Our Guide To Vegan Options at Applebee’s

Applebee’s is one of the most popular restaurant chains in the United States, with locations in nearly every state. 

Chances are, you’ve been to an Applebee’s or will find yourself invited there with friends or family. But if you’re vegan, navigating the menu at chain restaurants can feel a little tricky.

Do they have vegan options? The good news is yes—Applebee’s offers a surprising variety of plant-based dishes, from appetizers to burgers, with a little customization. 

This guide will walk you through all the vegan-friendly items at Applebee’s so you can order confidently and enjoy a meal that fits your lifestyle.

What Can Vegans Eat At Applebee’s?

Fortunately, Applebee’s has some solid vegan options, even if their menu isn’t explicitly vegan-focused. 

With a few swaps and customizations, you’ll be able to enjoy appetizers, salads, bowls, and even burgers. 

Here’s the full breakdown of what to order:

Applebee’s Vegan Appetizers

• Pretzels (Without Honey Mustard): Applebee’s soft pretzels are a great choice for sharing with friends. Just skip the honey mustard and ask for a vegan-friendly dip like standard mustard or marinara sauce.
• Chips and Dip (Without Queso): Order the queso dip and chips but swap out the white queso dip for guacamole or chipotle lime salsa. You’ll be left with a vegan-friendly appetizer that’s fresh, flavorful, and perfect for sharing.

Applebee’s Vegan Salads

• Strawberry Balsamic Salad (Customize): This fruity and tangy salad usually comes with chicken, but you can easily make it vegan by swapping the chicken for an Impossible Patty (additional cost) and skipping the cheese.
• House Salad (Customize): The house salad is a simple but reliable option. Be sure to remove the cheese and choose a vegan dressing, like the Italian Dressing or Lemon Olive Oil Dressing.

Applebee’s Vegan Irresist-A-Bowls

• Tex-Mex Lime Shrimp Bowl (Customize): This flavorful bowl can easily be made vegan. Skip the shrimp and substitute it with an Impossible Patty or go without protein for a lighter meal.
• Southwest Chicken Bowl (Customize): The Southwest Chicken Bowl offers bold, zesty flavors. To make it vegan, swap the chicken for an Impossible Patty or simply leave it out.

Applebee’s Vegan Burgers

• The Impossible Cheeseburger (Customize): Applebee’s Impossible Cheeseburger is vegetarian by default, but you can make it vegan by asking for no cheese or mayo. Bonus: The brioche bun is vegan-friendly!

Applebee’s Vegan Side Dishes

• Baked Potato (Customize): A classic side dish that’s delicious on its own. Be sure to skip the butter and sour cream, and consider adding guacamole or salsa for extra flavor.
• Steamed Broccoli (Customize): A simple, healthy side that’s vegan as long as you ask your server to hold the butter.
• Fries or Waffle Fries: Good news—Applebee’s fries and waffle fries are vegan! However, be sure to ask your server if the fries are cooked in shared fryers with animal products, as this varies by location.

Pro Tip: Always double-check with your server about preparation methods, especially when visiting a new Applebee’s location. Policies can vary between restaurants.

What’s Not Vegan at Applebee’s?

While Applebee’s does have some vegan options, there are popular menu items that aren’t vegan-friendly, even with customizations. 

Avoid these dishes to save yourself the disappointment:

• Mashed Potatoes: Made with butter and therefore not vegan.
• Pasta Dishes: All pasta used at Applebee’s contains eggs.

If you’re ever unsure about an item, don’t hesitate to ask your server for clarification—they’re there to help!

Tips for Ordering Vegan at Applebee’s

1. Ask About Fryers: Confirm whether fries or other fried items are cooked separately from meat products.
2. Customize Your Order: Many dishes can be made vegan with simple swaps, like removing cheese or substituting with an Impossible Patty.
3. Double-Check Dressings: Stick to vegan-friendly dressings like Italian Dressing or Lemon Olive Oil Dressing.
4. Be Specific: When ordering, make it clear that you want no butter, cheese, or animal-based ingredients to avoid mix-ups.

Final Thoughts

While Applebee’s doesn’t have a dedicated vegan menu, they offer plenty of customizable options to accommodate a plant-based diet. From pretzels and salads to burgers and bowls, there’s enough variety to enjoy a satisfying meal.

Remember, the key to dining vegan at Applebee’s is customization and communication. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or request modifications to ensure your meal meets your dietary needs.

With a little planning, you can enjoy your visit to Applebee’s without compromising your vegan lifestyle. So go ahead, grab some friends, and savor your next meal with confidence!

Frequently Asked Questions