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Tangy Asian Salad Dressing with a hint of sesame and the sweetness of honey is perfect for topping salads, tossing with cabbage for a quick slaw, or for dipping chicken fingers. Whisk this dressing together now and enjoy it all week long!
A couple weeks ago, I asked some friends to share their easiest, most loved summer recipes. I enjoy getting creative in the kitchen, but some nights I simply want to follow a recipe that I know will turn out well and still have the fun of serving my family something new. My friend Amy sent me her recipe for this salad dressing and I am happy to tell you it trumps the Applebee’s dressing, hands down.
When I was a newlywed (and one who positively could NOT cook, I might add) one of my favorite salads was the Asian Chicken Salad from Applebees. I have such fond memories of that salad, I even befriended one of the servers at the restaurant near our home. I would call ahead and pick up a pint of the dressing anytime I was craving the salad. Little did I know just how easy it could have been to mix up my own copycat version of their dressing and that it would taste so much better too!
I’ll be sharing the full salad recipe with you tomorrow, but if you want a headstart, just whisk this batch of dressing together now and let it chill until tomorrow.


{Copycat} Applebee’s Asian Salad Dressing
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 6 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Whisk together all ingredients in a small bowl. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use. Enjoy!
ONE YEAR AGO: Hawaiian Grilled Chicken Sandwiches
TWO YEARS AGO: Pineapple and Coconut Baked Oatmeal
THREE YEARS AGO: BBQ Chicken and Caramelized Onion Enchiladas
FOUR YEARS AGO: Lemon and Garlic Broiled Tilapia













I've often joked that I could drink this dressing. HA! I always have some in the fridge. Great as a dipping sauce, too. So glad you loved it…I'm not surprised!
So very close to the real thing! Thank you!
I’m glad you like it, Julie!
How long will it last in the fridge?
Hi Sherry, it should be fine for up to a week.
I’ve never eaten this dressing before but just needed an Asian salad dressing for a lunch salad and my oh my, this dressing is pretty darn delicious. Cannot wait to get feedback from my guests. Simple to make and not too heavy on the sesame flavoring.
I’m so glad that you like the dressing, Julie! It’s a long time favorite here.
This delicious salad dressing made a great accompaniment to my salad with fresh apples and blueberries. Easy to pull together and the longer it rests, the more flavorful it becomes. : )
I’m so glad that you are enjoying the dressing, Nancy!
Absolutely delicious!!
I’m thrilled that you like the salad, Nancy!
AWESOME!
Great taste and so easy to make! Just like being at Applebee’s!
Thank you for making my day!
You are welcome, Bonny. Enjoy.
I made this dressing for an oriental salad I purchased. I love, love, love the Applebee’s version and to me this is just as good. It has all the flavor I want and very easy to prepare … both are important to me. Thank you sooooo much.
Linda
I’m so glad you like the dressing, Linda!
Mary, I have made this numerous times and want to double or triple the recipe. But how long do you think it will be good in the fridge? I make and put in a canning jar. Shake and serve
This will multiply nicely and should keep well in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks, Karen. I’m glad you like it so much!
Increase toasted sesame oil to 1/2 teaspoon and Add two drops almond extract.
Perfect match!!!
I’m so glad that you like it, Nanoh!
This dressing tastes just like Applebee’s!!!! I just made it, absolutely love it!
I’m happy to hear that you are enjoying the dressing, Nancy.
Delish! I’m very picky about homemade dressings. Will definitely make this again!
Oh good! I am so glad you enjoyed it, Elizabeth.
Delish! I’m very picky about homemade dressings. Will definitely make this again!
UPDATE: just finished eating this salad for dinner. My husband and I are addicted. We also added wonton strips for extra crunch. SO GOOD!
Wonton Strips are a great addition, Elizabeth.
Need nutritional information especially sodium, potassium and magnesium for heart and kidney patients.
Unfortunately, that isn’t something I am able to provide, Deborah. You should be able to copy/paste the ingredients into an online calculator though and determine those amounts.
I didn’t think it was as good tasting as Applebees but it was still good
Glad to hear you liked the dressing, Diane.
It was pretty close to Applebee’s Asian dressing but something was missing. With that said, it tasted better the next day.
I’ve found that many dressing improve after resting in the fridge for a while, Nina. I’m glad you like it.
This recipe is spot on
I’m thrilled you like it!
The dressing was very thin and had a soupy consistency for some reason. I followed the exact recipe. Disappointed because I love this dressing from Applebees.
I’m not sure why it would have been so thin, Nicole. You can increase the mayonnaise a bit to thicken it, however that will change the flavor slightly. My first guess would be that there might have accidentally been too much vinegar added, as that’s the only possible thinning ingredient here.
I love this drsg. so glad you figured it out. can’t wait to make it tomorrow. have my crunchy salad alreadyade up. I’ve eaten so many of Applebee’s chicken oriental salads. so I’m thrilled. thank you
mmmmm it’s a favorite here too!