What Is Healthy at LongHorn Steakhouse? Your Nutrition Guide

December 21, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a Toast survey, 61% of diners are more likely to eat healthy at a restaurant than they were a few years ago. Finding genuinely healthy options at a steakhouse can be challenging, but LongHorn Steakhouse offers several nutritious choices that fit a balanced diet.

Quick Summary

LongHorn Steakhouse provides numerous healthy menu options focused on lean protein and fresh vegetables. Key healthy choices include smaller sirloin cuts, grilled chicken, salmon, and nutritious sides like steamed asparagus or a mixed green salad.

Key Points

Opt for Lean Cuts: Choose smaller portions of sirloin or filet mignon, which are leaner cuts of beef.
Embrace Seafood and Chicken: Grilled salmon (7 oz.) and lemon garlic chicken are excellent, high-protein alternatives to red meat.
Prioritize Steamed Vegetables: Fresh steamed asparagus and broccoli are the top side dishes, offering fiber and nutrients with minimal calories.
Avoid Fried Items and Creamy Sides: Steer clear of appetizers like the Texas Tonion and sides like Mac & Cheese, which are high in calories and fat.
Control Condiments and Dressings: Order salad dressings and sauces on the side to manage your intake of fats and sodium.
Mind Your Portions: Consider ordering lunch-sized portions or taking half of your dinner entrée home to manage calorie intake effectively.

Navigating a steakhouse menu while trying to maintain a healthy diet requires knowing what to look for and how to make smart substitutions. LongHorn Steakhouse, known for its hearty, fire-grilled meals, also features a "Light and Flavorful" menu and other smart choices that are both satisfying and nutritious. By focusing on lean proteins and fresh, minimally processed sides, you can enjoy a great meal without derailing your health goals.

The Healthiest Entrée Choices

When selecting a main course, the primary focus should be on lean protein and cooking method. Opt for grilled or fire-grilled items over anything hand-breaded or fried. The portion size also plays a significant role in calorie and fat intake.

Steaks: Leaner Cuts Are Key

Not all steaks are created equal in terms of nutrition. Cuts like the sirloin and filet are generally leaner than a ribeye or porterhouse.

Flo's Filet (6 oz.): This center-cut filet is exceptionally tender and a smart choice at around 330 calories. It's a great option for portion control and lower fat content.
Renegade Sirloin (6 oz. or 8 oz.): A lean and hearty USDA Choice cut, the 6 oz. is approximately 380 calories, while the 8 oz. is around 390 calories (without additional sides). This offers excellent protein for fewer calories than larger, more marbled cuts.

Other Protein Options

If you're looking for alternatives to beef, LongHorn has excellent seafood and chicken dishes that fit a healthy profile.

LongHorn Salmon (7 oz. or 10 oz.): Hand-cut fresh Atlantic salmon is a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids. The 7 oz. portion without sides is about 300 calories. Pair it with rice and broccoli for a balanced meal around 620 calories.
Redrock Grilled Shrimp: A great lower-calorie main or addition. An order of 8 grilled jumbo shrimp is around 160 calories (without accompanying sides or butter sauce).
Lemon Garlic Chicken: This entrée features grilled chicken breasts finished with a light lemon garlic butter sauce, a flavorful and healthier option compared to the Parmesan Crusted Chicken.

Smart Side Selections

Sides can make or break the nutritional value of your meal. Swap out calorie-dense options like French fries or mac and cheese for fresh, simple vegetable choices.

Fresh Steamed Asparagus: At just 80-90 calories, this is arguably the best side choice. It is low in sodium and fat and high in nutrients.
Fresh Steamed Broccoli: Another excellent, low-calorie option, typically around 90 calories. It is high in fiber and keeps you feeling full.
Mixed Greens Salad: Opt for the mixed greens side salad without dressing for only 110 calories. Use a light dressing or opt for the simple white balsamic vinaigrette on the side and use sparingly.
Plain Baked Potato: A simple baked potato without all the fixings (butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon) is a good, filling carbohydrate source at around 260 calories.

Comparison Table: Healthy Sides vs. Indulgent Sides

To illustrate the difference, here's a quick comparison of healthy sides versus some of the richer alternatives on the menu using approximate nutritional values.


Side Dish	Calories (approx)	Fat (g) (approx)	Sodium (mg) (approx)
Fresh Steamed Asparagus	90	4.5	55
Fresh Steamed Broccoli	90	4	350
Plain Baked Potato	260	1	20
Seasoned French Fries	440	23	240
Loaded Baked Potato	440	23	840
Steakhouse Mac & Cheese	610	40	1340

Tips for a Healthier Dining Experience

Beyond selecting specific items, how you order and what you drink can impact your meal's health profile.

Skip the Bread Basket: The complimentary honey wheat bread loaf is a nice touch, but it adds over 500 calories before your meal even starts. Consider skipping it or limiting yourself to a small piece.
Watch the Dressings: Dressings can be a hidden source of calories and fat. Order dressing on the side and use a minimal amount, or choose a light vinaigrette.
Drink Water: Opt for water or unsweetened iced tea instead of sugary sodas, sweetened teas, or high-calorie cocktails like margaritas.
Modify Your Order: Don't hesitate to ask for modifications. Request your steak or chicken be cooked with minimal oil or butter. Ask for no salt if you're watching sodium intake.

Conclusion

Eating healthy at LongHorn Steakhouse is entirely possible with a strategic approach. By choosing lean, grilled proteins like the 6 oz. Flo's Filet or the 7 oz. LongHorn Salmon, and pairing them with fresh steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli, you can enjoy a delicious and balanced meal. Portion control and smart swaps are key to a satisfying and nutritious steakhouse experience. Focus on the core ingredients and enjoy a meal that aligns with your wellness goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

The 6 oz. Flo's Filet is one of the lowest-calorie steak options on the menu, containing approximately 330 calories (before adding sides or sauces).

Yes, the Mixed Greens Salad without dressing is a healthy starting point at about 110 calories. For a complete healthy option, use a light dressing or white balsamic vinaigrette sparingly.

The 7 oz. portion of the LongHorn Salmon is approximately 300 calories before the sides are included. When paired with rice and broccoli, the meal has about 620 calories.

Yes, a plain baked potato is a good choice at around 260 calories. Avoid high-calorie toppings like butter, sour cream, and bacon bits.

Items like the Texas Tonion appetizer (1180 calories), Steakhouse Mac & Cheese side (610 calories), and the Chocolate Stampede dessert (2430 calories) are very high in calories and best avoided if eating healthy.

The complimentary Honey Wheat Bread is not particularly low-calorie; a single loaf serving contains over 500 calories. It is recommended to skip it or eat a very small portion.

Yes, LongHorn Steakhouse provides a nutritional and allergen guide that outlines gluten-sensitive choices, including many of their grilled meats and plain vegetables.