Teriyaki Chicken Salad

This Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Salad is a flavorful fusion of sweet, savory, and crunchy—bringing the signature taste of Red Robin right to your dinner table. Perfectly grilled teriyaki-glazed chicken is sliced over a fresh bed of crisp romaine, shredded carrots, red cabbage, and vibrant green onions. The tropical notes from pineapple and mandarin oranges lift the flavor to refreshing heights, while crispy wonton strips add that irresistible crunch you’d expect from a restaurant-quality salad.

What sets this salad apart is the layering of textures and bold contrasts in flavor. It’s not just a salad—it’s a complete meal packed with lean protein, juicy fruit, hearty greens, and just enough indulgent crunch. Ideal for meal prepping or a light dinner, this copycat recipe satisfies cravings without compromising on nutrition or convenience. Whether served as a main dish or a shareable side, it’s guaranteed to brighten your table.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped

• 1/2 cup shredded carrots

• 1/2 cup chopped red cabbage

• 1/2 cup mandarin oranges, drained

• 1/2 cup pineapple tidbits, drained

• 1/4 cup sliced green onions

• 1/4 cup wonton strips

• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional)

• Olive oil for grilling

Directions:

1. Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag with the teriyaki sauce. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours).

2. Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, discarding the marinade.

3. Lightly oil the grill and cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked through. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice.

4. In a large bowl, toss romaine lettuce, shredded carrots, red cabbage, mandarin oranges, pineapple, and green onions.

5. Top with grilled teriyaki chicken slices.

6. Garnish with wonton strips and sesame seeds.

7. Serve immediately with extra teriyaki drizzle or a sesame-ginger dressing if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 2 servings

When it comes to meals that balance flavor, freshness, and nutrition, few dishes hit all the marks like a well-made chicken salad. But not just any chicken salad—this Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Salad, inspired by the beloved Red Robin menu, is a vibrant, crowd-pleasing favorite that brings bold Asian-inspired flavors into a light and satisfying meal.

This copycat version captures the essence of the original but adds the ease of a home-cooked dish. From the sweet-savory teriyaki glaze to the juicy grilled chicken and the refreshing blend of crunchy vegetables and tropical fruits, this salad is more than just a side—it’s a complete meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

What makes this particular salad shine is its dynamic combination of flavors and textures. The grilled chicken is marinated in teriyaki sauce, which infuses it with a rich umami taste layered with subtle sweetness and a touch of tang. When paired with crisp romaine lettuce, shredded carrots, and red cabbage, the salad takes on a beautiful crunch and color contrast that’s visually as satisfying as it is delicious.

But it doesn’t stop there—what really elevates this dish is the inclusion of mandarin oranges and pineapple tidbits. These fruits bring a natural sweetness that cuts through the savory teriyaki, brightening the flavor and adding a tropical flair. Top it off with crunchy wonton strips and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and every bite becomes a fusion of contrasting but harmonious notes.

Inspired by Red Robin, Perfected at Home

Red Robin is known for its big, bold flavors, and their teriyaki chicken salad is no exception. It’s one of those under-the-radar menu items that loyal customers rave about. This homemade version not only brings the same flavor to your kitchen, but also gives you the freedom to tweak ingredients based on dietary needs and personal preferences.

Unlike the restaurant version, where you don’t control the oil, sugar, or portion sizes, this copycat lets you cut back on calories, swap in healthier ingredients, or increase the protein. Want to make it even lighter? Try grilling the chicken without oil and using a low-sugar teriyaki sauce. Looking to bulk it up? Add some cooked quinoa or sliced avocado.

Nutritional Benefits of This Salad

One of the biggest advantages of making this dish at home is the nutritional profile it offers. Here’s why it’s a smart choice:

• Lean Protein: Chicken breast is a powerhouse of lean protein, essential for muscle building, immune function, and satiety. Grilling the chicken instead of frying it keeps the fat content low while enhancing the smoky flavor.
• Fresh Vegetables: Romaine, red cabbage, and carrots provide fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins like vitamin A, C, and K. These veggies support everything from eye health to immune defense.
• Fruit Power: Pineapple and mandarin oranges are loaded with vitamin C and natural sugars that provide quick energy. They also contain enzymes like bromelain (in pineapple) that aid digestion.
• Healthy Fats (Optional): You can top your salad with sesame seeds, a drizzle of sesame oil, or sliced avocado to add omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids that support heart and brain health.
• Low-Carb Option: By avoiding croutons or pasta, this salad stays relatively low in carbohydrates. You can also skip the wonton strips or use gluten-free ones if you’re avoiding gluten.

Versatility: Make It Your Own

This salad is incredibly versatile, making it an excellent base recipe to experiment with. You can tailor it to suit different dietary needs or flavor preferences. Here are a few ideas:

• Vegetarian/Vegan: Replace the grilled chicken with marinated tofu or tempeh, and use a vegan teriyaki sauce.
• Keto-Friendly: Omit the fruit and wonton strips, and use low-sugar teriyaki sauce. Add avocado or hard-boiled eggs for extra fats.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce in the teriyaki marinade, and check labels for gluten-free toppings.
• Meal Prep: Grill a few chicken breasts and store them in the fridge for the week. Chop veggies ahead and keep everything separate until ready to serve.

A Perfect Year-Round Meal

Although it’s especially popular in summer due to its refreshing and light nature, this salad can be enjoyed any time of the year. It’s ideal for hot days when you don’t want a heavy meal, but also works in colder months when you want a healthy, flavorful dish that’s still hearty and comforting thanks to the grilled chicken.

It’s also perfect for entertaining. You can serve it as a main course salad for dinner parties, backyard barbecues, or family lunches. Its vibrant colors and complex taste make it look restaurant-quality on any table.

Time-Saving and Meal Prep Friendly

The beauty of this recipe is that it takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, and the ingredients are easy to prep ahead. You can marinate the chicken the night before and store chopped veggies in airtight containers. The salad comes together in just a few minutes—making it a lifesaver for busy weeknights or healthy lunches to bring to work.

It’s also easy to double or triple the ingredients if you’re cooking for a larger group or planning multiple meals. The grilled chicken stores well in the fridge for 3–4 days, and the flavors only get better as the teriyaki glaze continues to soak into the meat.

Why Readers Will Love This Recipe

• Better than takeout: You control the ingredients, sodium levels, and sweetness.
• Quick to make: Done in 30 minutes with minimal effort.
• Full of flavor: Sweet, savory, tangy, and crunchy—every bite has it all.
• Beautiful presentation: The mix of colors and textures makes this dish visually stunning.
• Kid- and family-friendly: Even picky eaters love the sweet chicken and fun toppings.
• Customizable: Make it gluten-free, dairy-free, or low-carb with a few tweaks.

Final Thoughts

The Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Salad is a flavor-packed, nourishing dish that doesn’t skimp on taste or nutrition. Whether you’re a fan of Red Robin’s classic or just looking for a new way to enjoy grilled chicken and fresh veggies, this recipe delivers a restaurant-worthy experience with the comfort of a homemade meal.

Add it to your meal rotation and enjoy a bowl full of brightness, balance, and irresistible crunch—every single time.

Conclusion

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Salad isn’t just a meal—it’s a satisfying, flavor-packed experience that blends sweet, savory, and tangy notes with crunchy, refreshing textures. Inspired by the popular Red Robin favorite, this homemade version delivers all the crave-worthy taste in a lighter, more customizable form. Whether you’re prepping for a healthy lunch, a weeknight dinner, or a vibrant dish to serve guests, this salad checks every box: it’s nutritious, colorful, quick to make, and absolutely delicious. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen rotation—proof that salads can be both wholesome and seriously irresistible.