Balancing crunchy and soft elements is key!

Cooking the Chicken Incorrectly

Keep an eye on your chicken so it doesn’t end up too dry or undercooked.

Cooking it at the right temperature ensures it’s juicy and safe to eat.

I always use a meat thermometer to get it just right!