Carrabba’s Italian Grill is known for its hearty Italian meals, but if you’re vegan, your choices are somewhat limited.
While there isn’t a dedicated vegan menu, some dishes can be modified to fit a plant-based diet.
The good news is that vegan items are well-labeled, making it easier to navigate the menu.
With a few substitutions, you can enjoy a satisfying meal at Carrabba’s. Here’s a breakdown of the best vegan-friendly options and how to order them.
What To Eat As A Vegan at Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Carrabba’s isn’t a vegan restaurant, so there is always a risk of cross-contamination in the kitchen.
While we can’t guarantee dedicated vegan preparation areas, it’s up to you to decide if this is a concern. If in doubt, ask your server about how your meal is prepared.
Appetizers
There aren’t many vegan appetizers at Carrabba’s, but one classic Italian starter is plant-based.
- Bread and Oil with Herbs – Fresh bread served with herb-infused olive oil for dipping. This option isn’t always on the menu, so check with your server. Also, ask for no butter, as Carrabba’s often brushes their bread with it before serving.
- Soup of the Day – Carrabba’s offers a rotating soup selection, but vegan options are rare. If you’re curious, ask your server whether the soup of the day is plant-based.
Salads
No salads on the menu are vegan as-is, but you can make modifications for a fresh and filling option.
- Italian Salad – Comes with romaine lettuce, garden vegetables, and kalamata olives. Order it without chicken or shrimp, and swap the Italian vinaigrette for the light balsamic dressing.
- Side Salad – Some entrées come with a small side salad. This is typically vegan, but always ask for no cheese and choose a plant-based dressing like balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
When ordering any salad, make sure to mention that you’re vegan and request no parmesan cheese, as it’s often added by default.
Entrées
For a main course, pasta is your best bet. While most dishes at Carrabba’s contain meat and cheese, a couple of pasta options are vegan-friendly.
- Linguine Positano – A simple but flavorful pasta dish made with linguine tossed in Positano sauce, a light red sauce with crushed tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil.
- Spaghetti with Pomodoro Sauce – A classic Italian dish featuring spaghetti in Pomodoro sauce, a slow-simmered tomato sauce that’s thicker and richer than Positano sauce.
Pasta dishes are served with either a cup of soup or a side salad. Since vegan soups are rare, the salad is usually the best choice. Be sure to request light balsamic dressing and no cheese.
Sides
The sides menu at Carrabba’s offers the most vegan-friendly choices. These can be ordered on their own or paired with pasta for a more filling meal.
- Sautéed Broccoli – Broccoli florets sautéed in olive oil with garlic, onion, and red peppers.
- Sautéed Spinach – Fresh spinach leaves sautéed with olive oil and garlic.
- Penne Pomodoro – A small side portion of penne pasta served with Pomodoro sauce.
- Grilled Asparagus – Simply grilled asparagus stalks, lightly seasoned.
Carrabba’s also offers seasonal sides from time to time. The grilled seasonal vegetables are often a vegan-friendly option, but be sure to confirm how they are prepared before ordering.
Cross-Contamination at Carrabba’s
Since Carrabba’s isn’t a fully vegan restaurant, all plant-based dishes are prepared in the same kitchen as animal products. Cross-contamination can happen, especially with shared cooking surfaces and fryers.
If this is a concern, speak with your server to see if any accommodations can be made when preparing your meal.
While separate cooking stations aren’t guaranteed, staff may be able to take extra precautions.
Final Thoughts
Carrabba’s Italian Grill doesn’t have a huge vegan selection, but with some modifications, you can enjoy a decent meal.
The best options are the Linguine Positano and Spaghetti with Pomodoro Sauce, paired with a side salad and one of the vegan-friendly sides.
If you’re in the mood for something lighter, the Italian Salad (without cheese and with balsamic dressing) is a good choice. Bread and herb-infused oil can also be a nice starter if available.
One thing to be cautious of is the soup of the day—it’s rarely vegan, so always check with your server. And if cross-contamination is a concern, be sure to ask how your food is prepared.
While Carrabba’s could offer more plant-based options, it’s still possible to enjoy a satisfying vegan meal with a few adjustments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Carrabba’s Italian Grill Have a Vegan Menu?
Carrabba’s doesn’t have a dedicated vegan menu, but there are a few plant-based dishes you can order, especially from the pasta and sides sections.
Is the Soup at Carrabba’s Italian Grill Vegan?
Carrabba’s offers a soup of the day, which is rarely vegan. The minestrone soup was once labeled vegan but no longer is. Always check with your server before ordering.
Does Carrabba’s Italian Grill Serve Gluten-Free Food?
Yes, Carrabba’s has gluten-free options, including pasta. However, cross-contamination can occur, so if you have an allergy or intolerance, speak with your server.
What’s the Difference Between Positano Sauce and Pomodoro Sauce?
Both sauces are made with tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and basil, but Positano sauce is lighter and chunkier, while Pomodoro sauce is simmered longer for a thicker, richer consistency.
Does Carrabba’s Offer a Seasonal Menu?
Yes, Carrabba’s has a seasonal menu, but it’s usually small and rarely includes vegan options. However, seasonal sides like grilled vegetables may be available.
