While Macaroni Grill doesn’t have any vegan specific pre-built entrees they do have the ability for you to easily build a downright delicious well put together and balanced vegan meal.
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Macaroni Grill is like an upscale but not really more expensive version of Olive Garden that has way more vegan options, and in my opinion way better-tasting food.
I’d recommend picking the “build your own” pasta option as it just makes things a lot easier than ordering a dish and trying to veganize it.
Vegan Appetizers at Macaroni Grill:
- Crispy Brussel Sprouts
- Tomato Bruschetta Without Cheese
- Peasant bread
- Sourdough Bread
- Olive Oil Herb Dip
Generally they only have either the peasant bread or the sourdough bread and not both, as they’re quite similar, but regardless both of them are vegan. You can also ask for Mariana sauce to dip it in if you want to spice things up without all the oil of the oil dip.
Vegan Soups at Macaroni Grill:
- Tomato Basil
- Minestrone (confirm vegetable broth)
Everyone knows what Tomato Basil soup is, but Minestrone, that’s different. Generally it’s just a vegetable-heavy hearty soup that’s vegan, but I’ve heard some locations of Macaroni grill using chicken stock, although I haven’t heard that recently you might as well confirm it’s made without chicken stock.
Vegan Salads at Macaroni Grill:
- (Side) Fresh Greens Salad
- Garden Salad (No Cheese or Croutons)
- Any Vinaigrette (Balsamic and others they may have)
They generally have other bigger salads you can order without cheese, meat/fish, dressing, Croutons, etc, and with vinaigrette instead, but you’d be better off just explaining that you want a big vegetable-only salad as it’s best to not over-modify menu items in my experience.
Vegan Sides at Macaroni Grill:
- Crispy Brussel Sprouts
- Grilled Asparagus
- Broccolini
- Tuscan Potatoes
- Hummus Plate
- Bread
Build-Your-Own Vegan Pasta:
Noods (Noodles!)
- Spaghetti Noodles
- Capellini (Angel Hair Noodle)
- Penne
- Fettuccine
- Rigatoni
Basically every noodle but the stuffed ravioli’s are vegan.
Sauce
- Pomodorina (regular pasta sauce)
- Tomato Basil Sauce
- Garlic Olive Oil Pasta Dressing
These are generally the same sauce, but some locations call it one thing some the other, but all locations have one of them.
Contrary to what many people/websites have said in the past the Arrabbiata (Angry) Sauce is not vegan as it always contains dairy products.
Add-ins
- Spinach
- Roasted Peppers
- Roasted Tomatoes
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Roasted Garlic
- Roasted Mushrooms
- Fresh Mushrooms
- Seasonal Vegetables
- Asparagus
You can add in any 3 of these for free.
They may have other vegetable-options, such as Eggplant or Onions, but apparently those contain dairy, so I’d be cautious about any other add-ins and inquire your waiter about them before ordering them.
Off-menu Vegan Options:
While it’s technically not on the menu you can also order a vegetable sandwich, or make it yourself by combining a few “roasted” add-ins with the free bread, especially if you get some hummus to go along with it.
It makes a pretty tasty meal, so if you aren’t interested in pasta that’s another option.
So how does Macaroni Grill Look For a Vegan?
I’d say pretty good as they have multiple vegan pastas, a couple sauces, plenty of add-ins and sides, bread, and even a couple soups to choose from.
It wouldn’t be my first choice if I was going out to eat, as I think it’s relatively easy to make good pasta at home, but I’d never complain about going out to eat here with family or friends.
