Eating at Applebee’s can be a challenge for vegan eaters, but it is possible. Applebee’s tends to have some great vegan options, but this can depend on the menu at the location you choose to visit. These options include a vegan burger, many sides, a few salads, and even an appetizer or two.
Maybe not at the level of Slutty Vegan, but Applebee’s has some great vegan options including a vegan burger, multiple sides, salads, and maybe even an appetizer depending on your local Applebee’s menu choices.
Is it easy to be vegan at Applebee’s?
Applebee’s vegan options were once pretty limited, but it is getting easier to be vegan at Applebee’s.
Applebee’s was not always so vegan-friendly. The cooking processes used to include things such as animal lard, but they updated their cooking processes as well as some of the items they serve. Many people who enjoy a plant-based diet may have no clue that Applebee’s has added some vegan options.
Some locations still lack vegan options, but many carry the majority of the items listed here. Hopefully, their menu grows in the future to include more plant-based options. Let’s take a closer look at the menu.
Vegan Appetizers at Applebee's:
- Basket of Fries
- Chips & Salsa
In the past, Applebee’s used oil that contained animal lard, but today you can enjoy both of these appetizers on a vegan diet. Thankfully all Applebee’s use vegetable oils (soybean in particular) that are trans-fat free.
Applebee's Main-course Vegan Meal Options:
- Impossible Burger without cheese (this vegan burger is not available at all locations)
- Southwestern Chicken Salad (request no chicken and no cheese, and then substitute the dressing for a vegan option – see below)
- Oriental Chicken Salad (request no chicken and substitute the dressing for a vegan dressing – see below)
Those are all the vegan main courses you can order at this time. If none of those items sound appetizing, Applebee’s has some decent sides to choose from that can build a simple vegan meal or add some bulk to one of the above salads. Let’s take a look at all of the vegan sides at Applebee’s.
Applebee's Vegan Sides:
- French Fries
- Seasoned Fries
- Steamed Broccoli (request no butter)
- Apple Sauce
- Baked Potato (request no butter)
- House Salad (no cheese, see vegan dressings below)
- Salad Greens with Fruit and Veggies
- Grilled Onions (off-menu but can be ordered as a topping)
- Guacamole
Some Applebee’s locations may also carry corn. You can make the corn vegan by requesting no butter. Surprisingly, most locations do not have corn, so this vegan side is a treat for just a few of you. Other than the items listed above, there are no more vegan-friendly sides to order at Applebee’s. Hopefully they add a few more sides for plant-based eaters in the future.
Applebee's Vegan Salad Dressings & Sauces
- Lemon Olive Oil Vinaigrette
- Fat-Free Italian
- Champagne Vinaigrette
- Sweet & Spicy Sauce
- Balsamic Glaze
- Salsa
- Pico De Gallo
- Chimichurri Sauce
- Chunky Roma Pepper Relish
- Black Bean Corn Salsa
- Chunky Roma Pepper Relish
Is That All The Vegan Options at Applebee's?
Other than the drinks they serve, that is all they offer as far as Applebee’s vegan options.
Like with all restaurants, Applebee’s updates its menu regularly. They also have a helpful Allergen Guide.
Keep in mind that the breadsticks, onion rings, and toasted brioche buns all contain ingredients that are not dairy-free or vegan-friendly, such as milk, eggs, and butter. Many pasta dishes and desserts available at Applebee’s can be made vegetarian with a few changes, but unfortunately, they can not be made vegan. Their soups are not vegan either, and most contain beef broth. For now, you will have to skip those items and hope they make some changes in the future.
When you order at Applebee’s there is always a risk of cross-contamination. That can be a deal-breaker for some. If you are not worried about that, there are enough items on their vegan menu to make a decent meal. Someday, if they make their Impossible Burger available at all locations, it will be easy to enjoy an entirely vegan meal at Applebee’s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Applebee’s has added many vegan options lately, so you can enjoy things like Fries, Chips & Salsa, Impossible Burger without cheese, Southwestern Chicken Salad or Oriental Chicken Salad. For the full list, check out our article above! Remember, when you order at Applebee’s there is always a risk of cross-contamination.
Yes, Applebee’s pretzels are vegan, but you have to remember not to order honey mustard or cheese dip with it.
Unfortunately, Applebee’s Breadsticks are pre-made with butter, so they are not considered vegan. Maybe try the pretzels instead.
Applebee’s fries are vegan, however, cross-contamination can be an issue because the fries may be cooked in the same fryer as any meat products at the restaurant.
Unfortunatelly, Applebee’s Crunchy Onion Rings are not vegan because they contain dairy.
