Introduction
As someone who runs a food menu and understands what today’s diners are looking for, I’ve learned one essential truth: health-conscious doesn’t mean flavor-forgetful. People want freshness, yes—but they also want satisfaction. And when it comes to striking that balance, Applebee’s salad menu does a surprisingly solid job.
Sure, the chain might be better known for burgers and bar bites, but behind all that, they’ve crafted a lineup of salads that genuinely hold their own. These aren’t side pieces—they’re full-fledged entrees built with texture, color, and crave-worthy ingredients. From a menu design perspective, Applebee’s menu proves you can offer variety, value, and vibrancy—all in a bowl of greens.
Let’s break it down the way I would when evaluating menu items: by flavor profile, presentation, and customer appeal.
Applebee’s Salad Menu With Prices
First, here’s a snapshot of the current salad lineup and average prices. These numbers can vary depending on location, but they give you a solid range.
| Salad | Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Quesadilla Chicken Salad | $12.99 |
| Strawberry Chicken Salad | $13.49 |
| Grilled Chicken Tender Salad | $11.99 |
| Oriental Chicken Salad | $12.99 |
| Grilled Oriental Chicken Salad | $12.99 |
From a pricing perspective, this range is right in line with customer expectations. It positions salads as full entrees rather than afterthoughts—which, from my experience, makes all the difference when selling a “healthier” option in a casual dining setting.
Quesadilla Chicken Salad
Now here’s a salad that understands its audience.
The Quesadilla Chicken Salad is the kind of hybrid item I’ve seen work wonders on menus. Why? Because it meets in the middle. Guests who might hesitate at ordering a salad won’t blink when they see warm, cheesy quesadilla wedges perched on top. It’s clever, visually inviting, and it scratches that comfort food itch while staying salad-forward.
Flavor-wise, it combines crisp greens with grilled chicken, tortilla strips, pico de gallo, and a creamy Mexi-ranch dressing. The variety of textures—plus the bold southwestern notes—makes it feel indulgent while still delivering freshness.
As a menu owner, I can tell you: this is exactly the kind of dish that converts the “I’m not a salad person” crowd.
Strawberry Chicken Salad
Here’s one I really admire from a seasonal and visual standpoint.
The Strawberry Chicken Salad is bright, fresh, and thoughtfully layered. Sliced strawberries, grilled chicken, almonds, and feta over greens—it’s a classic sweet-savory combo. Topped with lemon olive oil vinaigrette, it leans into lightness without sacrificing flavor.
This is a prime example of a salad that sells itself on color and balance. And let’s not forget the presentation factor—this is a high-photo-value item, which matters more than ever in the age of social media dining. From a food menu owner’s perspective, this is a smart addition that checks both the health-conscious and visually appealing boxes.
Grilled Chicken Tender Salad
This one plays the role of the go-to, no-nonsense staple.
The Grilled Chicken Tender Salad isn’t flashy, but it’s reliable. You’ve got your greens, grilled tenders, cheese, cucumbers, tomatoes, and croutons—served with dressing of choice. It’s exactly what some guests want: familiarity and substance without the flair.
From a menu-building standpoint, having an item like this is key. Not every guest wants complex flavor layering or bold experimentation. Sometimes, a simple grilled chicken salad is the safest bet—and this version gets the job done without boring the diner.
Oriental Chicken Salad
This is what I’d call a signature salad—one that’s stayed on the menu for years because it sells.
The Oriental Chicken Salad brings together crispy fried chicken tenders, crunchy chow mein noodles, almonds, and greens with a sweet-tangy house-made oriental dressing. The balance of crispy textures and that nostalgic takeout-style dressing keeps customers coming back.
I’ve seen versions of this salad on multiple menus across the industry, and there’s a reason for that: it has cross-demographic appeal. Whether it’s the flavor profile or the familiar crunch, it delivers a satisfying experience that doesn’t feel too “light” or too “healthy”—it just feels right.
Applebee’s also smartly offers a grilled version for guests looking to cut back on calories while keeping the flavor intact. That kind of versatility is a best practice I’ve applied to my own menus—allowing the customer to meet their cravings where they are.
Why Everyone Should Try Applebee’s Salad
Here’s where I’ll step out of analysis mode and just say it: if you’re sleeping on Applebee’s salad menu, you’re missing out.
As someone who builds menus, I pay attention to more than just ingredients. I look at structure, portion size, visual appeal, price point, and—most importantly—customer satisfaction. And across the board, Applebee’s salads hit the mark.
Each one is designed with intention. They’re not an obligatory menu add-on—they’re legitimate entrees that appeal to a variety of dietary preferences and appetites. You can go bold and indulgent with the Quesadilla Chicken Salad or light and fruity with the Strawberry Chicken. You’ve got protein, you’ve got crunch, and you’ve got dressing options that don’t overpower the produce.
From a business standpoint, this is what you want in a salad lineup: variety, value, and visual impact. And from a diner’s perspective? These salads actually taste great. Isn’t that the whole point?
FAQs – Applebee’s Salad Menu
Can I customize my salad at Applebee’s?
Yes, and it’s something I always recommend when building menus—offering flexibility. Guests can request grilled or fried chicken, skip certain toppings, or opt for dressing on the side.
Which salad is best for calorie-conscious diners?
Go with the Grilled Oriental Chicken Salad or Strawberry Chicken Salad—both are lighter yet packed with protein and flavor. Ask for dressing on the side to control portions.
Are Applebee’s salads available for takeout or delivery?
Absolutely. And they hold up surprisingly well. From a food packaging perspective, Applebee’s does a solid job keeping crunchy elements separate when needed. Just check for dressing placement before digging in.
Do they come with sides or bread?
No, salads are standalone entrées. But from my experience, pairing one with a cup of soup or a light appetizer can round out the meal nicely without making it feel too heavy.
Are these good for people new to ordering salads?
Definitely. That’s actually part of their brilliance—they’re satisfying enough to feel like a full meal, even for folks who typically lean toward sandwiches or pastas.
Conclusion
In the world of casual dining, it’s easy to assume salads are just an afterthought—something added to the menu to tick the “healthy option” box. But Applebee’s proves otherwise.
With salads that are flavorful, well-portioned, and thoughtfully constructed, they’re meeting the modern diner where they are: craving something satisfying without overindulging. From my experience managing menus, I can tell you this—when you design salads with care, people notice.
Applebee’s gets that. Whether it’s the colorful flair of the Strawberry Chicken Salad or the comfort-loaded crunch of the Oriental Chicken, there’s a genuine effort here to make salads a centerpiece, not a compromise. So if you’re thinking of skipping past the greens, give them a second look. Because at Applebee’s, the salad isn’t just on the menu—it’s worth ordering.
