Eating at Applebee’s can be a challenge for vegan eaters, but it is possible. The well-known fast-food chain 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 overall 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.
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Is it easy to be vegan at Applebee’s?
In a word, It isn’t. Applebee’s vegan options were once pretty limited, but it is getting easier to be vegan at Applebee’s.
The American fast-food chain 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. First, let’s take a closer look at the menu.
Vegan Appetizers at Applebee's
Brew Pub Pretzels & Beer Cheese Dip
Luckily, the crunchy pretzel sticks are accidentally Vegan, so the only thing that must be substituted is the dip. I would recommend the chipotle lime salsa or marinara sauce.
White Queso Dip & Chips
The freshly made corn tortilla is 100 percent cruelty-free, however, the dip contains dairy. The most suitable substitute is the guacamole in my opinion. It is very similar to Starbuck’s guacamole spread, which is also vegan luckily.
How about the frier and oil?
Applebee's Main-course Vegan Meal Options
Luckily, Applebees has a pretty good vegan guide and there are many things to look forward to safely.
The Impossible Burger
Oriental Chicken Salad
A colorful salad that comes with various Asian greens, rice noodles, and Oriental vinaigrette. It is served with Applebee’s signature breadstick brushed with garlic butter and parsley. You must exclude the chicken and substitute the garlic butter for a vegan option (see below).
Southwest Chicken Bowl
The southwest chicken bowl comes with fresh and healthy mixed greens, cilantro rice, house-made pico de gallo, black bean corn salsa, and guacamole. Finally topped with chimichurri, tortilla strips, and a fresh lime wedge. The only non-vegan ingredients are the chicken and the dressing.
Strawberry Balsamic Chicken Salad
The flavorful healthy salad is served with garden tomatoes, red onions, and delicious fresh strawberries. In the end, It is topped with sliced almonds, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, and sweet lemon olive vinaigrette on the side. The plate comes with the signature breadstick. Luckily, It isn’t hard to make it vegan-friendly. Make sure that you exclude the chicken and substitute the dressing.
Are there vegan pasta?
The noodles itself is free from animal ingredients, however, there are no pasta dishes that could be satisfying. The “Breadsticks with Alfredo Sauce” belongs to the pasta, so you can order it with vegan sauce.
Vegan-friendly menu items altogether
All of the Sides
- Baked potato (no butter or sour cream)
- Basket of French Fries
- Seasoned Fries
- Steamed Broccoli (request no butter)
- Apple Sauce
- Side House Salad (no cheese, see non-diary, egg-free dressings like Olive Oil Vinaigrette 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
- Pico De Gallo
- Chimichurri Sauce
- Chunky Roma Pepper Relish
- Black Bean Corn Salsa
- Chunky Roma Pepper Relish
- Chipotle Lime Salsa
- Marinara
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
Does Applebee's have vegan options?
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.
Are Applebees pretzels vegan?
Yes, Applebee’s pretzels are vegan, but you have to remember not to order honey mustard or cheese dip with it.
Are Applebee's breadsticks vegan?
According to Applebee’s guide, It is vegan, just make sure you exclude buttery garlic.
Are Applebee's fries vegan?
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.
Are Applebee's onion rings vegan?
Unfortunately, Applebee’s Crunchy Onion Rings are not vegan because they contain dairy.