Finding some vegan and vegetarian options at Chili’s is not so difficult. Although you won't find some heartwarming vegan main dishes, you can always choose from plenty of appetizers, sides, and drinks to keep your hunger satisfied.
Vegan Options at Chili’s
Chili's Grill & Bar is an American casual dining restaurant chain serving over 1,600 locations across the globe. Unlike many popular bars and restaurants, Chili’s incorporates vegan items in the menu. This measure not only promotes cruelty-free eating but also speaks a volume about their sincere efforts. People may argue that the vegan options at this renowned restaurant do not incorporate main courses. My point here is who wants the main dish when the appetizers and sides offer you a heavenly experience.
Vegan options are somehow limited as compared to what vegetarians can eat in chilis. However, in my experience, you can make most of the vegetarian stuff vegan by skipping butter, cheese and switching the dressings. People at Chili's are always happy to help you to make a customized vegan meal.
Chili's Vegetarian Options
If you are one of those who are in a phase of transitioning from vegetarian to vegan or are just vegetarian, we will also share all vegetarian food items that you can try in Chili’s. All Vegetarians keep in mind that you can also enjoy foods from the vegan options list.
In case you are already feeling hunger pangs, let us explore the vegan and vegetarian options at Chili’s without further ado.
Appetizers
There is a good range of meat-free appetizers at chili’s. Some have dairy in them others are completely vegan.
Vegan Appetizers
Fortunately, you can try your hands on these four vegan appetizers in chili’s.
- Basket of French Fries
- Bottomless Chips & Salsa
- Chips and Salsa
- Fresh Guacamole & Chips
- Fried Pickles. (Order without ranch dressing)
Before ordering these appetizers you must know all of the fried items are cooked in the same oil as meat products. So if cross-contamination is not your concern you are good to go.
Vegetarian Appetizers
Along with all the above-mentioned appetizers, vegetarians can also enjoy
- Awesome Blossom Petals
- Crispy Cheddar Bites
- Fried Pickles with ranch dressing
Main Course Meals
Unfortunately, chili’s does not offer any main course options that are suitable for vegans, but vegetarians can enjoy some of their main meals. You can always veganise them by skipping the cheese and switching the sauce.
Black Bean & Veggie Sizzling Fajitas
Black bean and veggie sizzling fajitas at chili’s are suitable for vegetarians. For toppings, you can order guacamole, fajita topping, Mexican rice & beans, and flour or corn tortillas. They all are vegetarian-friendly. Avoid white queso & Pico as it is not suitable for vegetarians.
Fresh Mex Chipotle Bowl without Protein
Fresh Mex chipotle bowl without protein is suitable for vegetarians. However, if cross-contamination with meat products is your concern then you should avoid it, as it is made in the same premises where meat bowls are prepared.
Black Bean Patty
Chili’s Black bean patty can be added to any burger. It is vegetarian friendly but because of dairy and eggs, it is not suitable for vegans. You can add On Sauteed Mushrooms, avocado slices, and cheese.
Kids Menu Entrée
In the kids' menu cheese pizza and cheese quesadilla are vegetarian friendly. They are not suitable for vegans.
Sides
Chili’s offer a wide range of sides that are suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Their serving size is so generous and the flavors are simply amazing.
Vegan Sides
Every foodie will love the diverse vegan side options served at Chili’s. Check out these endless options you can combine to make a huge meal.
- Mexican Rice & Beans
- Black Beans
- Tostada Chips & Salsa
- Flour Tortillas
- All-Natural Corn Tortillas
- Side of Guacamole
- Steamed Broccoli
- Grilled Asparagus
- French Fries
- Sweet Corn on the Cob
- Side Salad (Order without croutons or cheese with Citrus Balsamic Vinaigrette)
- Mandarin Oranges
- Fresh Pineapple
- Garlic dill pickles
Vegetarian Sides
Vegetarian fellows can enjoy all these vegan sides along with some other vegetarian sides at chilies. These are
- Awesome Blossom Petals
- Coleslaw
- Loaded Mashed Potatoes without Bacon
- Roasted Street Corn
- Chile-Garlic Toast (Smokehouse Combo Sides)
- Fajita Toppings
- Mashed Potatoes without Gravy
Make Your Own Tacos or Wraps
Order two or three sides along with some tortillas and make your own tacos or wraps, top with your favorite sauce, and indulge in some amazing cruelty-free flavor experience.
Salads
Among the enormous salad selection, there are just a few options that vegans and vegetarians can enjoy at chili’s.
Vegan Salads
For me, salads for vegans are a bit boring as there is no vegan cheese, croutons, or protein option to add in salads. The only dressing vegans can enjoy at chili’s is citrus-balsamic vinaigrette. They are simple fresh house salads with vinaigrette dressing.
- Caribbean Salad (without dressing)
- House Salad without croutons, cheese, and dressing.
Tip: You can buy some fried pickles, black beans, steamed broccoli, or chips to add some crunch and flavor to your salad bowls.
Vegetarian Salads
Vegetarians can enjoy a little more of the flavors in salads. There is a huge range of salad dressings that are vegetarian-friendly (check dressings section). Salads that are suitable for vegetarians are
- Caribbean Salad with dressing
- Quesadilla Explosion Salad w/o Chicken
- House Salad with cheese and croutons
Dressings and Sauces
Vegan Dressing and sauces
To make your meal more appetizing there is a good selection of vegan sauces and dressings you can enjoy. These are
- BBQ Sauce
- House-made BBQ Sauce
- Citrus Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Ketchup
Vegetarian Sauces and Dressings
Along with all these above-mentioned sauces and dressings, vegetarians can also enjoy
- Ancho Chile Ranch Dressing
- Avocado Ranch Dressing
- Honey Lime Dressing
- Honey Lime Vinaigrette
- Honey-Mustard Dressing
- Ranch Dressing
- Santa Fe Dressing
- Thousand Island Dressing
- Sour Cream
- Honey-Chipotle Sauce
Sandwiches
Unfortunately, there are no sandwiches at chili’s that are suitable for vegans or vegetarians. You can make a vegetarian sandwich by altering the meat with bean patty and some suitable sauce.
Soups and Chili
Unfortunately, none of the soups and chilies are suitable for vegans or vegetarians at Chili’s.
Buns and Tortillas
All tortillas (corn and flour) at chili’s are vegan and vegetarian friendly. Burger Buns are suitable for vegetarians.
Cheese
Cheddar cheese, Pepper Jack cheese, and Swiss cheese are vegetarian friendly.
Desserts
All desserts at chilis are vegetarian-friendly. They have egg and dairy in them thus not suitable for vegans. These vegetarian desserts are
- Cheesecake
- Mini Molten Chocolate Cake
- Molten Chocolate Cake
- Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie
Frequently Asked Questions
Lets move to some questions frequently asked by vegan people before visiting this celebrated restaurant. Have a look.
Is Chili’s Veggie Burger Vegan?
Unfortunately, the veg burger at Chili’s is not for vegans. It comes with a black-bean patty, which has dairy and egg. But yes, vegetarians can enjoy it.
Are Chili’s Soups Vegan?
No, the soups at Chili’s are neither vegetarian nor vegan. Hopefully, they will introduce some delicious alternatives for vegan people in the near future.
Are Chili’s Fajitas Vegan?
Chili’s is known for its fajitas. However, these delicacies are not vegan. These contain dairy, and some outlets use butter instead of oil for making fajitas. Besides, many Chili’s outlets serve fajitas with a non-vegan sauce having egg in it. So, if you are a vegan, you should avoid having fajitas at Chili’s for the time being.
Is Mexican rice at Chili's vegan?’
Yes, Mexican rice and beans at chili’s are vegan-friendly.
Wrapping Up
You must visit Chili’s once if you are a vegan or vegetarian and love to gorge on delicious food items. One thing, which I find attractive about this place, is that you can experiment with your meal using endless side options available there. If you are good at mixing flavors, I bet you will enjoy a lavish meal. Moreover, you can also enjoy some alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages there for added refreshment.
However, keep in mind that if cross-contamination is your concern, then this is not a place for you as you will be left with a handful of options only.
Note: All the information is taken from Chili's Official website and their Allergen/Vegetarian, Nutrition, Gluten-Friendly Menu.
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