What is the Healthiest Thing to Eat at LongHorn Steakhouse?

October 30, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2024 study, over 60% of restaurant-goers are more likely to seek out healthy options on a menu. This trend has prompted many chains, including LongHorn Steakhouse, to expand their offerings beyond traditional, high-calorie fare, making it entirely possible to find a healthy thing to eat at LongHorn Steakhouse.

Quick Summary

A guide to navigating the LongHorn Steakhouse menu to find the most nutritious and balanced meals. It outlines specific, low-calorie options, from appetizers to entrees and sides, to help diners make mindful choices. The article focuses on maximizing flavor while controlling fat, calories, and sodium.

Key Points

Opt for Lean Proteins: Choose the 6 oz. Flo's Filet or the 7 oz. LongHorn Salmon for the lowest calorie and fat content among main courses.
Prioritize Grilled Options: Requesting grilled proteins, like the Redrock Grilled Shrimp, is healthier than fried alternatives and helps control fat intake.
Request Sauces on the Side: Ordering dressings and butter on the side allows you to control the amount you consume, reducing unnecessary calories and fat.
Select Nutrient-Dense Sides: Pair your main course with sides like fresh steamed broccoli, asparagus, or a plain baked potato for added fiber and vitamins.
Be Mindful of Starters and Desserts: Appetizers like Wild West Shrimp and indulgent desserts like the Chocolate Stampede are very high in calories and should be limited or avoided.
Manage Portions: Choosing a smaller lunch-sized portion of a dish, such as the 6 oz. Renegade Top Sirloin, helps manage overall calorie intake.

LongHorn Steakhouse is known for its hearty portions and rich, flavorful dishes, but a balanced meal is still achievable with strategic ordering. By focusing on preparation methods, portion sizes, and nutrient-dense accompaniments, you can enjoy a satisfying meal that aligns with your health goals. The key is to look for grilled options, lean protein, and vegetable-based sides while being mindful of sauces and excessive toppings.

Making Smart Choices for a Healthier Meal

Starting your meal with a smart choice can set the tone for a healthier dining experience. Many of the standard appetizers at steakhouses can be calorie bombs, so it's best to either skip them or choose wisely. Fortunately, LongHorn offers a few decent options if you want to kick things off with a starter.

Appetizers and Salads

Appetizers are often the first pitfall for a healthy eater, but alternatives exist. For instance, the Mixed Green Salad is a solid choice, especially when ordered with the dressing on the side. You can control the amount of dressing you use and opt for a lighter option like the White Balsamic Vinaigrette. Be cautious of creamy dressings or add-ons like cheese and croutons, which can significantly increase calories. The Redrock Grilled Shrimp is another strong contender, offering a lean protein with minimal added calories.

Best Appetizer/Salad Options:

Redrock Grilled Shrimp (without butter): Offers lean protein and is low in calories.
Mixed Green Side Salad: A base of fresh vegetables with dressing on the side for control.
Shrimp & Lobster Chowder (cup): A savory, lower-calorie soup option compared to some richer alternatives.

Main Courses: Steaks, Chicken, and Seafood

When it comes to entrees, the most significant healthy choice is selecting a lean cut of protein. Steakhouses primarily feature beef, but most also offer chicken and fish, which can be excellent sources of lean protein and heart-healthy omega-3s.

Steak: For beef lovers, the 6 oz. Flo's Filet is one of the leanest cuts on the menu. Filet mignon is naturally lower in fat than other cuts like ribeye or porterhouse. To keep it healthy, request no added butter and ask for your steak to be seasoned simply with herbs and spices. The 6 oz. Renegade Top Sirloin is also a good, lean choice, especially when ordered as a lunch portion.
Seafood: The 7 oz. LongHorn Salmon is a fantastic, heart-healthy option rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Ensure it is grilled and ask for any sauces or added butter on the side to manage fat content. The Redrock Grilled Shrimp is also available as a full entree and is a superb low-calorie protein choice.
Chicken: The Lemon Garlic Chicken offers a savory, lean protein option. As with the steak, verify that it is not prepared with excessive butter or heavy oils. A simple preparation of grilled chicken breast is another solid, often unlisted, option you can request.

Mindful Side Dishes

Side dishes can make or break the healthfulness of your meal. Opting for steamed or grilled vegetables is a simple way to add fiber and nutrients without a heavy calorie load.

Fresh Steamed Broccoli: A great low-calorie, high-fiber choice.
Fresh Seasonal Vegetables: Another excellent, nutrient-packed choice with minimal calories.
Plain Idaho Baked Potato: The potato itself is healthy; the key is what you add to it. Request it plain and skip the butter, sour cream, and cheese. You can use a bit of salt and pepper for flavor. A plain sweet potato is also a good choice.

LongHorn Steakhouse Healthy vs. Unhealthy Comparison


Menu Item	Calories	Fat (g)	Sodium (mg)	Healthy Swap/Note
Flo's Filet (6oz)	330	Moderate	Moderate	Leanest steak cut. Ask for no butter.
Grilled Salmon (7oz)	300	Moderate	Low	Rich in omega-3s. Ask for sauce on the side.
Plain Baked Potato	260	Low	Low	Avoid butter, cheese, and sour cream.
Fresh Steamed Asparagus	90	Low	Low	Excellent low-calorie side.
Grilled Chicken & Avocado Sandwich	870	High	High	A higher-calorie lunch combo.
Wild West Shrimp Appetizer	970	High	High	A fried starter; best to avoid for healthy dining.
Loaded Idaho Baked Potato	440	High	High	Butter, cheese, and sour cream add significant calories.
Chocolate Stampede Dessert	2,430	Very High	Very High	An extremely calorie-dense, sugary dessert.

Conclusion

Eating healthily at a restaurant known for indulgence is about making informed choices, not deprivation. What is the healthiest thing to eat at LongHorn Steakhouse comes down to selecting lean proteins, such as the 6 oz. Flo's Filet or the 7 oz. LongHorn Salmon, and pairing them with wholesome, low-calorie sides like steamed vegetables or a plain baked potato. By being aware of preparation methods, controlling portion sizes, and limiting heavy toppings and sauces, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal that supports your wellness goals. Always review the restaurant's official nutrition information before your visit for the most up-to-date data on specific menu items.

Frequently Asked Questions

The 7 oz. LongHorn Salmon and the 6 oz. Flo's Filet are among the lowest-calorie entrees. Opt for the grilled salmon or the leanest steak cut for a calorie-conscious meal.

Salads can be a healthy option, but it depends on the ingredients. The Mixed Green Side Salad is low in calories, but full-sized salads with creamy dressings, cheese, and fried toppings can be high in calories. Always ask for dressing on the side.

The best healthy side dishes include Fresh Steamed Broccoli, Fresh Seasonal Vegetables, and a plain baked potato. These options are low in calories and fat and are rich in nutrients.

To reduce the calories in your steak, choose a lean cut like the filet or sirloin, order a smaller portion, and request no added butter. Ask for simple seasonings like herbs and spices instead.

Yes, the grilled salmon is a very healthy choice, as it is an excellent source of lean protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Just be sure to request sauces on the side to control the fat and sugar content.

It's best to avoid most fried and rich appetizers, as they are typically high in calories and fat. However, a lean option like the Redrock Grilled Shrimp is a healthier choice if you want to start with an appetizer.

To make a baked potato healthier, order it plain and avoid all the toppings like butter, sour cream, cheese, and bacon. You can simply add a bit of salt and pepper for flavor.