Does Red Lobster Have Vegetarian Options? A Detailed Look at the Menu

Red Lobster is one of the most popular casual dining seafood restaurant chains in the United States With over 700 locations across North America, it’s no surprise that vegetarians often find themselves at a Red Lobster with meat-eating friends or family members.

But does Red Lobster actually have any good vegetarian options besides french fries and coleslaw? I decided to take a deep dive into the Red Lobster menu to find out. Here’s a detailed look at the vegetarian offerings at Red Lobster restaurants.

An Overview of Vegetarian Options at Red Lobster

In general, Red Lobster is not known for having extensive vegetarian choices. As a seafood-centric restaurant, meatless options are limited. However, if you look carefully at the menu, there are actually quite a few dishes that can be prepared vegetarian-style.

The main vegetarian-friendly categories are:

• Appetizers – Several apps can be ordered without meat or seafood, like mozzarella sticks and chips/salsa.

• Salads – Get creative with mix-ins and dressings to make a satisfying salad.

• Sides – Sides like broccoli, rice, and pasta make good meatless meals.

• Kid’s Menu – Select dishes like cheese pizza and mac & cheese are already vegetarian.

With a few modifications, vegetarians can piece together filling, flavorful meals. It just requires some strategic ordering.

Best Vegetarian Appetizers at Red Lobster

If you want to start your Red Lobster meal with an appetizer, here are some tasty vegetarian options:

Mozzarella Cheese Sticks – These breaded mozzarella sticks served with marinara are a foolproof choice. Just ask for no anchovy in the marinara sauce.

Cheddar Bay Biscuits – Red Lobster’s famous biscuits are vegetarian-friendly and delicious. Make sure to ask for no bacon in the biscuit topping.

Chips and Salsa – The tortilla chips and salsa are a classic appetizer that you can enjoy meat-free.

Guacamole – Order the creamy guacamole for dipping with tortilla chips.

Parmesan Garlic Cheese Toast – The cheesy toast makes a nice starter without meat.

Creative Vegetarian Salads and Dressings

Believe or not, you can actually put together a really tasty salad at Red Lobster without any seafood or meat. Here are some ideas for creative vegetarian salads:

Garden Salad – Start with mixed greens, then load up with veggies like tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, carrots, etc. Add cheeses like cheddar or feta for protein.

Greek Salad – Ingredients like feta, olives, artichoke hearts, red onions, and pita strips make a fantastic Greek-inspired salad.

Wedge Salad – Turn this steakhouse classic into a meal by topping the lettuce wedge with avocado, tomatoes, and blue cheese dressing.

Caesar Salad – Order the Caesar dressing on the side and use it to dress your veggie-packed greens.

Cheddar Bay Biscuit Crumble – For a unique spin, ask for Cheddar Bay biscuit pieces as crunchy croutons on your salad.

Mix and Match Sides for a Vegetarian Meal

One of the best ways to create a satisfying vegetarian meal at Red Lobster is to order a few side dishes and combine them together. Here are some of the best veggie side options:

• Rice – Try the garlic herb rice or cilantro lime rice.

• Broccoli – Fresh steamed broccoli is a healthy choice.

• Asparagus – Grilled seasoned asparagus adds flair.

• Pasta – Choose the garlic linguine or spaghetti marinara without seafood.

• Mashed Potatoes – Potatoes make a hearty base for a veggie meal.

• Corn on the Cob – Grilled corn on the cob is a delicious summer side.

Pair up three of these veggie-based sides, and you have a filling meatless entrée. Add a salad or biscuit, and it’s a complete meal.

Kid’s Menu Dishes That are Already Vegetarian

If you don’t want to deal with substitutions and modifications, the Red Lobster Kid’s Menu offers a couple of hassle-free vegetarian options:

• Cheese Pizza – Kid’s cheese pizza is an easy go-to meal.

• Mac & Cheese – The cheesy, saucy macaroni and cheese is fun comfort food.

Order one of these kid-friendly picks for a meal that is guaranteed meat-free.

Tips for Ordering Vegetarian at Red Lobster

When dining at Red Lobster, keep these tips in mind to make sure you get a satisfying vegetarian meal:

• Mention you want vegetarian options as soon as you are seated. Servers are used to accommodating diets.

• Ask about preparation methods. For example, beans could be cooked in lard or rice in seafood broth.

• Request sauces, dressings, etc. be served on the side so you control the ingredients.

• Check ingredient lists and menus online ahead of time to scout out vegetarian dishes.

• Be flexible and creative in “mixing and matching” sides, salads, apps to make a meal.

• For pasta, order it without the seafood garnishes. Request veggies or olive oil added instead.

• If in doubt, don’t be afraid to kindly ask your server for guidance on vegetarian choices.

While Red Lobster is not a vegetarian mecca, with smart ordering, you can enjoy tasty meatless meals. Be prepared with menu research, and don’t be shy asking for dishes prepared vegetarian-style. With an open mind and creative spirit, you can eat well at Red Lobster as a vegetarian.