Salads
Applebee's Strawberry Balsamic Chicken Salad delivers that signature sweet-tart balance that makes every bite unforgettable. The secret lies in the strawberry-balsamic dressing—a perfect marriage of tangy balsamic and fresh strawberries—that transforms simple greens into a restaurant-worthy dish.
I've perfected this recipe to stay true to the original while making it approachable for home cooks, with a foolproof method for poaching or grilling the chicken just right.
The salad combines tender chicken, crisp greens, and a dressing that's simple to make ahead—just blend strawberries, balsamic vinegar, and a touch of honey until smooth.
The key is letting the dressing sit for at least 30 minutes before tossing, which allows the flavors to meld into that irresistible sweet-tart harmony. Croutons add crunch, while optional toppings like almonds or goat cheese elevate it further.
What you'll end up with is a salad that's visually stunning and packed with flavor—juicy chicken, vibrant greens, and a glossy dressing that ties everything together.
The presentation mimics Applebee's signature style, making it perfect for dinner parties or a special weeknight meal. This recipe delivers restaurant-quality results without the fuss.
Prep the dressing up to 2 days ahead, and assemble the salad just before serving to keep the greens crisp. The combination of techniques and timing ensures every component shines, from the perfectly poached chicken to the glossy, tangy dressing. Ready to recreate this crowd-pleaser at home?
Ingredients for applebee's strawberry balsamic chicken salad
Restaurant-quality ingredients that deliver the signature sweet-tart balance of Applebee's iconic salad.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast 🍗 | 1 ½ lb | Poached or grilled, sliced thin |
| Fresh Strawberries 🍓 | 1 lb | Hull and slice, ripe but firm |
| Balsamic Vinegar 🍷 | ¼ cup | Aged 25 years or more preferred |
| Honey 🍯 | 2 tbsp | Wildflower or clover preferred |
| Extra-Virgin Olive Oil 🫒 | ¼ cup | Light, fruity variety |
| Baby Spinach 🌿 | 8 oz | Fresh, crisp, organic preferred |
| Romaine Lettuce 🥬 | 1 whole | Chopped, crisp outer leaves |
| Red Onion 🧅 | ¼ whole | Thinly sliced, white part removed |
| Garlic Cloves 🧄 | 2 cloves | Minced, fresh preferred |
| Toasted Almonds 🥜 | ¼ cup | Sliced, lightly toasted |
| Croutons 🍞 | ½ cup | Store-bought or homemade |
| Goat Cheese 🧀 | 4 oz | Crumbled, optional topping |
| Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt 🧂 | ½ tsp | For seasoning chicken |
| Freshly Ground Black Pepper 🌶️ | ¼ tsp | For chicken seasoning |
| Lemon Juice 🍋 | 1 tbsp | Freshly squeezed, for brightness |
The strawberries are non-negotiable for that signature sweetness—organic berries from Trader Joe's or a local farmers market deliver the best flavor. Look for berries that are ripe but still firm to the touch, with vibrant red color and no bruising. The balsamic vinegar should be aged at least 25 years for that rich, caramelized depth; Balsamic Creme di Balsamo from Italy is my go-to. Honey adds the perfect touch of sweetness, but avoid the overly processed kind—local wildflower honey makes all the difference. For the greens, a mix of baby spinach and crisp romaine creates that signature Applebee's texture, while the red onion adds a subtle bite that brightens every bite.
No aged balsamic? Substitute with 2 tbsp balsamic glaze plus 1 tbsp extra honey—it won't be identical, but it works in a pinch. Fresh strawberries unavailable? Frozen unsweetened strawberries thawed and drained maintain the sweetness without watering down the dressing. For the chicken, grilling adds smoky depth, but poaching keeps it tender and juicy—simmer in broth with herbs for 12-15 minutes. The almonds can be swapped for walnuts or pecans if preferred, though almonds provide that classic crunch. Goat cheese adds richness, but feta or blue cheese crumbles work beautifully too if you're avoiding dairy.
Fresh strawberries and balsamic dressing keep for 2 days in the fridge, but the salad itself should be assembled just before serving to maintain crispness. Store dressing components separately—blend just before tossing for maximum freshness. Chicken can be poached ahead and stored for 3 days, while greens and toppings stay fresh for 2 days if sealed properly. For meal prep, portion the dressing and chicken separately, then combine with greens when ready to serve. The dressing's flavors deepen when refrigerated overnight, so making it a day ahead is ideal.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Foolproof Chicken: I swear by this method—just season, sear, and slice. No brining, no fussing, and that honey-balsamic glaze locks in moisture while giving it a sticky, caramelized finish. (Yes, even if you burn the toast.)
- Sweet-Savory Magic: That balsamic reduction cuts through the richness of the chicken while the fresh strawberries add a bright, juicy pop. Honestly, the balance is chef’s kiss—like a fancy dessert in salad form, but way more satisfying.
- Lunchbox Hero: Between us, this is my go-to for packed lunches. The chicken stays tender for days, and the strawberries keep it from tasting like yesterday’s leftovers. Toss in some greens or croissants, and you’ve got a meal that’ll make your coworkers jealous.
- Budget-Friendly Luxe: Chicken breast is affordable, and strawberries stretch further when diced small. A little olive oil and balsamic go a long way—this feeds four for less than takeout, but tastes like you slaved over it. (Spoiler: You didn’t.)
Step-by-step instructions for Applebee's-inspired strawberry balsamic chicken salad
This method delivers the signature balance of sweet-tart dressing and tender chicken that makes this salad irresistible.
Prepare the Sweet-Tart Strawberry Balsamic Dressing
In a blender, combine the 1 lb fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced), 0.25 cup balsamic vinegar, 2 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Blend until completely smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. This creates the foundation of the dressing.
With the blender running, slowly drizzle in the 0.25 cup extra-virgin olive oil until fully emulsified. The dressing should be vibrant pink with a glossy finish. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt if needed. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside—this dressing needs to sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld before using.
Cook and Slice the Chicken Breast
Season the 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast generously with 0.5 tsp Diamond Crystal kosher salt and 0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper on both sides. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken releases easily from the pan.
Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain. The slices should be ¼-inch thick for optimal texture. Keep the sliced chicken warm while you prepare the remaining salad components.
Assemble the Salad Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the 8 oz baby spinach and 1 whole chopped romaine lettuce. Add the 0.25 whole thinly sliced red onion (white part removed) and 0.25 cup toasted almonds. Gently toss everything together just until the spinach is wilted and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Add the sliced chicken to the bowl and toss again, ensuring each piece is coated with the greens. Sprinkle with 0.5 cup croutons and 4 oz crumbled goat cheese (if using). The goat cheese adds a creamy contrast to the bright dressing and tart strawberries.
Dress and Serve Immediately
Drizzle the prepared strawberry balsamic dressing over the salad, tossing gently to coat everything evenly. The dressing should glisten on the greens and chicken, creating a visually appealing dish. Taste and adjust the dressing-to-salad ratio if needed—you may want to reserve a little dressing to serve on the side.
Serve immediately while the chicken is still warm and the greens retain their crispness. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, with the dressing's sweet-tart notes complementing the tender chicken and nutty almonds. Garnish with a few extra strawberry slices if desired for presentation.
Pro Tips For Making Applebee'S Strawberry Balsamic Chicken Salad
- Grill Chicken Fast: Skip the oven—sear the chicken breasts in a hot skillet over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side. They’ll cook faster and stay juicier than baking, and the crust will hold up better when sliced for the salad.
- Toss Strawberries Dry: Pat the strawberries completely dry with a paper towel before slicing. Wet berries turn the dressing into soup, and the flavor gets lost in the mix. Trust me, this is the thing that matters most.
- Reduce Balsamic First: Simmer the balsamic vinegar and honey together for 3-4 minutes before adding olive oil. This thickens the dressing and makes the sweet-tart balance sing—no more watery drizzle on your salad.
- Slice Chicken Against Grain: Cut the chicken thinly against the grain after cooking, but wait until it’s cooled slightly. Warm chicken tears when sliced, and you’ll end up with a mushy salad. Patience here saves the dish.
Creative variations of this recipe
Sweet & Smoky Grilled Version
Swap poached chicken for grilled by marinating the breasts in 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tsp smoked paprika for 30 minutes before grilling over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side. The smoky char elevates the dressing’s sweetness—perfect for summer BBQs. 🔥
Spicy Southwestern Twist
Add 1 jalapeño (seeds removed) to the dressing blend and top with ¼ cup black beans, ¼ cup corn kernels, and 2 tbsp crumbled cotija cheese. The heat from the jalapeño balances the sweetness, while the beans add protein and texture—ideal for a lunch salad. 🌶️
Creamy Avocado Upgrade
Mash 1 ripe avocado into the dressing after blending for a luscious, creamy texture. Swap goat cheese for ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese and add ¼ cup chopped pecans. The avocado softens the salad while the blue cheese adds tangy depth—great for a decadent twist. 🥑
Asian-Inspired Fusion
Infuse the dressing with 1 tsp grated fresh ginger and 1 tsp sesame oil after blending. Toss with ¼ cup shredded carrots, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Serve with grilled chicken for a fusion salad that’s fresh yet bold. ✨
Breakfast-Inspired Toppings
Add a hard-boiled egg (sliced) and 2 tbsp crumbled bacon bits for a breakfast-for-dinner salad. The savory bacon and egg complement the sweet dressing, while ¼ cup cornflakes (instead of croutons) add a crispy, unexpected crunch. 🍳
Keto-Friendly Adaptation
Replace croutons with ¼ cup chopped pecans and swap goat cheese for 2 oz shredded parmesan. Use 2 cups chopped romaine (no spinach) and drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil** instead of extra dressing. This version keeps the sweet-tart flavor while cutting carbs. 💪
Nutrition facts
Frequently asked questions
Can I make the strawberry balsamic dressing ahead of time?
The dressing actually tastes better when made 1-2 days ahead—the flavors meld beautifully in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container and give it a quick stir before using. For maximum freshness, blend it fresh just before tossing with the salad, especially if using it on greens that will wilt over time.
What's the best way to keep the greens crisp in this salad?
Assemble the salad just before serving to maintain crispness. If prepping ahead, store the greens (spinach and romaine) separately in a sealed container with a paper towel to absorb moisture. Keep the dressing and chicken components refrigerated separately, then combine everything right before eating. Cold greens also help retain texture—serve chilled or at room temperature.
How do I adjust the sweetness in the dressing?
The honey and strawberries provide the sweetness, but you can easily adjust the balance. For a less sweet version, reduce honey to 1 tbsp and add 1 tsp lemon juice. For more sweetness, increase honey to 3 tbsp or add 1 tbsp maple syrup. Taste after blending and adjust gradually—you can always add more sweetener, but removing it is trickier!
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of poaching?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly—just shred or slice 1.5 cups of cooked chicken (about 2-3 cups raw yield). For extra flavor, toss the chicken pieces with 1 tsp balsamic vinegar and ½ tsp garlic powder before adding to the salad. The smoky notes from rotisserie chicken pair wonderfully with the sweet-tart dressing.
What's the secret to getting the dressing glossy like Applebee's?
The gloss comes from proper emulsification. When blending, drizzle the olive oil very slowly while the blender is running on high speed. This creates tiny oil droplets that suspend in the dressing, giving it that signature shine. For extra gloss, add 1 tsp Dijon mustard to the blender before adding oil—it acts as an emulsifier. Chill the dressing for 30 minutes before using for even better results.