Applebee’s Chicken Salad Recipe

Applebee’s chicken salad is a classic that combines crisp lettuce, tender chicken, and a medley of flavors for a satisfying dish..

This salad includes romaine lettuce, Napa cabbage, red cabbage, and julienned carrots for a vibrant, crunchy mix.

For the dressing, keep it simple:

A sweet and tangy Asian dressing ties all the flavors together beautifully!

How to Make Applebee’s Chicken Salad Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 Chicken Breasts (cooked and chopped)
• 1 cup Green Cabbage (shredded)
• 1 cup Red Cabbage (shredded)
• 1 cup Carrots (shredded)
• 3 Green Onions (chopped)
• 1/4 cup Almonds (sliced)
• 1/4 cup Chow Mein Noodles
• 3 tbsp Mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp Honey
• 3 tbsp Rice Vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Prepare your dressing by combining mayonnaise, honey, rice vinegar, and Dijon mustard in a bowl.

Whisk until smooth.

Keep it aside for now.

Step 2:

Preheat a skillet over medium heat.

Add the chopped chicken breasts and cook until golden brown.

Set aside to cool.

Step 3:

In a large mixing bowl, combine green cabbage, red cabbage, shredded carrots, and chopped green onions.

Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly.

Step 4:

Toss in the cooled chicken, sliced almonds, and chow mein noodles.

Drizzle the salad with your prepared dressing.

Stir until everything is well-coated.

Step 5:

Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Dressing Consistency

For a thicker dressing, you can add a bit more mayonnaise.

If you prefer it lighter, a splash of water will do the trick!

Don’t be afraid to adjust to your taste.

Chicken Cooking

To add a smoky flavor, grill the chicken instead of pan-frying it!

Just be sure to keep those grill marks nice and crisp.

The flavor it adds is delightful.

Extra Crunch

Crispy chow mein noodles add a punch of texture!

Add them just before serving to keep them extra crispy.

No one likes soggy noodles!

Flavor Enhancements

Feel free to add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra zing.

It brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing touch!

It’s a small change but makes a big difference.

Preparing Ahead

This salad can be made a day ahead for even better flavor.

Just keep the dressing separate until the last minute.

This keeps everything fresh and flavorful.

What to Serve with Applebee’s Chicken Salad Recipe

Garlic Bread

Have you considered serving garlic bread with your salad?

The savory, buttery taste of garlic bread complements the chicken salad beautifully.

Just pop it in the oven for a quick and easy accompaniment.

Sweet Potato Fries

For something different, try some sweet potato fries.

The natural sweetness pairs well with the tangy dressing of the salad.

Plus, they’re a crispy and delicious alternative to regular fries.

Quinoa Tabouli

Swap traditional grains for a nutritious quinoa tabouli.

The fresh herbs and lemony flavor are a refreshing addition.

It’s a light yet satisfying side that balances the salad’s richness.

Roasted Veggies

Roasted vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers are a fantastic choice.

They offer a savory contrast and add a splash of color to your plate.

Coat them in olive oil and your favorite herbs before roasting for the best flavor.

Mixed Berry Salad

A mixed berry salad with strawberries, blueberries, and mint is an unexpected delight!

The sweetness of the berries enhances the flavors of the chicken salad.

It’s also visually appealing and adds a healthy touch to your meal.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein Options

Instead of chicken, you can use grilled shrimp or even tofu for a different take on the classic dish.

This adds a nice twist, especially if you’re vegetarian or looking for a seafood alternative.

Vegetables

Switch up the greens by adding baby spinach or kale for some extra texture and nutrients.

You might also try throwing in some sliced bell peppers for an added splash of color and crunch.

Dressings

Feel free to experiment with the dressing by using different types like a sesame ginger dressing for a more Asian-inspired flavor.

You could also make it spicy by incorporating a bit of sriracha into the dressing mix.

Crunchy Additions

Add some crunch with nuts like almonds or walnuts, especially if you’re missing those traditional crispy noodles.

Roasting them beforehand adds a great depth of flavor and extra crunch to your salad.

These little changes can refresh the whole dish while keeping it exciting and versatile!

How to Store Leftover Applebee’s Chicken Salad Recipe

Airtight Containers

To keep your leftovers fresh, start by placing them in airtight containers.

These containers help lock in the flavor and prevent any outside odors from ruining your salad.

Embrace Portion Control

Try dividing your salad into smaller portions before storing.

This way, you only take out what you need when you’re ready to dig in again.

Store Dressing Separately

If you’ve got some leftover dressing as well, it’s wise to keep it in a separate container.

This helps maintain the salad’s texture and prevents it from becoming soggy.

Use the Fridge

Make sure you store the salad in the fridge immediately after you’re done eating.

Promptly refrigerating your leftovers helps keep them safe and tasty for the next few days!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overdressing the Salad

You might think more dressing means more flavor, but too much can make the salad soggy and overpower its fresh flavors.

Adding dressing in small quantities is smarter.

Toss the salad gently, adding more only if necessary, to keep everything crisp and tasty.

Ignoring Freshness of Ingredients

Using ingredients that aren’t fresh can really ruin this dish.

Always check your veggies and chicken before starting.

It’s better to buy them fresh and use them quickly.

This will make your salad vibrant and full of flavor!

Overcooking the Chicken

Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry and tough.

Aim for a juicy interior with a crispy coating.

Monitor the cooking time and temperature carefully.

Consider using a meat thermometer to check for doneness without overdoing it.