Dining out as a vegan can sometimes be a challenge, especially at seafood restaurants like Red Lobster.
While they don’t have a dedicated vegan menu, there are still a few options you can order to make a satisfying meal.
This guide covers all the plant-based menu items at Red Lobster, including sides, sauces, and drinks, along with important notes on cross-contamination and customization tips.
Vegan Side Dishes At Red Lobster
While Red Lobster doesn’t offer any fully vegan entrées, you can create a meal by combining their plant-based sides.
- Quinoa Rice – A simple, hearty base that pairs well with other sides
- Baked Potato – Order without butter or sour cream
- Side Salad – Order without cheese or croutons and choose a vegan dressing
- Green Beans – A light and nutritious option
- Fresh Broccoli – Steamed and naturally vegan
- Crispy Brussels Sprouts – These are fried, so be aware of cross-contamination
- Sea-Salted French Fries – Another fried option with potential cross-contamination
If you want something more filling, pair a baked potato with quinoa rice, broccoli, and a side salad for a more balanced meal.
Vegan Sauces And Extras At Red Lobster
To add extra flavor to your meal, Red Lobster has a few vegan-friendly sauces:
- Ketchup – A classic choice for fries
- Marinara Sauce – Can be added to pasta or used as a dip
- French Dressing – A vegan-friendly salad option
- Cocktail Sauce – Pairs well with fries or as a dip for veggies
Additionally, some locations may offer Marinara Pasta, even though it’s not on the menu. If available, you can order plain spaghetti with marinara sauce—just confirm that no dairy or butter is added.
Vegan Drinks at Red Lobster
Red Lobster offers several vegan-friendly beverages, including soft drinks, teas, lemonades, and select alcoholic drinks.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks
- Soft Drinks – A variety of sodas, including Coca-Cola, Sprite, and Dr. Pepper
- Iced Teas – Available in flavors like classic, mango, peach, and raspberry
- Lemonades – Classic, strawberry, and watermelon flavors
- Coffee & Hot Tea – Served black; check if plant-based milk is available
Vegan Alcoholic Drinks
- Margaritas – Peach Margarita, Perfect Patron Margarita, and Raspberry Margarita
- Beers – Many standard beers are vegan, such as Corona Extra, Heineken, and Modelo Especial
- Hard Seltzers – Options like Truly Wild Berry Hard Seltzer are typically vegan
Since some cocktails may contain non-vegan ingredients like honey, dairy-based syrups, or animal-derived clarifiers, it’s best to ask your server for ingredient details if you’re unsure.
Cross-Contamination at Red Lobster
It’s important to note that any items cooked in the fryer may come into contact with meat and seafood. This includes:
- French Fries
- Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Since Red Lobster primarily serves seafood, many kitchen surfaces, utensils, and fryers are shared with non-vegan foods. Whether this is a concern depends on your personal comfort level.
If you want to avoid cross-contamination, it’s best to stick with baked or steamed sides like quinoa rice, broccoli, and a plain baked potato.
Final Thoughts
While Red Lobster isn’t the most vegan-friendly restaurant, you can still put together a meal by combining vegan sides and sauces.
If you’re comfortable with cross-contamination, you can enjoy fries and crispy Brussels sprouts, but if not, quinoa rice, baked potatoes, and steamed veggies are your safest choices.
If you’re looking for something more filling, check if your location offers plain marinara pasta, or enjoy a vegan-friendly margarita with your meal.
Although the options are limited, hopefully, Red Lobster will expand its plant-based offerings in the future!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Red Lobster Fries Vegan?
Yes, Red Lobster’s fries contain no animal products, but they are cooked in a shared fryer with seafood.
Are the Brussels Sprouts at Red Lobster Vegan?
The Brussels sprouts themselves are vegan, but they are fried in the same oil as seafood and meat products. Some locations may be able to accommodate special requests, so ask if they can be baked or steamed instead.
Is the Rice at Red Lobster Vegan?
Some locations offer Rice Pilaf, which is plain and vegan-friendly. Adding marinara or cocktail sauce can enhance the flavor.
Does Red Lobster Have Vegan Entrées?
No, Red Lobster does not offer any fully vegan entrées, but you can create a meal using sides and sauces.
Are Red Lobster’s Biscuits Vegan?
No, the Cheddar Bay Biscuits contain dairy, so they are not vegan-friendly.
