• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Damn Tasty Vegan
  • Recipe index
  • Summer Cookout
  • Lifestyle
  • About
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe index
  • Summer Cookout
  • Lifestyle
  • About
  • Contact
  • Follow Me

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipe index
    • Summer Cookout
    • Lifestyle
    • About
    • Contact
  • Follow Me

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » All recipes

    Applebee’s Vegan Oriental Chicken Salad (copycat recipe)

    Published: Sep 6, 2018 · Modified: Mar 6, 2023 by Maria · This post may contain affiliate links · 3 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
    Applebee's Vegan Oriental Chicken Salad

    If you love the taste of Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad but are looking for a vegan version, you’re in luck. This recipe delivers all the same flavors and textures, but with plant-based ingredients. You’ll love the combination of crispy vegan chicken, fresh greens, and crunchy toppings, all drizzled with a sweet and tangy dressing.

    vegan oriental chicken salad
    Click here to subscribe
    Jump to:
    • ❤️ Why you’ll love this recipe
    • 🥬 Ingredients
    • ↩️ Substitutions and variations
    • 🔪 Directions
    • 👩‍🍳 Expert tips
    • 🍴 Recommended Equipment
    • ❄️ Storing and Making Ahead
    • 🥪 Serving Suggestions
    • 🥙 More recipes you’ll love
    • 📖 Recipe

    I recently went out to dinner with my parents and some of their friends.  The couple sitting next to me ordered the Oriental Chicken Salad.  As soon as the plate hit the table, I was hit with a flood of memories of eating Applebee’s version of this dish.  

    It made me realize I missed this salad quite a bit and haven’t eaten it in the 14 years I’ve been vegetarian and then vegan. Voila!  I was hit with inspiration for a new recipe.  

    ❤️ Why you’ll love this recipe

    • Vegan and dairy-free
    • It’s a healthier option than the original version
    • Easy to make and can be prepared in under 30 minutes
    • It’s perfect for meal prep and can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner
    • Offers a vegan take on a classic dish. It’s a great way to enjoy the same flavors and textures without compromising on your dietary preferences.
    Applebee's Vegan Oriental Chicken Salad

    🥬 Ingredients

    Applebee's Vegan Oriental Chicken Salad
    • Vegan Yogurt or Mayonnaise: Use your preferred vegan yogurt or mayo for the dressing. If you’re using yogurt, make sure it’s plain and unsweetened to avoid altering the taste of the dressing.
    • Maple Syrup or Sweetener of Choice: You can use any sweetener you like in the dressing. Agave nectar or honey (if you’re not strictly vegan) are good options as well.
    • Rice Vinegar: This gives the dressing a tangy flavor. If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
    • Dijon Mustard: Adds a slight kick to the dressing. If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use regular mustard instead.
    • Sesame Oil: Gives the dressing a nutty flavor. You can substitute with any other nutty oil such as peanut oil or cashew oil.
    • Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your sodium intake. You can also use tamari or liquid aminos as a substitute.
    • Romaine Lettuce: Use fresh, crisp lettuce for the salad base. You can use any type of lettuce you prefer.
    • Napa Cabbage or Coleslaw Mix: Adds a nice crunch to the salad. If you don’t have Napa cabbage, you can use regular cabbage instead.
    • Red Cabbage: Adds color and texture to the salad.
    • Cilantro or Fresh Mint: Adds a fresh, herbal flavor to the salad. If you don’t like cilantro, you can use fresh mint instead.
    • Red Onion: Adds a mild onion flavor and a pop of color to the salad.
    • Gardein Vegan Seven Grain Crispy Tenders: These vegan chicken tenders are a great substitute for the original recipe. If you can’t find these, you can use any vegan chicken substitute you prefer.
    • Almonds or Peanuts: Adds a nice crunch to the salad. If you have a nut allergy, you can leave this out.
    • Dry Chow Mein Noodles: Adds a nice crunch and texture to the salad. If you can’t find these, you can use crispy noodles or fried wonton strips instead.
    Applebee's Vegan Oriental Chicken Salad

    ↩️ Substitutions and variations

    • Vegan yogurt or vegan mayonnaise can be used interchangeably in the dressing
    • Napa cabbage or coleslaw mix can be used instead of traditional cabbage for added crunch
    • Fresh mint can be used instead of cilantro for a different flavor profile
    • Gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used instead of the chow mein noodles.
    • Agave nectar or brown sugar can be used instead of maple syrup
    • Tamari can be used instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option
    • Swap out the vegan chicken for crispy tofu or tempeh for a different protein source
    • Add sliced avocado or mandarin oranges for extra flavor and texture

    🔪 Directions

    Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and instructions!

    1. Preheat the oven and bake the vegan chicken tenders according to package instructions
    2. Chop up and mix together all of the fresh salad base ingredients in a bowl
    3. Mix together all of the dressing ingredients in a separate bowl
    4. Plate the lettuce and top with the vegan chicken, chow mein noodles, almonds, and dressing

    👩‍🍳 Expert tips

    • To make the salad extra crispy, refrigerate the fresh ingredients for an hour before serving
    • Adjust the consistency of the dressing by adding more yogurt or vinegar as needed
    • If making ahead of time, store the dressing separately from the salad to prevent sogginess

    🍴 Recommended Equipment

    • Baking sheet for cooking the vegan chicken tenders
    • Mixing bowls for the dressing and salad base
    • Whisk or fork for mixing the dressing ingredients together

    ❄️ Storing and Making Ahead

    • This is best served fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days
    • Store the dressing separately from the salad to prevent sogginess
    • If making ahead of time, wait to add the toppings until just before serving

    🥪 Serving Suggestions

    • Top the salad with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and texture
    • This goes really well with a chickpea salad sandwich or a minestrone soup.
    • Serve with a side of steamed edamame, vegetable summer rolls or tofu dumplings.
    • Enjoy with a refreshing drink, such as a green smoothie or iced tea

    🥙 More recipes you’ll love

    • Overhead view of large mixing bowl filled with rainbow salad.
      Crunchy rainbow salad
    • Close up of southern cucumber tomato salad in a glass serving bowl.
      Southern cucumber tomato salad with avocado
    • Israeli couscous salad in a serving dish.
      Israeli couscous salad (pearl couscous)
    • Vegan chicken salad sandwich on a plate.
      Vegan chicken salad

    If you loved this recipe, leave a 5 ⭐️ rating on the recipe card and comment below!

    📖 Recipe

    Applebee's vegan oriental chicken salad in a bowl.

    Applebee’s Vegan Chicken Salad

    A healthy vegan alternative to Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Salad
    Cuisine: Asian
    Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Servings: 2
    Calories: 388kcal
    Author: Maria
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    Dressing

    • 1 Cup Plain Vegan Yogurt (or vegan mayonnaise)
    • 2 tablespoons Maple Syrup
    • 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
    • ¼ teaspoon Sesame Oil
    • 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce

    Salad Base

    • 1 Head of Chopped Romaine
    • ¼ cup chopped Napa Cabbage (or fresh coleslaw mix)
    • ¼ cup chopped Red Cabbage
    • ¼ cup chopped Cilantro or Fresh Mint
    • ¼ cup chopped Red Onion

    Toppings

    • 4 Gardein Vegan Seven Grain Crispy Tenders
    • ¼ cup Slivered almonds
    • ¼ cup Dry Chow Mein Noodles

    Instructions

    • Bake vegan Chicken Tenders
      4 Gardein Vegan Seven Grain Crispy Tenders
    • Chop up and mix together all of the fresh salad base
      1 Head of Chopped Romaine, ¼ cup chopped Napa Cabbage, ¼ cup chopped Red Cabbage, ¼ cup chopped Cilantro or Fresh Mint, ¼ cup chopped Red Onion
    • Mix together all of the dressing ingredients. Add more vegan yogurt if thicker consistency is desired. Add more vinegar or soy sauce if thinner consistency is desired
      1 Cup Plain Vegan Yogurt, 2 tablespoons Maple Syrup, 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard, ¼ teaspoon Sesame Oil, 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
    • Plate the lettuce. Top with vegan chicken, chow mein noodles, almonds and dressing
      ¼ cup Slivered almonds, ¼ cup Dry Chow Mein Noodles

    Video

    Notes

    You can use tofu instead of the Gardein Chicken Tenders if you like. Just squeeze the water out of the tofu and freeze over night. Let thaw and then bread and fry or bake it like you would chicken.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 388kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 1055mg | Potassium: 538mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 1526IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 334mg | Iron: 3mg
    Tried this recipe? Tag me today!Mention @DamnTastyVegan or tag #DamnTastyVegan!

    The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

    Click here to subscribe
    « Vegan sweet potato and kale salad
    How I manage my depression and anxiety »

    About Maria

    Maria is the creator of the blog and YouTube channel Damn Tasty Vegan. She has been a vegetarian since 2005 and vegan since 2015. She loves showing new vegans how easy and delicious living a vegan lifestyle can be. She is passionate about animal welfare and strives to help change the way animals are viewed and treated, by helping people transition to a vegan lifestyle.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lora E

      October 29, 2022 at 12:10 pm

      5 stars
      The salad dressing is delicious! I’ve made it twice in the past week. Oriental Chicken salad was my favorite and go to on a “I don’t want to cook night. I think the dressing is better!

      Reply
    2. Sandra

      February 21, 2022 at 12:24 am

      5 stars
      My families favorite salad! Simple but so good 😊

      Reply
      • Maria

        February 21, 2022 at 8:03 pm

        Fantastic! Glad you love it

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Woman with sunglasses sipping a green juice with a straw.

    Hi, I'm Maria Rose! I'm a professional singer by night, and recipe developer by day. I run this blog and am also the creator of the One Month (30 minute) Meal Plan. I love helping people learn how to cook easy and delicious plant based meals.

    More about me →

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Father's Day Cookout

    • Piece of vegan steak on a plate with broccoli and a baked sweet potato.
      Vegan steak
    • Bowl of vegan pasta salad
      Grilled Vegetable Garden Pasta Salad (Dairy Free)
    • Close up of vegan ribs on a cutting board
      Meaty vegan ribs
    • Vegan potato salad in a large glass bowl.
      Easy Vegan Potato Salad
    • Close up of shredded vegan chicken in a pan
      Easy Vegan Chicken (Seitan)
    • Quinoa black bean salad in a glass serving bowl.
      Easy Quinoa and Black Bean Salad (High Protein)

    Popular Posts

    • Sticky glazed maple miso tofu in a pink bowl on top of rice.
      Sticky Glazed Maple Miso Tofu
    • Vegan Jackfruit Nachos
      Easy jackfruit nachos
    • Piece of bread dipped in vegan fondue
      Easiest vegan fondue (dairy free cheese fondue)
    • Crispy tofu cubes in a glass bowl.
      How to make crispy tofu
    • Baked potato without foil on a plate topped with butter.
      Perfect baked potato (without foil)
    • Close up of banana protein pancakes with bananas and strawberries on top.
      Banana protein pancakes

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Information

    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility policy
    • Disclaimer

    Newsletter

    • Get your free Time & Money Saving Vegan Kitchen Secrets download

    Contact

    • Contact

    Copyright © 2020 Damn Tasty Vegan on the Foodie Pro Theme

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Cookie settingsACCEPT
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    Non-necessary
    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
    SAVE & ACCEPT
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter