Headed out to Chili's, but watching what you eat? Check out list that breaks down the best vegan and vegetarian options at Chili's from appetizers, mains, and desserts. Plus even a few customizations to make your meal a high protein one at Chili's Tex Mex Restaurant!
Fun Fact - Did you know that the very first Chili's menu in 1976 had exactly 1 vegetarian option? It was Tostada Chips & Hot Sauce. The menu mostly just consisted of Chili, Tacos and Burgers.
Thankfully, their menu has expanded quite a bit since then and now features an extensive menu list that includes just about anything you might be craving, including vegan or vegetarian options.
We love Chili's and have tried recreating their popular recipes including copycat black bean burger, slow cooker vegetarian chili, and even their mango habanero salsa.
While it is better to cook at home, sometimes you just can’t avoid the need to eat out. Sometimes it's a craving or you are just traveling. No matter what the reason, Chili's has some great vegetarian and vegan options (some with low carb) if you are in need of fast food options.
It is not difficult to eat out at Chili's as a vegetarian or a vegan, but you might to make some customizations to your order if you are looking for meals that are on the healthier side.
Read on to find the best vegan and vegetarian options to eat at Chili's with ordering tips, nutritional information, and items to avoid.
Table of contents
Starters at Chili's
In classic tex mex style, most of their vegetarian or vegan starters have to do with chips and dips. No great low carb options here, but if you want a relatively light appetizer with a lower carb profile, go for the cheese quesadilla option. As an added bonus, it is also part of the kids menu!
- Fresh Guacamole and Chips (shared 2 ways): Nutrition: Approx. 570 cal, 55g net carbs, 8g protein. [vegan, gluten free option]
- Fried Mozzarella (shared 3 ways): Nutrition: Approx. 597 cal, 33g net carbs, 32g protein.
- Bottomless Chips and Salsa (shared 2 ways): Nutrition: Approx. 450 cal, 53g net carbs, 7g protein. [vegan, gluten free option]
- Cheese Quesadilla (shared 2 ways): Comes as part of the kids menu. Nutrition: Approx. 230 cal, 14g net carbs, 9g protein
Soups and Salads for Vegetarians at Chili's
There aren't a whole lot of salad or soup options on the menu for vegetarians, and the ones that do don't have a ton of nutrition value. For vegans, the choice is non existent as all of chili's soups and salads have either eggs, meat or dairy products.
- Quesadilla Explosion Salad w/ No Meat: Skip the tortilla strips and halve the serving of cheese quesadilla for a lower carb profile: Nutrition: Approx. 620 cal, 34g of carbs, 27g protein.
- Caesar Salad (Lunch Portion): Nutrition: Approx. 280 cal, 6g net carbs, 4g protein.
- Baked Potato Soup: (Bowl size): Nutrition: Approx 430 cal, 23g net carbs, 17g protein.
Burger Options at Chili's
Burgers are where things shine for vegans and vegetarians. The patty is the same (black bean patty), but you can customize your choice of toppings and cheeses to make it your own. Some recommended selections are:
- Alex's Santa Fe Burger (Bean Patty Substitute): Nutrition: Approx. 630 cal, 66g net carbs, 28g protein.
- Mushroom Swiss Burger (Bean Patty Substitute): Nutrition: Approx. 700 cal, 62g net carbs, 27g protein.
- Big Smasher Burger (Bean Patty Substitute): Nutrition: Approx. 660 cal, 65g net carbs, 25g protein.
- Old Timer w/ Cheese (Bean Patty Substitute): To make this vegan friendly, opt out of the cheese and substitute avocado instead. Nutrition: Approx. 550 cal, 62g net carbs, 27g protein. [vegan option]
Low Carb Tip: Opt out of the bun to make this a low carb meal. The bun contains about 37 grams of carbs, so for most of these options, you can cut the carb count by half.
Vegan and Vegetarian Burger Sides
Most of the sides are vegan or vegetarian with the exception of Texas cheese fries, loaded mac and cheese and loaded mashed potatoes. Here are some low carb recommendations to consider:
- Garlic Butter Mushrooms: Nutrition: 110g cal, 4g net carbs, 2g protein.
- Roasted Asparagus: Nutrition: 35 cal, 2g net carbs, 3g protein [vegan, gluten free option].
- Steamed Broccoli: Nutrition: 40 cal, 4g net carbs, 3g protein [vegan, gluten free option].
Dessert Options at Chili's
Healthy desserts aren't really a thing at Chili's. None of the desserts are vegan, and all their options are all loaded with sugar.
But, if you feel like treating yourself, you can't go wrong with any of their dessert options, they are delicious.
Choose from their cheesecake, molten chocolate cake, or chocolate chip cookie skillet (my favorite and the one with most calories!).
Ordering Tips
- Selecting Sides: All of Chili's burger options come with sides, with most of them vegetarian. If you are carb conscious, choose from any of the veggies including asparagus, broccoli or asparagus as they are all under 5g net carbs.
- Dressings and Spreads to Choose: Most of Chili's sauces are vegan and vegetarian friendly. Some of the popular vegan sauces include honey chipotle sauce, mango habanero sauce and honey sriracha sauce.
- Ordering Low Carb Sandwiches: You can be a bit creative and make them vegetarian and low carb if you'd like. Orders are very much customizable at Chili's, so you can order your sandwiches without the bread and meat to make them low carb veggie friendly.
Related Recipes
Craving something homemade? You can make these copycat recipes that you are craving right at your own home! Check out some of our favorite recipes that is designed hit your cravings!
Final Thoughts
Overall, you can find a variety of vegetarian options that can cater to different dietary needs and preferences. Chili's offers customizing options that give you great options to choose from. Hope you enjoyed these tips and recommendations! Let us know how you end up ordering at Chili's in the comments below!
Check out our Panera Vegetarian Options guide if you are heading out to Panera anytime soon.
Note: This post is not sponsored or affiliated by Chili's in any form.
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