Best Vegan Items at Outback Steakhouse You Must Try Now

If you think of Outback Steakhouse, the first image that pops into your head is probably a massive steak sizzling on the grill or a juicy rack of ribs. Vegans? Outback might not be on your radar at all. But, surprise! These days, more and more people are choosing plant-based meals, and Outback has quietly started to offer some decent vegan-friendly items. Not a full vegan feast, sure, but enough to enjoy a solid meal without feeling left out or hungry.

Now, I won’t lie — Outback isn’t going to roll out the red carpet with a special vegan menu anytime soon, or slap a "vegan" sticker on most of their dishes. You kind of have to know what to look for and be ready to ask a few questions when you order. That’s where this little guide comes in handy. I’ve done some digging, combined insights from vegan customers, menus, and a bit of insider know-how to share what you can actually order if you want to keep things plant-based at Outback.

What’s the Deal with Vegan Options at Outback?

Outback is mostly a meat and seafood joint, and their menu reflects that. You won’t find tofu or veggie burgers here by default. What they do have is a bunch of sides and salads that can become your best friends — if you tweak a couple of things. Simple swaps, no butter, cheese, or croutons — easy stuff if the staff is on their game.

Remember, every location can be a bit different. Some places might slather butter on their steamed veggies without telling you, some might cook fries in the same oil as meat products — so it’s best to ask questions. It never hurts!

Simple Vegan-Friendly Starters

Want to start your Outback experience on the right foot? Go for the house salad but ask them to hold the cheese and croutons. It may sound basic, but with a bit of oil and vinegar dressing, it tastes fresh and crisp. Almost all of their other dressings have dairy or eggs, so oil and vinegar is your safest bet.

Pro tip: Always double-check with your server. You’d be surprised what slip-ups happen even in the friendliest places.

Sides That Work

This is where your vegan survival plan really shines. Outback’s sides are your toolbox—build a plate full of goodness from these:

• Baked potato or sweet potato: Just plain, please. No butter, no cheese. If you want it fancy, throw on some chives or grilled onions.
• Steamed broccoli or seasonal veggies: They’re usually steamed fresh. Just remind them, "No butter please!"
• Aussie fries: These can be a bit tricky. Sometimes they share fryers with meat products, so ask your server if they’re cooked in dedicated oil. If yes, go ahead — but skip cheese and sauces unless you confirm they’re vegan.
• Rice pilaf: This one is a hit or miss. Some locations toss in butter or chicken broth, so it’s worth a quick check.

Making Your Own Meal

Since there’s no real vegan entrée on the menu, your best bet is to mix and match those sides and salads until your plate looks full and satisfying. A big salad with oil & vinegar, a baked potato, steamed veggies, and maybe some Aussie fries can make a surprisingly tasty combination. It’s a bit like a vegan buffet within a steakhouse—kinda fun when you think about it. Just make sure to remind the kitchen about no butter or dairy wherever possible.

What About Protein?

Honestly, Outback doesn’t really do vegan proteins like tofu, tempeh, or the fancy Beyond Meat patties at the moment (as of 2025). Hopefully, that changes soon as the plant-based trend only grows stronger. But for now, it’s all about sides and salads.

Small Tips for a Better Vegan Outback Experience

• Talk clearly. Don’t be shy to say “No butter, no cheese, no animal products.” It’s not annoying—it helps avoid mistakes.
• Check allergen guides online if available before going. It’s better to be prepared.
• Every Outback might be a tiny bit different — some locations are friendlier and more flexible than others.
• Don’t hesitate to ask for extra veggies in place of meat or cheese. Most staff are cool with this.

Calories and Nutrients? Here’s a Quick Sense

These numbers can vary depending on portion sizes and how exactly they’re prepared but give you a general idea.

What to Expect From Your Vegan Outback Visit

Honestly? It’s a pretty casual place, so the vibe is easygoing, and servers usually want to help out once you explain you’re vegan. Don’t expect fancy substitutions but do expect kindness and flexibility, especially during quieter times.

One thing to keep in mind—there’s some chance of cross-contamination. Outback kitchens mostly share equipment, so if you’re ultra-sensitive or allergic, just mention this upfront.

Drinks—Yes, Those Can Be Vegan!

Outback’s drink list is fairly plant-friendly. Soft drinks and juices are safe bets. If you’re indulging in a cocktail, a margarita usually is vegan—but again, some mixes can have honey or dairy, so it’s a good idea to ask. Many beers and wines should be fine too, but if you want to be super sure, a quick Google search for "vegan wines" can save you later headaches.

Common Questions From Vegan Outback Guests

Is Outback bread vegan?
Not really. Their famous brown bread often contains honey or milk, depending on the location. So better ask or skip it just to be safe.

Which salad dressings are vegan?
Oil and vinegar is your consistent go-to. Some places have a tangy tomato dressing without animal ingredients, but ask before you douse your salad in it!

Can the Aussie Fries be vegan?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no — depends on the fryer and preparation. Always ask your server to confirm.

Any vegan desserts?
As of now, Outback doesn’t really offer any desserts that fit strict vegan diets.

How to ensure my meal is really vegan?
Be clear, ask questions, check ingredients, and politely remind your server about your dietary needs.

How Does Outback Compare with Other Steakhouses?

For the Future: What Vegans Hope to See

More plant-based dishes, please! A dedicated vegan burger or entrée, clearly labeled items, and better staff training on vegan needs would make a huge difference. Fingers crossed Outback leaps on this soon, because there’s demand.

Final Thoughts

So, is Outback Steakhouse a vegan paradise? Not by any means. But with a little knowledge and some polite communication, you can enjoy a tasty and filling meal there without compromising your ethics. It’s mostly about sides and customizing plates — and sometimes that’s a bit of a challenge in a place that celebrates meat. But hey, variety is the spice of life, right?

Between the fresh veggies, baked potatoes, and salads, you can piece together a meal that doesn’t feel like an afterthought. And if you’re dining with friends or family who are meat-lovers, you won’t feel left out at the table.

One last tip: call ahead if you can, chat with staff, and keep an eye out for menu updates. Who knows? Maybe vegan fans will soon feel as welcome at Outback as the steak lovers.