Applebee’s Orientalist Chicken Salad Recipe
Applebee’s Orientalist Chicken Salad has long been a fan-favorite, and for good reason. This flavor-packed dish effortlessly blends the savory, sweet, and crunchy elements that make for a truly satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking to recreate the iconic restaurant experience at home or simply craving a delicious and nutritious lunch option, this recipe is sure to delight.
Imagine crisp greens, juicy grilled chicken, and a medley of vibrant vegetables, all tossed in a tantalizing Asian-inspired dressing. The result is a symphony of textures and flavors that will transport your taste buds on a culinary journey to the Far East.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
Beyond its undeniable deliciousness, this Applebee’s Orientalist Chicken Salad offers several unique benefits. For starters, it’s a nutritious and well-balanced meal that packs a punch of protein, vitamins, and minerals, thanks to the lean chicken and fresh produce. The combination of crunchy vegetables, tender chicken, and a creamy, flavorful dressing creates a truly satisfying and indulgent experience.
What’s more, this recipe is incredibly versatile and can be easily adapted to suit various dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb option, a dairy-free version, or a way to boost the protein content, the modifications are simple and straightforward. Plus, the make-ahead potential of this dish makes it an ideal choice for busy weekdays or meal-prepping enthusiasts.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Applebee’s Orientalist Chicken Salad ❓
• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup sliced water chestnuts
• 1/2 cup toasted almonds
• 1/4 cup crispy wonton strips
• 1/4 cup mandarin orange segments
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup Applebee’s Oriental Dressing (or your favorite Asian-inspired dressing)
The beauty of this Applebee’s Orientalist Chicken Salad is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of juicy chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a tantalizing Asian-inspired dressing creates the flavorful profile that has made this recipe a perennial favorite.
📝 How to Make Applebee’s Orientalist Chicken Salad Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced water chestnuts, toasted almonds, crispy wonton strips, mandarin orange segments, and sesame seeds.
• Step 3: Add the grilled chicken to the salad and drizzle the Applebee’s Oriental Dressing (or your favorite Asian-inspired dressing) over the top. Gently toss the salad to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
• Step 4: Serve the Applebee’s Orientalist Chicken Salad immediately, garnished with additional mandarin orange segments, toasted almonds, and sesame seeds, if desired.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes
Compared to traditional Asian-inspired salads that can take up to 45 minutes to prepare, this Applebee’s Orientalist Chicken Salad saves you 44% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
• Protein: 31g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: 501mg
These Applebee’s Orientalist Chicken Salads provide approximately 62% of your daily protein requirements and 20% of your daily fiber needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Omit the crispy wonton strips and reduce the amount of mandarin orange segments to lower the carbohydrate count.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the Applebee’s Oriental Dressing with a homemade Asian-inspired vinaigrette made with ingredients like rice vinegar, sesame oil, and soy sauce.
• Added protein: Toss in grilled or roasted tofu, hard-boiled eggs, or extra grilled chicken to boost the protein content.
• Boost vegetables: Add additional crunchy vegetables like sliced bell peppers, diced cucumber, or shredded red cabbage to increase the nutrient density.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Applebee’s Orientalist Chicken Salad.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair the Applebee’s Orientalist Chicken Salad with a side of steamed or sautéed Asian-inspired vegetables, such as broccoli or snow peas.
• Complement the salad with a light and refreshing soup, like a miso or hot and sour soup, for a complete meal.
• For a heartier dinner, serve the Applebee’s Orientalist Chicken Salad alongside a serving of vegetable fried rice or lo mein noodles.
• Create an Asian-inspired platter by arranging the salad alongside skewers of grilled teriyaki chicken, fresh fruit, and a selection of roasted nuts and seeds.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Using the wrong dressing: While Applebee’s Oriental Dressing is the classic choice, you can experiment with other Asian-inspired dressings, such as a sesame ginger vinaigrette or a peanut-based dressing. Just be mindful of the flavor profile and adjust the other ingredients accordingly.
• Skimping on the crunch: The combination of crunchy vegetables, toasted almonds, and crispy wonton strips is what gives this salad its signature texture. Don’t be tempted to omit or reduce these ingredients, as they play a crucial role in the overall experience.
• Overloading the salad: While it’s tempting to add every delicious ingredient, be mindful of not overstuffing the salad. The key is to strike a balance between the various textures and flavors to create a harmonious and enjoyable dish.
• Forgetting to season properly: Don’t forget to season the chicken with salt and pepper before grilling, and taste the salad before serving to ensure the dressing is balanced and the flavors are enhanced.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Applebee’s Orientalist Chicken Salads retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: The grilled chicken can be prepared in advance, cooled, and stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to assemble the salad, simply thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight.
• Freezing baked: The entire salad can be assembled, excluding the dressing, and frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw the salad in the refrigerator overnight, then add the dressing just before serving.
• Reheating: If the salad has been refrigerated or frozen, simply toss the ingredients with the dressing and serve at room temperature. The warmth of the grilled chicken will help revive the texture of the other ingredients.
❓ FAQs
Can I prepare the Applebee’s Orientalist Chicken Salad in advance?
Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal-prepping. You can grill the chicken and prepare all the other ingredients up to 3 days in advance. Store the components separately in the refrigerator, and simply assemble and dress the salad when ready to serve.
Can I substitute the chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can easily swap out the chicken for other proteins, such as grilled or sautéed shrimp, tofu, or even sliced steak. The Asian-inspired flavors will complement a variety of protein sources. Just be mindful of adjusting the cooking times as needed.
Is there a dairy-free version of this salad?
To make this Applebee’s Orientalist Chicken Salad dairy-free, simply use a homemade Asian-inspired vinaigrette or a store-bought dairy-free dressing instead of the Applebee’s Oriental Dressing. Look for dressings made with ingredients like rice vinegar, sesame oil, and soy sauce.
What can I do if the salad turns out soggy?
If your Applebee’s Orientalist Chicken Salad ends up feeling a bit soggy, the culprit is likely the dressing. Try adding the dressing just before serving, or use a lighter hand when tossing the salad. You can also consider serving the dressing on the side, allowing your guests to dress their own portions.
Can I add any additional ingredients to this recipe?
Absolutely! This salad is incredibly versatile, and you can easily customize it to your liking. Consider adding julienned bell peppers, sliced cucumber, chopped green onions, or even some crispy fried wonton strips for extra crunch. You can also experiment with different protein sources or try a variety of Asian-inspired dressings.
Conclusion
These Applebee’s Orientalist Chicken Salads represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a light and refreshing lunch or a satisfying dinner, they’re sure to impress with their vibrant colors, crunchy textures, and tantalizing Asian-inspired flavors. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Applebee’s Orientalist Chicken Salads demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the assembly. So why not give this recipe a try and enjoy a delightful taste of the East, right in the comfort of your own home?
Print
Applebee’s Orientalist Chicken Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup sliced water chestnuts
• 1/2 cup toasted almonds
• 1/4 cup crispy wonton strips
• 1/4 cup mandarin orange segments
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup Applebee’s Oriental Dressing (or your favorite Asian-inspired dressing)
Instructions
• Step 1: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes, then slice or shred it into bite-sized pieces.
• Step 2: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced water chestnuts, toasted almonds, crispy wonton strips, mandarin orange segments, and sesame seeds.
• Step 3: Add the grilled chicken to the salad and drizzle the Applebee’s Oriental Dressing (or your favorite Asian-inspired dressing) over the top. Gently toss the salad to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
• Step 4: Serve the Applebee’s Orientalist Chicken Salad immediately, garnished with additional mandarin orange segments, toasted almonds, and sesame seeds, if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: Americans
Keywords: Applebee’s Orientalist Chicken Salad
