Red Lobster is known as the place to go for a treat-yourself night out when you’re not looking to break the bank. This widely popular seafood restaurant may not have any michelin stars, but it won’t let you down for a dependably delicious meal. Red Lobster was founded in the late 60’s in Lakeland, Florida as a small family-owned restaurant. Now, you can find over 700 Red Lobster locations all over the world. Although this well-known chain’s menu is centered around seafood, making it less than inviting to vegans, there are a number of vegan options that make it worth stopping in. Plus, the research team at Vegan Unlocked has made sure that vegans find what they’re looking for by creating a vegan menu, secret menu and editor’s picks. From spicy broccoli to snackable fries, there’s something for everyone at this well-loved chain!
The Vegan Unlocked Research Team analyzed all 105 items on the Red Lobster menu. We found some tasty on-menu options, and a couple custom creations.
Red Lobster scores 1.3 out of 5 stars, so while they’ll never be famous for their vegan-friendly menu, you can find what you need if you’re willing to get creative.
This score is calculated based on the amount of vegan offerings on Red Lobster’s menu “as is” or with an easy substitution, a restaurant vegan customizability score, and finally, the amount of vegan options vs non-vegan options. Learn more about Vegan Unlocked Ratings.
Secret Menu
Red Lobster has seafood in its name, so it’s understandable that most vegans would skip it without a second glance. However, for those willing to give it a try, there are a few menu items for vegans to enjoy at this well-known seafood restaurant. Part of being a vegan and living in a meat-loving world is finding your own way through a menu. A restaurant doesn’t need to be all-vegan or veggie-centered to have a few tasty vegan options, and Red Lobster is no exception! Although we know you won’t be going near any of the seafood dishes, there are a few mains that can be easily modified to be vegan, along with a number of snackable sides for vegans to enjoy. Here are a few delectable customized meals for vegans willing to make a few changes to a main dish!
In the mood for something simpler? Scroll on to find Red Lobster’s vegan menu items and our editors’ top picks just below this section.
Baja Shrimp(less) Bowl
This custom creation is the perfect example of taking a non-vegan main and making it your own! Order the Baja Shrimp Bowl, holding the shrimp, slaw, sour cream and ranch. You’ll be left with avocado, black beans, red onion, pico de gallo, and tortilla chips on rice.
Kung Pao Noodles with(out) Crispy Shrimp
For a flavorful noodle dish, order the Kung Pao Noodles with no shrimp. You’ll get a yummy meal containing noodles in sweet and spicy soy-ginger sauce, cabbage, cashews, crispy onions, edamame and green onions. This Asian flavor-inspired meal will leave you full and happy!
What Else is Vegan at Red Lobster?
Sides
- Baked potato
- Orzo rice
- Sea-salted fries
- Crispy brussel sprouts
- House salad (no croutons, no cheese, french dressing)
- Broccoli (no seasoning)
Kids
- Casco Bay Cooler – Cherry Wave Slushy
- Fruit
Sauces, Add Ons, Toppings
- BBQ sauce
- Cocktail sauce
- French dressing
- Ketchup
- Marinara sauce
- Pico de gallo
Editors’ picks: What are the best vegan options at Red Lobster?
The Loaded Baked Potato is the most budget-friendly option for a tasty vegan dish at Red Lobster, ringing in at $7.98. This is perfect for a filling, comforting meal. Top with any extra sides you like, from Pico de gallo to broccoli!
The modified Baja Shrimp Bowl is the most classic vegan choice, for those looking for a yummy vegan meal full of classic ingredients like rice and veggies. The avocado, black beans, red onion, pico de gallo, and tortilla chips add a tasty Southwest feel to the meal that will have you coming back for more.
The customized Kung Pao Noodles is the most flavorful vegan meal, with its sweet and spicy soy-ginger sauce, cabbage, cashews, crispy onions, edamame and green onions. Full of flavor and with the perfect kick, you can’t beat this for a delicious vegan meal.
Note: Vegan Unlocked is a tool dedicated to helping people find plant-based options. We are not an allergen resource and want to encourage our friends with allergies to proceed with caution. We cannot control and don’t always know when cross-contamination occurs. See Red Lobster’s allergen menu here. Regarding cross-contamination of vegan foods with animal products, this is completely up to your comfort level as an individual. Read our stance on cross-contamination.
Frequently Asked Red Lobster Questions
Are the Kung Pao Noodles at Red Lobster vegan?
Although the kung Pao Noodles aren’t vegan as-is, all you need to do to make this tasty dish vegan is order them with no shrimp!
Are Red Lobster fries vegan?
Red Lobster fries are vegan, but they are cooked in oil that has touched non-vegan foods. So, as long as you’re ok with cross-contamination, Red Lobster fries are a great vegan option.
Is Red Lobster Dragon broccoli vegan?
The Dragon broccoli is in fact vegan, containing just broccoli, ginger-soy sauce and green onions. This is a yummy, flavorful side for vegans looking to add some veggies to their meal.
You can find out more about Red Lobster by visiting their website here.
Dining at Red Lobster soon?
Be sure to tag Vegan Unlocked and share your vegan meal or custom creation to be entered into our monthly giveaway!
Lydia Greene
Lydia Greene is a freelance writer with a passion for food and travel. When she’s not writing, you can find her hiking in the woods near her home in Portland, Oregon, cooking up a tasty meal or dreaming up her next adventure.
Cristina Garrido
Cristina is a vegan cook and recipe developer. She’s worked in several vegan kitchens, as a collaborator for different cooking blogs and now works as a consultant helping restaurants interested in making their menus more vegan-friendly. She’s passionate about cultural foods and culinary innovations. Her non-food related interests include thrifting, sustainability and exploring her new adoptive country, Portugal.
