Something I didn’t mention in my two recent posts about visiting Nashville, Tennessee (that you can read here and here) was how much time I spend outside the city here. Nashville is fun for sightseeing, shopping, and fine dining, but there is much more to see in the area. So when I spent time exploring the countryside (as you can see from my recent Instagram posts), it made sense to try a restaurant with a familiar name, Applebee’s, who recently debuted their wood fired grill menu that I was invited in to try.

Summer Eats & Treats from Applebee’s

Checking Out The Dining Area

We drove to the Applebee’s in Spring Hill, Tennessee, which is a rather remote area about an hour outside of Nashville, and I ordered enough for my parents, me, and my two kids to eat for lunch, dinner, and leftovers for the next day. My kids were super excited to sit down at a restaurant. Since we went on a weekday afternoon, the dining area was empty. This was perfect for energetic kids because they couldn’t disturb any other guests there.

Applebee's debuts a delicious menu of with wood fired grill salads and specialty places along with classic desserts. Enter to win two $50 gift cards there! Found on www.theresasreviews.com.

I treated each of my kids to a milk and an apple juice. They were so happy to get their pick of items off the menu. The lighting was nice inside the restaurant, and there was plenty of space inside our booth.

Applebee's debuts a delicious menu of with wood fired grill salads and specialty places along with classic desserts. Enter to win two $50 gift cards there! Found on www.theresasreviews.com.

Food Begins To Arrive: The Boneless Wings

We started off our meal with the boneless wings. Even though I mainly ordered these for my kids to eat, I had to try a couple myself. The texture was a lot like a chicken nugget with real chicken inside. Everyone loved the sauce, which was sweet, flavorful, and kid-friendly.

Applebee's debuts a delicious menu of with wood fired grill salads and specialty places along with classic desserts. Enter to win two $50 gift cards there! Found on www.theresasreviews.com.

These wings were enough to fill both of my girls up enough that they couldn’t help eat the rest of the food we ordered (except the dessert). They loved the wings so much they are every last bite and had none left over to take home. Since they can be really picky about their food, I took this as a huge compliment showing how tasty the wings were.

Applebee's debuts a delicious menu of with wood fired grill salads and specialty places along with classic desserts. Enter to win two $50 gift cards there! Found on www.theresasreviews.com.

Wood Fired Grill Salad: The Latest To Debut At Applebee’s

One of the latest items to debut at Applebee’s is the wood fired grill menu. Not only can you can buy meat dishes that have been cooked on the wood fired grill, but there are also delicious salads with that smoky, grilled flavor. In honor of National Watermelon Day on August 3rd, I ordered the Grilled Watermelon and Spicy Shrimp Salad.
Applebee's debuts a delicious menu of with wood fired grill salads and specialty places along with classic desserts. Enter to win two $50 gift cards there! Found on www.theresasreviews.com.

After a long day of watching to kids play outside in the most unbearable heat, this salad was the most refreshing dish! Paired with a savory feta cheese, the watermelon gave a light and hydrating touch to the salad. There was a light dressing that contrasted the bold flavor of the spicy shrimp. I loved the balance of flavor and textures.Applebee's debuts a delicious menu of with wood fired grill salads and specialty places along with classic desserts. Enter to win two $50 gift cards there! Found on www.theresasreviews.com.

French Onion Soup

An appetizer we ordered was the French Onion Soup. I liked the amount of cheese and onions. The flavor of the broth was rich but not overly bold. Although a restaurant French Onion Soup can’t quite compare to the homemade French Onion Soup we sometimes have, this was a good effort and was overall successful and tasty.

Applebee's debuts a delicious menu of with wood fired grill salads and specialty places along with classic desserts. Enter to win two $50 gift cards there! Found on www.theresasreviews.com.Wood Fired Grill Steak with Broccoli and Green Beans

Another item we ordered was the wood fired grill steak with broccoli and green beans. I thought the green beans were amazing. They were cooked well enough that they weren’t tough at all, and they had a delicious garlic butter flavor. The steak was a great cut with minimal fat. It was cooked nicely and had a good flavor. You can really taste that the steak was cooked on a wood fired grill.
Applebee's debuts a delicious menu of with wood fired grill salads and specialty places along with classic desserts. Enter to win two $50 gift cards there! Found on www.theresasreviews.com.

Wood Fired Grill Salmon with Broccoli and Green Beans

For a seafood dish with a woody taste, you can order the wood fired grill salmon. This dish has a delicious smoky flavor and comes in a generous helping of salmon. In fact, there was plenty of salmon for two meals since this dish was more than enough for lunch. The sides were cooked very well.

Applebee's debuts a delicious menu of with wood fired grill salads and specialty places along with classic desserts. Enter to win two $50 gift cards there! Found on www.theresasreviews.com.

Full Rack Of Ribs With Macaroni And French Fries

So, with a $100 gift card to spend, it only made sense to order an extra dish to take home. I ordered the full plate of ribs with a side of macaroni and french fries, hoping that my kids would eat this after their wings. Since they filled up on the wings, they ended up not touching this rib plate, leaving me with plenty for dinner and lunch for the next day. The ribs were cooked nicely and had a good flavor. I liked the barbeque, which was sweet and smoky. 

The macaroni had a gourmet flavor with chunks of bacon on top. I liked the large, chunky macaroni noodles and the creamy cheddar taste. My kids enjoyed the fries.Applebee's debuts a delicious menu of with wood fired grill salads and specialty places along with classic desserts. Enter to win two $50 gift cards there! Found on www.theresasreviews.com.

Brownie Bite

For dessert, the kids split the Blue Ribbon Brownie bite that had a nice mixture of hot fudge and cool ice cream. The size of this dessert was nice and small, so it was perfect for kids or adults trying to eat healthy. I also ordered each kid a milk shake, which they loved.

Applebee's debuts a delicious menu of with wood fired grill salads and specialty places along with classic desserts. Enter to win two $50 gift cards there! Found on www.theresasreviews.com.

Triple Chocolate Meltdown

Another dessert we ordered was the Triple Chocolate Meltdown. This was incredibly rich and chocolatey. For anyone craving chocolate, this dish is the perfect item. There was more than enough to share. When you’re eating this dish, you really need to fill each spoonful with some brownie and some ice cream to balance out the rich flavors.Applebee's debuts a delicious menu of with wood fired grill salads and specialty places along with classic desserts. Enter to win two $50 gift cards there! Found on www.theresasreviews.com.

Overall, we had a delicious meal with so many different dishes to try! I loved sampling everyone’s dishes. This was a fun outing for the whole family, and everyone was happy with their food.

Giveaway

I’m giving away two $50 gift cards to Applebee’s! To enter, just leave an answer in the comments to this question – which new grilled salad at Applebee’s would you try and why? Then, to get credit for your entry and to get additional entries, use this simple Rafflecopter widget.
a Rafflecopter giveawayApplebee's debuts a delicious menu of with wood fired grill salads and specialty places along with classic desserts. Enter to win two $50 gift cards there! Found on www.theresasreviews.com. #Giveaway

You can also enter a sweepstakes hosted by Applebee’s. Guests are invited to submit their favorite salad recipes via photo or text on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtags #WoodFired and #Sweepstakes and tagging the Applebee’s account, for the chance to win a $100 Applebee’s gift card. The sweepstakes runs from July 20 through August 3 (National Watermelon Day).

Disclosure

I received a free Applebee’s gift card, but it in no way influenced my opinion.

About The Author

Editor
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Theresa has been writing since 2010 in magazines and online. Her lifestyle and parenting expertise has been featured in publications, including ShopSmart and Scholastic. She earned an M.Ed in Elementary Education from Vanderbilt as well as a BA in History from Flagler College, and she is a certified teacher.

96 Responses

  1. Shambray

    I want to try the Crispy Chicken ’N Cornbread Salad. It looks so yummy and love crispy chicken salads.

    Reply
  2. Monica Kirkham

    You have me sold on the Grilled Watermelon and Spicy Shrimp salad. It looks absolutely mouth watering. I can imagine how delicious the blend of the cool, sweet watermelon is with the spicy shrimp!! Yum!!

    Reply
  4. Ashlea

    I would love to try the Grilled Chicken, Avocado and Grapefruit Salad because I love everything avocado and grapefruit.

    Reply
  5. Holly

    I want to try the Grilled Watermelon and Spicy Shrimp salad! I love shrimp and watermelon and it looks so fresh. Applebees new menu items are always pretty good and these salads definitely look yummy!

    Reply
  6. Heather S

    I’d love to try the Grilled Chicken, Avocado and Grapefruit Salad. Sounds soooo good!

    Reply
  8. Linda F

    I’d love to try the Grilled Watermelon and Spicy Shrimp Salad because I love Shrimp and usually order that when I go out to eat.

    Reply
  9. michelle

    Watermelon and shrimp! It looks simply amazing and perfect for summer!

    Reply
  10. Nicole Lancaster

    I would like to try the Grilled Chicken, Avocado and Grapefruit Salad from Applebee’s because it the combination of the Grapefruit and Avocado make the salad refreshing and light.

    Reply
  12. Kerri Stewart

    I would love to try both the Southwestern Steak Salad and the Crispy Chicken ‘N Cornbread Salad. They look so delicious plus the both come with Ranch Dressing which I love.

    Reply
  17. Chasity Smith

    The Crispy Chicken ’N Cornbread Salad sounds like it would be delish!

    Reply
  19. Erica j.

    My kids are seriously obsessed with Applebee’s!! Any time we go out they always suggest we go there. Its the best!!

    Reply
  24. cyndi br

    I would try the Crispy Chicken ’N Cornbread Salad because I like salads that have chicken in the meal

    Reply
  25. Betsy Barnes

    I would love to try the Grilled Watermelon and Spicy Shrimp Salad. I love anything with shrimp and grilled watermelon sounds interesting! 🙂

    Reply
  26. Julie Wood

    I want to try the NEW Southwestern Steak Salad! looks delicious on their site.

    Reply
  28. Cheryl B

    I love the Wood Fired Grill Steak with Broccoli and Green Bean. It sounds delicious, and I enjoy their steaks.

    Reply
  31. shelly peterson

    I would love to try the Grilled Watermelon and Spicy Chicken Salad.

    Reply
  32. Terryn

    Oh my goodness, those pictures are making me hungry! I would love to try the watermelon and shrimp salad. And the salmon…

    Reply
  35. Christina A.

    The Grilled Chicken, Avocado and Grapefruit Salad sounds wonderful! It seems like it would be healthy and refreshing!

    Reply
  36. Maryanne

    Sounds like you had a wonderful lunch! If only I was still in the States I would totally go give the menu a try! Oh well, something to look forward to, right?

    Reply
  37. Keri Justice

    I would love to try the the Crispy Chicken ‘N Cornbread Salad.

    Reply
  38. Lisa Arcelia

    Of course I would like to try the Grilled Watermelon and Spicy Shrimp Salad! It sounds and looks delish! Your girls are beautiful and your food pics are absolutely mouth watering. Well-done! I just noticed you;re a certified teacher. I am too! 🙂

    Reply
  39. Mami2jcn

    I would like to try the Wood Fired Grilled Chicken, Avocado and Grapefruit Salad because I’m crazy about avocado.

    Reply
  40. Christina Cannon

    The Crispy Chicken and Cornbread salad looks and sounds amazing. Being a southerner you can never go wrong with this combination.

    Reply
  43. CourtneyLynne

    Ooooo yummy!!! I just love Applebee’s! I haven’t been in awhile. Need to change that.

    Reply
  45. Amber Stewart

    I would love to try the Grilled Watermelon and Spicy Shrimp Salad.It looks amazing!!

    Reply
  47. Jessica Herring

    I would like to try the Wood Fired Grilled Chicken, Avocado and Grapefruit Salad!

    Reply
  48. Sheila K.

    I would love to try the Wood Fired Grill Steak with Broccoli and Green Beans—it sounds delicious to me!

    Reply
  49. DEBIJOT

    I would try the Southwestern Steak Salad because it sounds delicious.

    Reply
  51. Stephanie Phelps

    I would love to try the NEW Grilled Chicken, Avocado and Grapefruit Salad with shrimp!

    Reply
    • Stephanie Phelps

      So sorry I forgot the why. I would love to try it because love shrimp and avocado
      and this sounds so refreshing on a hot day!

      Reply
  54. Natalie

    I would love to try the grilled Chicken, Avocado and Grapefruit Salad because it sounds light and refreshing!

    Reply
  56. Donna L

    The Southwestern Steak Salad looks delicious. I would like to try that one first.

    Reply
  58. Laurajj

    Oh I would first try the Southwestern Steak Salad! Oh that looks so good, as do they all!

    Reply
  59. Janice Cooper

    I would love to try their Crispy Chicken ’N Cornbread Salad

    Reply
  60. Barbara Montag

    I would have to try the Southwestern Steak Salad.
    Love all foods Southwestern!
    thank you

    Reply
  61. Kari

    I would try the southwestern steak salad. I’ve been on a big kick of loving steak lately and especially love it in a salad.

    Reply
  62. Nicole Ackerman

    The Crispy Chicken ’N Cornbread Salad looks great! Must try 🙂

    Reply
  63. Kenya F

    I need the Full Rack Of Ribs With Macaroni And French Fries in my belly ASAP! It looks delicious!

    Reply
  64. Tracie Cooper

    I would love to try the Southwestern Steak Salad, I love steak and it looks amazing!

    Reply
  67. natasha lamoreux

    I would love to try the grilled watermelon and spicy shrimp salad.

    Reply
  69. Sami

    I absolutely love Applebees!! It’s such a staple with me and my family since there’s one so close to my house as well as well as one right where we go on vacation every year. I’m so excited about their rebranding, and I’m sure I’ll be off to get some of their new food soon! The salad I’d most like to try off their new menu is the Crispy Chicken ’N Cornbread Salad, I love crispy chicken (makes me feel a little less like I’m eating a salad (; hehe!) and duh, who doesn’t love cornbread!

    xo
    Sami
    http://www.theclassicbrunette.com

    Reply
  70. Shane Prather

    Applebees is one of my fave restaurants – especially their asian chicken salad!

    Reply
  73. Amy Orvin

    I would like to try the Crispy Chicken ’N Cornbread Salad because I have never tried anything like that before. It would be different!

    Reply
  74. Shelley P

    I’d love to try the Grilled Watermelon and Spicy Shrimp Salad because it looks delicious! I love watermelon and shrimp but have never had a chance to enjoy them in a salad 🙂 I love trying something new too.

    Reply
  75. DEBIJOT

    I want to try the grilled watermelon and shrimp salad because I love shrimp and watermelon is my favorite fruit.

    Reply
  77. Gabrielly

    I want to try the Crispy Chicken ’N Cornbread Salad. It looks so yummy.

    Reply
  78. Marcia Goss

    The Grilled Watermelon and Spicy Chicken Salad sounds delicious! Watermelon is absolutely my favorite fruit in the summertime.

    Reply
  79. Tabathia B

    I want to try the Crispy Chicken ’N Cornbread Salad because I love chicken in a salad and hope that the cornbread is as good as southern cornbread

    Reply
  80. Elisabeth

    I’d love to try their Grilled Chicken, Avocado and Grapefruit Salad. I’ve been really into avocado lately and the grapefruit would be an interesting touch!

    Reply
  81. Stephanie Larison

    I would love to try out the new Southwestern Steak Salad…because I love steak!

    Reply
  82. Birdiebee

    I would try the Wood Fired Grill Salad with shrimp because I love shellfish.

    Reply
  84. ellen beck

    Grilled Watermelon and Spicy Shrimp Salad would be my choice!I like the idea of watermelon in a salad, and of course the shrimp in a salad is always good.

    Reply

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