Applebees Asian Salad Vegetarian Recipe Made Easy

Looking for a fresh, vibrant, and satisfying vegetarian salad that bursts with Asian flavors? The Applebee’s Asian Salad Vegetarian Recipe is a fantastic choice for anyone craving a deliciously light yet filling meal.

This salad combines crisp vegetables, crunchy noodles, and a tangy, savory dressing that perfectly balances sweet, sour, and umami notes. Whether you’re a vegetarian, looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, or simply want a tasty salad inspired by a popular restaurant, this recipe will quickly become a staple.

It’s easy to prepare, packed with nutrients, and ideal for lunch, dinner, or even as a side dish.

This homemade version lets you control the ingredients, making it healthier and tailored to your taste buds. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy the familiar flavors of Applebee’s without leaving your kitchen.

Ready to dive into this colorful bowl of goodness? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Applebee’s Asian Salad Vegetarian Recipe is a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. The crunchy romaine lettuce and shredded cabbage provide a refreshing base, while the mandarin oranges add a burst of natural sweetness.

Tossed with crispy chow mein noodles and garnished with toasted almonds, every bite offers a delightful crunch.

The homemade Asian-style dressing is the star of the show — a balanced blend of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a hint of ginger and garlic that brings everything together beautifully. Plus, it’s vegetarian and can easily be adapted to vegan by substituting honey with maple syrup or agave.

This salad is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a guilt-free indulgence. It’s perfect for meal prep, quick dinners, or impressing guests with a fresh and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

• 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 2 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup shredded red cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup mandarin orange segments, drained if canned
• 1/2 cup sliced green onions
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
• 1 cup crispy chow mein noodles
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
• For the dressing:
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional for heat)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Small bowl or jar with lid for dressing
• Whisk or fork
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Toaster or skillet (to toast almonds)

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables: Wash and chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Shred the green and red cabbage finely. Peel and shred the carrots. Thinly slice the green onions.
2. Toast the almonds: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the sliced almonds until golden and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Set aside to cool.
3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), toasted sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, olive oil, and sriracha if using. Whisk or shake well until emulsified.
4. Assemble the salad: In the large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine, shredded cabbages, shredded carrots, mandarin orange segments, and sliced green onions. Toss gently to mix.
5. Add the dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat all ingredients evenly.
6. Final touches: Sprinkle the toasted almonds, crispy chow mein noodles, and toasted sesame seeds (if using) on top for extra crunch and flavor.
7. Serve immediately: This salad is best enjoyed fresh to maintain the crisp textures. If preparing ahead, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.

Tips & Variations

For best results, use fresh, high-quality ingredients and toast your almonds and noodles just before serving to keep them crunchy.

• Vegan option: Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar in the dressing.
• Protein boost: Add grilled tofu, edamame, or chickpeas for extra protein.
• Noodle alternatives: Swap chow mein noodles with crispy wonton strips or crushed peanuts for a different texture.
• Additional veggies: Add thinly sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or cucumber for more color and crunch.
• Make it gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and check chow mein noodles for gluten-free options or omit them.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Applebee’s Asian Salad Vegetarian Recipe shines as a standalone meal for lunch or a light dinner. Pair it with some warm, crusty bread or a side of steamed dumplings to round out your meal.

It also works beautifully as a refreshing side salad for grilled dishes or Asian-inspired entrees.

For a fun twist, serve it in lettuce cups or as a filling for rice paper rolls. You can also prep it ahead and bring it to work in separate containers to toss just before eating.

Looking to explore more delightful recipes? Check out our Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe for a comforting dessert, or try the Kikkoman Stir Fry Sauce Recipe to create your own stir-fry dishes at home.

For sweet treats, the Glazed Twist Donut Recipe is a must-try!

Conclusion

Incorporating the Applebee’s Asian Salad Vegetarian Recipe into your meal rotation is a surefire way to enjoy a flavorful, nutrient-packed meal without compromising on taste or convenience. This salad’s vibrant colors, varied textures, and well-balanced dressing make it an irresistible choice for vegetarians and salad lovers alike.

It’s quick to prepare, customizable, and perfect for any occasion—whether you’re dining solo or entertaining friends and family.

With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can bring the delightful essence of Applebee’s right into your kitchen. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to enjoy a wholesome meal that’s light yet satisfying.

Don’t forget to explore more delicious recipes on our site to keep your culinary adventures exciting!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Applebee’s Asian Salad Vegetarian Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A fresh and flavorful vegetarian salad inspired by Applebee’s Asian Salad. Packed with crisp veggies, crunchy noodles, and a tangy Asian dressing.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT0M”, “totalTime”: “PT15M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“4 cups mixed salad greens”, “1 cup shredded red cabbage”, “1 cup shredded carrots”, “1/2 cup sliced cucumbers”, “1/4 cup sliced green onions”, “1/2 cup mandarin orange segments”, “1/4 cup sliced almonds”, “1/2 cup crispy chow mein noodles”, “1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro”, “3 tablespoons rice vinegar”, “2 tablespoons soy sauce”, “1 tablespoon sesame oil”, “1 tablespoon honey”, “1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger”, “1 clove garlic, minced”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a large bowl, combine salad greens, red cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, and green onions.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add mandarin orange segments, sliced almonds, crispy chow mein noodles, and cilantro.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, ginger, and garlic.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve immediately.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “220 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “5 g”, “fatContent”: “12 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “25 g”}}