Zaxby’s House Salad (Copycat)
Zaxby’s House Salad (Easy Copycat Salad)
Introduction
Let’s talk about The Zaxby’s House Salad—that big, crunchy, feel-good salad that somehow tastes like comfort food and sunshine at the same time. I’ve chased this flavour for years. And friends, I’ve nailed it.
After a decade of cooking, testing, and occasionally burning things in my own kitchen, I’ve learned one truth: restaurant-style salads don’t need restaurant-level fuss. This version is fresh, fast, and totally doable on a weeknight. No stress. No shortcuts that ruin flavor. Just honest food that hits the spot.
I’m a gayan food lover who’s always learning new recipes, and this one feels personal. It’s the kind of bowl I make when I want something light—but still deeply satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s bright, crunchy, and seriously craveable. The chicken is juicy, the veggies are fresh, and the dressing ties everything together beautifully. You can customize it for grilled or crispy chicken without drama. It comes together in about 25 minutes, which is real-life friendly. And yes—your family will actually ask for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need For Zaxby’s House Salad (Copycat)
- Mixed greens
- cooked chicken
- red cabbage
- carrots
- cucumber
- tomatoes
- cheddar-jack cheese
- crispy fried onions
- salad dressing
Zaxby’s House Zalad (Copycat)
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Skillet or grill pan
- Tongs or salad servers
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 6 cups mixed salad greens
- 1½ cups cooked chicken, sliced or chopped
- ½ cup shredded red cabbage
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup diced English cucumber
- ½ cup chopped Roma tomatoes
- ½ cup shredded cheddar-jack cheese
- ⅓ cup crispy fried onions
- ⅓ cup dressing (lite vinaigrette or ranch)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil over medium heat and cook seasoned chicken until it reaches 165°F (74°C). Rest 5 minutes and slice.
- Wash and thoroughly dry salad greens.
- Chop tomatoes and cucumber; prepare cabbage and carrots.
- Place greens in a large bowl and top with cabbage and carrots.
- Add chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, and cheese.
- Sprinkle crispy fried onions over the salad.
- Drizzle dressing lightly and toss gently before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Dress just before serving for maximum crunch.
- Swap ranch for lite vinaigrette depending on your taste.
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Skillet or grill pan
- Tongs or salad servers
- Paper towels
How Do You Make The Zaxby’s House Salad? (Step-by-Step)
- Cook the chicken.
Heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook 4–5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let it rest 5 minutes, then slice. - Prep the produce.
Rinse and dry greens well. Chop tomatoes, dice cucumber, and shred carrots and cabbage if not pre-cut. - Build the base.
Add greens to a large bowl. Scatter cabbage and carrots evenly on top. - Add the good stuff.
Layer chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, and cheese over the greens. - Finish with crunch.
Sprinkle crispy fried onions generously across the salad. - Dress lightly.
Drizzle dressing just before serving. Toss gently so everything stays crisp. - Serve immediately.
Fresh is best. Big bowls. Big smiles.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the dry greens.
Wet lettuce = watery salad. Always dry well. - Overdressing.
Start small. You can always add more. - Cutting chicken too soon.
Resting keeps it juicy. Trust the pause. - Using sad tomatoes.
Ripe tomatoes make a huge difference. - Mixing too early.
Dress right before serving, or things get soggy.
Serving Suggestions
This salad shines with warm garlic toast, buttery dinner rolls, or a side of crispy fries if you’re feeling indulgent. It also pairs beautifully with iced tea or a light lemonade for that classic casual-dining vibe.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep dressing on the side. Do not freeze assembled salad—greens don’t survive freezing. If you must store leftovers, refresh with a handful of fresh greens before serving.
Nutrition Information For The Zaxby’s House Salad
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make this more like restaurant-style Zaxby’s?
Use very crisp greens, freshly cooked chicken, and don’t skimp on the fried onions. They’re the signature crunch.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep everything in advance, but assemble and dress right before eating for the best texture.
What is the best dressing for this salad?
Zaxby’s-style lite vinaigrette is classic, but creamy ranch is also fantastic.
How long does cooked chicken last in the fridge?
Properly stored, 3–4 days in an airtight container.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Swap chicken for crispy tofu or chickpeas.
