Oriental Chicken Salad from Applebee's features tender grilled chicken, crunchy mandarin oranges, toasted almonds, crisp cabbage, and fresh green onions tossed in a tangy sesame vinaigrette, creating a vibrant combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy flavors.
Equipments
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowls
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Tongs
- Whisk
- Salad spinner (optional)
- Serving platter or large salad bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 6 cups napa cabbage, shredded
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, shredded
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- 1 (11 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/2 cup crispy chow mein noodles
- For Sesame Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
Mandarin oranges and toasted almonds are key to achieving the authentic sweet and crunchy texture in this Oriental Chicken Salad, so be sure to use fresh, high-quality canned oranges and toast your almonds just before assembling. Napa cabbage provides a tender crunch that complements the romaine and red cabbage, balancing the salad's texture. When preparing the sesame vinaigrette, carefully measure rice vinegar and toasted sesame oil to maintain the perfect tangy flavor balance. Grilling the chicken with olive oil, salt, and black pepper ensures juicy, well-seasoned meat that enhances the overall taste. Your homemade Oriental Chicken Salad from Applebee's copycat menu will deliver the vibrant, fresh flavors that mirror the restaurant's original.
Instructions
- Preheat grill or grill pan.
- Brush chicken breasts with olive oil; season with salt and black pepper.
- Grill chicken until fully cooked; let rest, then slice.
- In a large bowl, combine napa cabbage, romaine lettuce, red cabbage, shredded carrots, and green onions.
- Add mandarin oranges, toasted almonds, and crispy chow mein noodles.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, honey, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, vegetable oil, Dijon mustard, sugar, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and sesame seeds to make vinaigrette.
- Toss salad ingredients with sesame vinaigrette.
- Top salad with sliced grilled chicken.
- Serve on a platter or in a large salad bowl.
Substitution
The Oriental Chicken Salad from Applebee's copycat menu combines grilled chicken, mandarin oranges, almonds, crisp cabbage, and green onions with a flavorful sesame vinaigrette. You can substitute grilled chicken breasts with rotisserie chicken or tofu for a quicker or vegetarian option without compromising the taste. When toasted almonds are unavailable, other nuts like cashews or peanuts provide a similar crunch and flavor profile. If mandarin oranges are out of reach, canned pineapple chunks or fresh orange segments complement the salad's sweet and tangy elements well. For the vinaigrette, using tamari instead of soy sauce works well as a gluten-free alternative, maintaining authenticity in flavor.
Tips
Make sure to let the grilled chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juices and ensure tender slices. Drain the canned mandarin oranges thoroughly to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. Toast the almonds evenly over low heat to enhance their crunch and flavor without burning. When whisking the sesame vinaigrette, blend ingredients thoroughly to balance the sweet and tangy flavors that will complement Your salad perfectly.
Nutritions
Oriental Chicken Salad from Applebee's provides a balanced mix of protein from grilled chicken and healthy fats from toasted almonds and sesame oil. The combination of napa cabbage, romaine lettuce, and red cabbage offers a rich source of dietary fiber and essential vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin K. Mandarin oranges add natural sweetness along with a boost of antioxidants and vitamin A. Your meal also includes key minerals such as potassium and iron, supporting overall nutrition and wellness.
Storage
Store the Oriental Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness, ideally consuming it within 2 days to preserve the crispness of the cabbage and the flavor of the grilled chicken. Keep the sesame vinaigrette separate and add it just before serving to prevent the vegetables and noodles from becoming soggy. Your salad's texture and vibrant flavors will stay intact when stored properly.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap grilled chicken breasts for rotisserie chicken to save time while maintaining rich flavor. Substitute mandarin oranges with fresh orange segments or dried cranberries for a different sweet touch. Replace crunchy chow mein noodles with toasted walnuts or crispy wonton strips for varied texture. Try adding a splash of lime juice to the sesame vinaigrette to brighten its tangy taste.
Allergies
Your Oriental Chicken Salad from Applebee's contains common allergens such as almonds, soy (in soy sauce), and sesame seeds, which may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The presence of nuts and sesame in both the salad and vinaigrette makes it important to check for cross-contamination if you have severe allergies. Always inform the restaurant staff about your allergies to ensure safe preparation and ingredient handling.
Why this recipe?
Oriental Chicken Salad from Applebee's is cherished for its perfect balance of crispy chicken, fresh greens, and a tangy sesame dressing that enhances every bite. The combination of crunchy wonton strips and sliced almonds adds a satisfying texture, while the mix of cabbage and romaine lettuce creates a refreshing base. This dish offers a flavorful yet wholesome option for health-conscious diners, making it a popular choice. Trying to make a copycat recipe allows you to enjoy the restaurant-quality taste at home while customizing ingredients to suit Your preferences and dietary needs.