Navigating the LongHorn Steakhouse Menu for Vegetarians
While LongHorn Steakhouse is known for its grilled beef, a little menu knowledge and smart ordering can secure a satisfying vegetarian meal. The key is to look past the main entree section and focus on appetizers, salads, and side dishes. Many items can be made vegetarian with simple modifications, so it is crucial to communicate clearly with your server.
Vegetarian Appetizers and Starters
Starting your meal with an appetizer is a great strategy for a vegetarian. While many items on the menu contain meat, there are a few notable exceptions.
- White Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms: Fresh, roasted mushrooms filled with a garlic-herb cheese blend and topped with a Parmesan crust. A rich and flavorful choice.
- Texas Tonion: This popular appetizer consists of crispy battered onion petals with a dipping sauce. While some diners have noted it can be overly fried, it remains a meatless option.
Customizable Salads for a Hearty Meal
The salad menu at LongHorn is a fertile ground for creating a vegetarian main course. Many come with a meat protein, but it can be easily removed. Be sure to specify this modification when ordering.
- Strawberry & Pecan Salad: This is one of the best vegetarian-friendly items, featuring fresh strawberries, grapes, mandarin oranges, candied pecans, feta, and a raspberry vinaigrette. Just ask for it without the grilled chicken.
- Farm Fresh Field Greens Salad: A simpler option with field greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and cheese. It becomes vegetarian by removing the added meat and ensuring no croutons are included if they contain animal products.
- LongHorn Caesar Salad: This classic is available at lunch and can be made vegetarian by ordering it without the grilled protein. Requesting no cheese is necessary for vegans, as the Caesar dressing typically contains anchovies.
A World of Vegetarian Side Dishes
This is where a vegetarian can really create a full, satisfying meal. LongHorn offers a wide variety of sides, many of which are naturally vegetarian or easily modifiable. Combining a few sides is an excellent strategy.
- Steakhouse Mac & Cheese: Made with four cheeses and topped with Parmesan breadcrumbs. Be sure to order it without the bacon.
- Fire-Grilled Corn on the Cob: A flavorful side topped with seasoned Parmesan cheese and crema.
- Fresh Steamed Broccoli: A simple and healthy option. Request it without butter for a vegan dish.
- Loaded Baked Potato: A classic that can be made vegetarian by removing the bacon.
- Sweet Potato: Served with cinnamon sugar and butter.
- Seasoned French Fries: A straightforward and reliable choice.
- Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Tossed in smoky honey butter.
Comparison of Key Vegetarian Menu Items
| Item | Type | Vegetarian-Friendly? | Notes & Customizations |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms | Appetizer | Yes | Rich and savory without modification. |
| Strawberry & Pecan Salad | Salad | Yes (Modified) | Request without chicken; contains feta cheese. |
| LongHorn Caesar Salad | Salad | Yes (Modified) | Request without meat; be aware of Caesar dressing ingredients. |
| Steakhouse Mac & Cheese | Side | Yes (Modified) | Request without bacon. |
| Loaded Baked Potato | Side | Yes (Modified) | Request without bacon. |
| Fresh Steamed Broccoli | Side | Yes | Health-conscious option; request no butter for vegans. |
| Fire-Grilled Corn on the Cob | Side | Yes | Sweet and flavorful without modification. |
Vegetarian Soup Options
LongHorn's soup selection is usually limited and often contains meat-based broths. The Loaded Potato Soup is the only potential option, but it must be ordered without the bacon and with confirmation that the base is not meat-based. It is often safer to stick to other menu items.
Creating a Full Vegetarian Meal
While a main entree is not an option, you can easily build a complete meal using a mix of appetizers and sides. For example, combine the White Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms with the Steakhouse Mac & Cheese (without bacon) and the Fresh Steamed Broccoli for a substantial and satisfying dinner. For a lighter, more refreshing meal, the modified Strawberry & Pecan Salad is an excellent choice.
Tips for a Successful Visit
- Communicate Clearly: Inform your server you are a vegetarian at the start of your order. Clearly state customizations like "no bacon," "no chicken," or "no butter."
- Use the Allergen Guide: LongHorn provides an allergen guide online (though ingredient lists can vary by location), which can be a useful tool for confirming dietary needs.
- Combine Appetizers and Sides: Don't be afraid to create your own entree by combining several smaller items. This is often the most rewarding way to experience the vegetarian options.
Conclusion
LongHorn Steakhouse, despite its meat-focused identity, does offer a path for vegetarians to have an enjoyable dining experience. The menu lacks dedicated meatless entrees, but smart ordering and customization of appetizers, salads, and especially the extensive side dish selection provide ample and flavorful options. By focusing on items like the White Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms, the customizable salads, and hearty sides such as the Mac & Cheese, vegetarians can build a delicious and fulfilling meal.
