Best Items on the Applebee`s Salads Menu You Need to Try

If you’re looking for fresh flavors, hearty portions, and satisfying lunch or dinner options, the Applebee`s salads menu offers far more than basic greens. Over the years, Applebee’s has transformed its salad selection into a lineup of flavorful entrée-sized meals packed with grilled meats, crispy chicken, fresh vegetables, crunchy toppings, signature dressings, and bold seasonings.

Whether you want something light and healthy or rich and filling, the Applebee`s salads menu includes choices for nearly every taste. From the famous Oriental Chicken Salad to protein-packed grilled chicken options and seasonal specialties, these salads continue to attract customers who want balance without sacrificing flavor.

In this complete guide, we’ll explore the best salads you need to try at Applebee’s in 2026, including ingredients, flavor profiles, pricing, nutrition tips, combo ideas, and customer favorites.

Why the Applebee`s Salads Menu Is So Popular

The popularity of the Applebee`s salads menu comes from its ability to combine restaurant-quality flavor with large portions and affordable pricing. Unlike many fast-food salads that feel small or bland, Applebee’s salads are designed to work as complete meals.

Customers enjoy these salads because they offer:

Fresh vegetables and toppings
Generous protein portions
Multiple dressing choices
Balanced meal options
Large entrée-sized servings
Customizable ingredients
Affordable lunch and dinner pricing

Applebee’s also continues updating menu items with seasonal ingredients and lighter choices, making salads an increasingly popular option for health-conscious diners.

Oriental Chicken Salad – The Signature Favorite

Among all items on the Applebee`s salads menu, the Oriental Chicken Salad remains the most iconic.

What Makes It Special

This salad stands out because of its sweet-and-savory flavor combination, crispy textures, and satisfying portion size.

Main Ingredients

Crispy breaded chicken tenders
Fresh Asian greens
Crunchy rice noodles
Toasted almonds
Oriental vinaigrette dressing

The combination of crunchy noodles, flavorful dressing, and crispy chicken creates a unique salad experience that feels indulgent while still including fresh ingredients.

Why Customers Love It

The Oriental Chicken Salad is popular because it delivers:

Crunchy texture
Sweet tangy flavor
Filling protein
Large portions
Signature Applebee’s taste

Many customers consider it the best item on the entire Applebee`s salads menu.

Average Price

Depending on the location, prices usually range from:

$13.99 – $16.99

Grilled Oriental Chicken Salad – Lighter but Flavorful

If you love the classic Oriental Chicken Salad but want a healthier version, the Grilled Oriental Chicken Salad is one of the best alternatives.

What’s Different

The main difference is the protein:

Grilled chicken replaces crispy chicken

This reduces calories and fat while maintaining the same signature flavor profile.

Best Features

Customers enjoy this salad because it offers:

High protein content
Lighter meal option
Sweet Oriental dressing
Crunchy toppings
Fresh greens

It’s one of the most recommended healthier items on the Applebee`s salads menu.

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

A classic Caesar salad never goes out of style, and Applebee’s version continues to be one of the most reliable lunch and dinner options.

Ingredients

The Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad typically includes:

Crisp romaine lettuce
Grilled seasoned chicken breast
Parmesan cheese
Garlic Caesar dressing
Crunchy croutons

Why It’s Worth Trying

This salad remains popular because it’s:

Simple yet flavorful
High in protein
Filling without being too heavy
Easy to customize

Many customers choose this item for lunch because it provides a balanced meal with fewer fried ingredients.

Pricing

Typical pricing falls between:

$11.99 – $14.99

Crispy Chicken Tender Salad

For customers who enjoy comfort food flavors, the Crispy Chicken Tender Salad is one of the most satisfying items on the Applebee`s salads menu.

Main Ingredients

This salad often includes:

Crispy chicken tenders
Mixed greens
Tomatoes
Cucumbers
Cheddar cheese
Croutons
Choice of dressing

Flavor Experience

This salad offers:

Crunchy texture
Savory chicken flavor
Creamy dressing combinations
Fresh vegetable balance

It’s especially popular among diners who want a hearty salad that feels more indulgent.

Best Dressing Pairings

Top dressing choices include:

Ranch
Honey mustard
Bleu cheese
Balsamic vinaigrette

Southwest Chicken Salad

If you enjoy bold Tex-Mex flavors, the Southwest Chicken Salad deserves a place on your must-try list.

Ingredients

The Southwest Chicken Salad commonly includes:

Grilled or crispy chicken
Black bean corn salsa
Tortilla strips
Mixed greens
Cheddar cheese
Southwest ranch dressing

Why Customers Recommend It

This salad stands out for its:

Slightly spicy flavor
Crunchy toppings
Smoky seasoning
Filling ingredients

The tortilla strips and Southwest dressing add extra texture and flavor that make this salad especially satisfying.

Price Range

Average prices usually range from:

$13.99 – $16.49

Strawberry Balsamic Chicken Salad

Fruit-based salads continue growing in popularity, and this option brings refreshing sweetness to the Applebee`s salads menu.

Ingredients

Typical ingredients include:

Grilled chicken
Fresh strawberries
Mixed greens
Feta cheese
Candied pecans
Balsamic glaze

Why You Should Try It

This salad is perfect for customers seeking:

Fresh flavors
Sweet and savory balance
Lighter lunch options
Seasonal ingredients

The balsamic glaze pairs especially well with strawberries and grilled chicken.

House Salad – Simple but Reliable

Sometimes simple menu items work best, and Applebee’s House Salad remains a dependable choice.

What’s Included

The House Salad often features:

Lettuce blend
Tomatoes
Cucumbers
Cheese
Croutons
Choice of dressing

Why It’s Popular

Customers like the House Salad because it’s:

Affordable
Easy to customize
Great as a side dish
Compatible with combo meals

Many diners add grilled chicken or shrimp for a more filling meal.

Caesar Side Salad

The Caesar Side Salad works well as:

A lighter lunch
A side dish
A combo meal addition

Though smaller than entrée salads, it still delivers the classic Caesar flavor customers expect.

Best Healthy Choices on the Applebee`s Salads Menu

Many diners choose salads to support healthier eating habits. Fortunately, several items on the Applebee`s salads menu offer balanced nutrition.

Top Healthy Picks

Grilled Oriental Chicken Salad

Lower in calories than the crispy version.

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

High protein with fewer fried ingredients.

Strawberry Balsamic Chicken Salad

Includes fresh fruit and lighter dressing options.

Healthy Ordering Tips

To make salads healthier:

Request dressing on the side
Choose grilled proteins
Skip extra cheese
Avoid fried toppings
Choose vinaigrette dressings

These small changes can significantly reduce calories and fat.

Best Dressings on the Applebee`s Salads Menu

Dressings greatly affect the flavor of a salad. Applebee’s offers several customer favorites.

Best Salads for Lunch

The Applebee`s salads menu works especially well for lunch because many salads feel filling without being overly heavy.

Top Lunch Recommendations

Best Light Lunch

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Best Filling Lunch

Oriental Chicken Salad

Best Healthy Lunch

Strawberry Balsamic Chicken Salad

Best Spicy Lunch

Southwest Chicken Salad

Combo Deals and Lunch Specials

Applebee’s often includes salads in lunch promotions and combo specials.

Common Combo Options

Customers may combine:

Salad and soup
Salad and sandwich
Salad with appetizer
Salad with beverage deals

These combos help customers enjoy variety while staying within budget.

Portion Sizes and Value

One reason diners continue choosing the Applebee`s salads menu is the generous serving size.

What Makes Them Worth It

Applebee’s salads usually include:

Large protein portions
Plenty of toppings
Entrée-sized servings
Filling ingredients

Some customers even split one salad into two meals.

Vegetarian-Friendly Salad Options

Although many salads include meat, vegetarian diners can still enjoy several customizable options.

Vegetarian Modifications

You can:

Remove chicken or steak
Add extra vegetables
Choose lighter dressing
Add avocado if available

Popular vegetarian-friendly bases include:

Caesar salad
House salad
Southwest salad without meat

Best Protein Choices

Protein helps make salads more filling and balanced.

Top Protein Additions

Grilled Chicken

Lean and flavorful.

Crispy Chicken

Crunchy and indulgent.

Steak

Rich and hearty.

Shrimp

Lighter seafood option.

These proteins allow customers to customize meals based on taste and dietary goals.

Applebee’s Salads for Takeout and Delivery

The rise of food delivery has made salads even more convenient.

Why They Travel Well

Salads work well for takeout because:

Dressings are packed separately
Ingredients stay fresh
Containers are portable
Proteins remain flavorful

Many office workers choose salads for quick lunch delivery.

Customer Favorites Ranked

Based on popularity and repeat orders, these are the top salads customers recommend from the Applebee`s salads menu.

1. Oriental Chicken Salad

The signature fan favorite.

2. Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Classic and dependable.

3. Southwest Chicken Salad

Bold Tex-Mex flavor.

4. Crispy Chicken Tender Salad

Hearty comfort-food option.

5. Strawberry Balsamic Chicken Salad

Fresh and refreshing.

Seasonal Salad Specials

Applebee’s occasionally introduces limited-time salad options featuring:

Seasonal fruits
Fresh herbs
Summer ingredients
Regional flavors

These seasonal additions keep the menu exciting for repeat visitors.

Are Applebee’s Salads Worth Trying?

For customers seeking balance between freshness and flavor, the answer is absolutely yes.

Reasons They Stand Out

The Applebee`s salads menu offers:

Better portion sizes than many competitors
Fresh ingredients
Multiple protein choices
Affordable prices
Strong flavor variety
Lunch and dinner flexibility

Whether you prefer healthier meals or indulgent comfort-food salads, Applebee’s provides something satisfying.

Tips for Ordering the Best Salad

Customize Freely

Most Applebee’s locations allow:

Extra chicken
Dressing on the side
Additional vegetables
Cheese removal
Protein substitutions

Watch for Promotions

Lunch specials and limited-time deals can help reduce costs.

Customers should also check:

Rewards apps
Seasonal coupons
Combo meal promotions

Final Thoughts on the Applebee`s Salads Menu

The Applebee`s salads menu continues to impress diners in 2026 with its combination of fresh ingredients, satisfying portions, bold flavors, and affordable pricing. Whether you prefer the famous Oriental Chicken Salad, a lighter grilled Caesar, a spicy Southwest-inspired option, or a refreshing strawberry balsamic creation, Applebee’s offers salads that feel like complete meals rather than simple side dishes.

What makes these salads especially appealing is their versatility. Customers can enjoy healthier grilled protein options, customize ingredients, pair salads with combo meals, or indulge in crispy comfort-food flavors depending on their mood.

For lunch, dinner, takeout, or casual dining with friends and family, the Applebee`s salads menu provides flavorful choices that continue standing out among casual dining restaurant chains. If you haven’t explored these salads yet, now is the perfect time to discover which Applebee’s salad becomes your new favorite.