Salads
Applebee's House Salad recipe brings that signature restaurant flavor right to your kitchen table. š The secret lies in the smoky bacon, crisp celery crown crunch, and perfectly balanced ranch dressing that makes every bite irresistible.
I've recreated this dish exactly as it's served in their restaurants, including the signature toppings that set it apart from standard salads.
The foundation starts with fresh mixed greens topped with crispy bacon bits and crumbled blue cheese, creating that perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and creamy flavors. The celery crown crunch adds a satisfying crunch that's uniquely Applebee's, while the ranch dressing ties everything together with its signature tanginess.
This salad isn't just healthyāit's packed with bold flavors that make it a standout dish.
What makes this recipe special is how it replicates the restaurant's signature presentation. The bacon is perfectly crisped, the celery crown crunch maintains its satisfying crunch, and the blue cheese is crumbled just enough to distribute flavor throughout every bite.
The dressing is thick and creamy, ensuring each forkful delivers that familiar Applebee's taste.
Ready in just 15 minutes, this salad is perfect for weeknight dinners or as a refreshing starter for any meal. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser that's sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Let's get started on recreating this iconic dish at home.
Ingredients for applebee's house salad
Six cups of greens, smoky bacon, and that signature celery crown crunchāthis is your shortcut to restaurant-quality flavor.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mixed Greens š„ | 6 cups | Butter lettuce or spring mix preferred |
| Thick-Sliced Bacon š„ | 6 oz | Applewood smoked, cut into 1/4-inch pieces |
| Blue Cheese Crumbles š§ | Ā½ cup | High-quality, not pre-packaged |
| Celery Crown Crunch š§ | ā cup | Applebee's signature topping |
| Red Onion š§ | Ā¼ cup | Thinly sliced, white or red |
| Cherry Tomatoes š | Ā½ cup | Halved, vine-ripened preferred |
| Ranch Dressing š„ | Ā½ cup | Homemade or quality store-bought |
| Mayonnaise š„ | Ā¼ cup | For homemade ranch |
| Buttermilk š„ | Ā¼ cup | For homemade ranch |
| Dried Dill šæ | 1 tsp | For homemade ranch |
| Garlic Powder š§ | 1 tsp | For homemade ranch |
| Onion Powder š§ | 1 tsp | For homemade ranch |
| Salt š§ | Ā½ tsp | Diamond Crystal kosher preferred |
| Black Pepper š¶ļø | Ā¼ tsp | Freshly ground |
| Olive Oil š« | 1 tbsp | For crisping bacon |
The bacon makes or breaks this salad. Applewood smoked is idealāit's what Applebee's uses. Grab thick-cut slices from Costco or Trader Joe's for the best flavor and texture. If you can't find it, regular thick-cut bacon works, but it won't have that signature smokiness. Look for slices with good marbling, not the paper-thin kind. The celery crown crunch? That's the secret ingredientāApplebee's sells it in bulk online if you can't find it locally. For the greens, spring mix or butter lettuce holds up best under toppings without getting soggy. Pre-washed bags save time, but fresh is better if you've got it.
No celery crown crunch? Crushed potato chips or extra-thin celery slices can stand in, but it won't be the same. The ranch dressing is keyāhomemade is worth it. I use Hellmann's mayo and Great Value buttermilk for the creamiest version. No buttermilk? Milk plus 1 tsp vinegar works. The blue cheese should be crumbled by handāpre-packaged gets mushy. For the tomatoes, vine-ripened cherry tomatoes are sweeter, but regular tomatoes work in a pinch. The red onion adds bite, so don't skip itājust slice it thin so it doesn't overpower.
Bacon stays crispy for 2 days in the fridge if stored in a sealed container. The celery crown crunch? Keep it in an airtight containerāit loses its crunch fast. Make the ranch ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. I always double the batchāit disappears fast. For serving, toss everything together right before eating so the greens stay crisp. This salad tastes even better the next day once the flavors meld, so make extra if you're feeding a crowd.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- No Chopping Needed: I swear by this oneājust toss the pre-washed greens, crumble that bacon straight from the package, and sprinkle the Celery Crown Crunch like confetti. Fifteen minutes tops, and zero cleanup beyond a fork.
- Salty, Tangy Magic: That crispy bacon and funky blue cheese? Itās the dynamic duo of flavor town. The red onion adds a sharp bite, but the creamy dressing ties it all togetherālike a hug for your taste buds.
- Lunch or Dinner Fix: Honestly, this salad works for both. Pack it for work when youāre in a rush, or serve it as a light dinner when youāre craving something hearty but not heavy. My go-to for date nights or lazy Sundays.
- Budget-Friendly Crunch: Hereās what sold meāthe Celery Crown Crunch adds that restaurant-style texture without breaking the bank. A single bag stretches across multiple salads, and bacon freezes perfectly for future batches. Smart, simple, and satisfying.
Step-by-step instructions for Applebee's house salad
Here's how to recreate that iconic Applebee's salad at homeācrispy bacon, tangy ranch, and that signature Celery Crown Crunch.
š„ Step 1: Cook the Bacon Until Crispy
Place the 6 oz thick-sliced bacon in a cold, dry skillet over medium heat. I like to use a cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution. Cook the bacon for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches golden brown and crispy edges form. The rendered fat should pool in the panāthis is pure flavor we'll use later.
Here's the thingādon't rush this step. If you crank the heat too high, the bacon will burn before the fat renders properly. You want that smoky, crispy texture that makes this salad so special. Once done, remove the bacon from the pan with tongs and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Keep the bacon fat in the skillet for now.
šØāš³ Step 2: Make the Homemade Ranch Dressing
While the bacon cools, let's make that creamy ranch. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 0.25 cup mayonnaise, 0.25 cup buttermilk, 1 tsp dried dill, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp black pepper. This is where the magic happensāthe tangy buttermilk balances the richness of the mayo, and those spices give it that classic ranch flavor.
I know it seems like a lot of spices, but trust meāthis is the perfect ratio. Whisk until completely smooth, about 1-2 minutes. The dressing should be thick but pourable. If you're using store-bought ranch, skip to the next step, but homemade tastes so much better. Set the dressing aside until we're ready to assemble.
š„ Step 3: Assemble the Salad Base
In a large bowl, combine the 6 cups mixed greens, 0.5 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 0.25 cup thinly sliced red onion, and the crispy bacon (chopped into bite-sized pieces if needed). The greens should look fresh and vibrantāthis is your canvas. I like to use a gentle hand when tossing to avoid bruising the leaves.
Here's where it gets funāsprinkle the 0.5 cup blue cheese crumbles and 0.33 cup Celery Crown Crunch evenly over the salad. The blue cheese adds a sharp, tangy contrast to the smoky bacon, while the Celery Crown Crunch gives that signature Applebee's crunch. Don't skip this stepāit's what makes this salad stand out from regular house salads.
š½ļø Step 4: Dress and Serve
Drizzle the 0.5 cup ranch dressing over the salad and toss gently with tongs until everything is evenly coated. You want to distribute the dressing evenly so every bite has that creamy, tangy flavor. If you're using the homemade ranch, add it while the salad is still in the bowl. For store-bought, you can drizzle it on top right before serving.
Taste and adjust seasoning if neededāsometimes the blue cheese needs a little more salt, or the bacon could use an extra pinch of pepper. Serve immediately while the bacon is still crispy and the greens are fresh. This salad is best enjoyed right away when everything is at its peak texture and temperature.
Pro Tips For Making Applebee'S House Salad
- CRISPY NOT CHEWY: DESCRIPTION: Cook the thick-sliced bacon in a cold, dry skilletāno oilāuntil the first crackle, then add just enough fat to coat. I learned this the hard way: rushing the bacon with heat or oil makes it greasy, not crisp. The goal is that satisfying snap, not a soggy mess.
- SALT THE GREENS: DESCRIPTION: Toss the mixed greens with a pinch of salt right after washing and drying. This draws out excess moisture so they stay crisp, not wilted. I used to skip this, and the salad always felt limpālike someone microwaved it.
- CHOP THE ONION SMALL: DESCRIPTION: Dice the red onion into 1/8-inch pieces, not thin slices. Thin strips bleed color and turn mushy fast; tiny cubes stay bright and crunchy. Trust me, your salad wonāt turn into a sad, watery bowl of regret.
- DRESS JUST BEFORE SERVING: DESCRIPTION: Hold off on the dressing until the last secondāeven if itās calling your name. The Celery Crown Crunch loses its crunch in seconds once wet, and the blue cheese crumbles dissolve into a sad paste. Wait until plates are ready.
Wine and beer pairings for applebee's house salad
Crisp White Wine
For this smoky bacon and blue cheese salad, I reach for a dry Riesling or Sauvignon Blancāboth wines cut through the richness with their bright acidity and citrus notes. A Washington State Riesling like Chateau Ste.
Michelle offers crisp apple and peach flavors that complement the celery crown crunch beautifully. If you prefer something lighter, a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc from Cloudy Bay brings zesty grapefruit and herbaceous undertones that pair perfectly with the ranch dressing. š·
Malty Amber Ale
A German-style amber ale or American pale ale bridges the gap between the salad's smoky bacon and creamy blue cheese. I love Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy for its balanced malt sweetness and subtle citrus, which won't overpower the dish.
For something bolder, try a hazy IPA like Alaska Amberāthe hoppy bitterness contrasts nicely with the richness of the blue cheese. These beers add a malty depth that enhances the bacon's smokiness without clashing. šŗ
Light Red Option
If you prefer red wine, a light-bodied Pinot Noir from Oregon (like Domaine Serene) works surprisingly well. Its bright cherry and floral notes complement the smoky bacon without overwhelming the salad's fresh elements.
Avoid heavy Cabernets or Syrahsāthey'll compete with the blue cheese's tang. For beer lovers, a Belgian witbier like Hoegaarden adds a refreshing coriander-spiced note that cleanses the palate between bites. āØ
Non-Alcoholic Pairings
Skip the alcohol? No problem. A sparkling apple cider like Martinelli's mirrors the salad's crisp acidity and applewood bacon flavors. For something more savory, try a ginger beerāthe spicy kick balances the richness.
Even a cold hibiscus iced tea with lemon adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy ranch and smoky bacon. These options keep the meal light and refreshing while enhancing the salad's signature flavors. š«
Nutrition facts
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prep components ahead, but assemble it fresh for best results. Store the bacon separately (it stays crispy for 2 days in the fridge) and keep the dressing in a sealed container. Toss everything together right before serving to maintain that signature crunch from the celery crown and blue cheese.
What's the best way to crisp the bacon without burning it?
Use medium heat in a cold skillet and don't overcrowd the pan. Start with the bacon in a single layer, then cook for 8-10 minutes until golden brown. The key is patienceālet the fat render slowly. If it starts smoking, reduce the heat immediately to prevent burning.
Can I substitute the Celery Crown Crunch?
Yes! For a similar crunch, try crushed potato chips (like Wavy or Stax) or extra-thin celery slices lightly salted. For maximum flavor, combine 1/4 cup crushed chips with 1/4 cup celery slices. The chips add a salty crunch while celery brings freshnessājust don't skip both!
How do I make the ranch dressing extra creamy?
For a thicker ranch, chill the dressing for 30 minutes before using. You can also add 1 tablespoon sour cream or 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water to the mayo before whisking. For extra richness, replace 1 tablespoon of buttermilk with plain yogurt.
Is this salad kid-friendly?
Most kids love the bacon and ranch, but the blue cheese might be too strong. For a milder version, swap the blue cheese for shredded cheddar and reduce the amount by half. Keep the celery crown crunchāit's a fun texture they'll enjoy! Serve with chicken strips on the side for extra appeal.