Red Lobster: What’s Vegetarian Editorial Review

Red Lobster is built entirely around seafood, so don’t expect a labeled vegetarian entree anywhere on the menu. You can still eat well, but you’re combining sides and a salad rather than ordering a single dish built for you. The good news is that the sides list runs long enough to make a satisfying meal, even if it takes some assembly.

What to order at Red Lobster

Start with the Cheddar Bay Biscuits, then build a plate around a loaded baked potato, mashed potatoes, or sea-salted French fries. Crispy Brussels sprouts, steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, and green beans round things out, and quinoa or orzo rice gives you a grain option depending on what your location serves. A garden side salad without cheese or croutons works as a light course, and pasta marinara ordered without cheese makes a decent main if you want something warm.

What to watch out for

The Cheddar Bay Biscuits are vegetarian but not vegan, since they’re loaded with milk and cheese. Several sides, including the fries and Brussels sprouts, come out of a shared fryer, so treat those as vegetarian with a vegan caveat rather than a sure thing. Skip the Caesar salad, since the dressing contains anchovy, and skip any soup, chowder, or bisque, since all of them are seafood-based. Ask your server before ordering broccoli, asparagus, or green beans, since the default prep may include butter.