Guide · Keto    

Keto at Applebee’s: Low-Carb Menu Guide & What to Order

Going out to a chain restaurant doesn’t have to derail your keto diet. At Applebee’s, with a little care and smart customizations, you can still stay in ketosis. Whether you want a juicy steak, grilled chicken salad, or a lettuce-wrapped burger — this guide shows you exactly what low-carb meals to order, what to skip, and how to avoid hidden carbs.

In this guide you will learn how to:

baby back ribs on a grill grate with flames beneath

5 Ready-Made Keto Meals at Applebee's

Hit the easy button on ordering keto at Applebee's with any of these keto-friendly meal combinations. With the macros listed for each, you can be confident that you're getting a meal that will keep you in ketosis and help you feel your best!

Steak and Fire-Grilled Veggies

6 oz. Sirloin Steak + Fire-Grilled Veggies Side

  • Macros: Calories 350, 19g Fat, <7g Net Carbs, 36g Protein

Build-Your-Own Burger

Burger Patty + Lettuce Wrap + Cheddar Cheese + Bacon + Fried Egg

  • Macros: Calories 765, 57g Fat, <4g Net Carbs, 56g Protein

Caesar Salad & Grilled Shrimp

Caesar Side Salad + 2 Grilled Shrimp Skewers Side

  • Macros: Calories 440, 36g Fat, <11g Net Carbs, 20g Protein

Ribs & Cheesy Broccoli

Double-Glazed Baby Back Ribs - Half Rack + Homestyle Cheesy Broccoli Side

  • Macros: Calories 650, 49g Fat, 6g Net Carbs, 46g Protein

Keto Surf & Turf 

Shrimp 'N Parmesan Sirloin + Garlicky Green Beans

  • Macros: Calories 720, 47g Fat, 11g Net Carbs, 60g Protein

A La Carte Keto at Applebee's

Believe it or not, there are several Applebee's menu items that align with the keto diet. Here are the individual foods with the keto-friendly modifications (and macros!) that are safe to order:

a bowl of applebeees keto friendly caesar salad

Side Salads

Caesar Salad

  • Macros: Calories 220, 18g Fat, 9g Net Carbs, 4g Protein

House Salad

  • Macros: Calories 120, 6g Fat, 10g Net Carbs, 6g Protein

Bleu Cheese Dressing

  • Macros: Calories 210, 22g Fat, 2g Net Carbs, 1g Protein 

Fat Free Italian Dressing

  • Macros: Calories 20, 0g Fat, 5g Net Carbs, 0g Protein

Lemon Olive Oil Vinaigrette Dressing

  • Macros: Calories 150, 16g Fat, 1g Net Carbs, 0g Protein

Mexi-Ranch Dressing

  • Macros: Calories 140, 14g Fat, 3g Net Carbs, <1g Protein

Ranch Dressing

  • Macros: Calories 160, 16g Fat, 2g Net Carbs, <1g Protein

a white plate with sirloin steak beside broccoli

Steaks & Ribs

6 oz. Top Sirloin

  • Macros: Calories 200, 7g Fat, <1g Net Carbs, 34g Protein

8 oz. Top Sirloin

  • Macros: Calories 270, 10g Fat, <1g Net Carbs, 45g Protein

12 oz. Ribeye

  • Macros: Calories 600, 40g Fat, 0g Net Carbs, 60g Protein

Double-Glazed Baby Back Ribs (without sauce)

  • Macros: Calories 860, 64g Fat, <1g Net Carbs, 71g Protein

Double-Glazed Baby Back Ribs - Half Rack (without sauce)

  • Macros: Calories 430, 32g Fat, 0g Net Carbs, 36g Protein

Shrimp 'N Parmesan Sirloin

  • Macros: Calories 560, 34g Fat, 4g Net Carbs, 58g Protein

Toppers

Grilled Onions

  • Macros: Calories 45, 2.5g Fat, <5g Net Carbs, <1g Protein

Sauteed Garlic Mushrooms

  • Macros: Calories 170, 15g Fat, 5g Net Carbs, 3g Protein

Shrimp 'N Parmesan

  • Macros: Calories 290, 24g Fat, 4g Net Carbs, 13g Protein

Chicken

Grilled Chicken Breast

  • Macros: Calories 190, 3g Fat, 0g Net Carbs, 40g Protein

a white plate with lettuce tomato and green beans with a burger patty topped with avocado slices on top

Burgers

Burger Patty (no bun)

  • Macros: Calories 400, 30g Fat, 1g Net Carbs, 32g Protein

Turkey Burger Patty

  • Macros: Calories 300, 25g Fat, 0g Net Carbs, 21g Protein

Chicken Breast Patty

  • Macros: Calories 190, 3g Fat, 0g Net Carbs, 40g Protein

Veggie Burger Patty

  • Macros: Calories 160, 7g Fat, 8g Net Carbs, 17g Protein

Lettuce Cup

  • Macros: Calories 5, 0g Fat, <1g Net Carbs, 0g Protein

Add American Cheese

  • Macros: Calories130, 12g Fat, 3g Net Carbs, 6g Protein

Add Cheddar Cheese

  • Macros: Calories 170, 14g Fat, <1g Net Carbs, 10g Protein

Add Pepper Jack Cheese

  • Macros: Calories 160, 13g Fat, <1g Net Carbs, 10g Protein

Add Swiss Cheese

  • Macros: Calories 170, 13g Fat, <1g Net Carbs, 11g Protein

Add Bacon

  • Macros: Calories 100, 7g Fat, <1g Net Carbs, 7g Protein

Add Fried Egg

  • Macros: Calories 90, 6g Fat, 0g Net Carbs, 7g Protein

Signature Lunch Combos

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

  • Macros: Calories 310, 19g Fat, 9g Net Carbs, 24 Protein

Tuscan Garden Shrimp Salad

  • Macros: Calories 290, 19g Fat, 10g Net Carbs, 14g Protein

a white plate of applebees keto friendly garlicky green beans

Sides & Extras

Fire-Grilled Veggies

  • Macros: Calories 150, 12g Fat, 6g Net Carbs, 2g Protein

Garlicky Green Beans

  • Macros: Calories 160, 13g Fat, 7g Net Carbs, 2g Protein

Grilled Shrimp

  • Macros: Calories 150, 8g Fat, 3g Net Carbs, 16g Protein

Grilled Shrimp Skewer

  • Macros: Calories 110, 9g Fat, <1g Net Carbs, 8g Protein

Homestyle Cheesy Broccoli

  • Macros: Calories 220, 17g Fat, 6g Net Carbs, 10g Protein

Steamed Broccoli

  • Macros: Calories 100, 7g Fat, 3g Net Carbs, 3g Protein

Drinks

Coffee & Hot Tea

Brewed Hot Tea

  • Macros: Calories 0, 0g Fat, <1g Net Carbs, 0g Protein

Fresh Brewed Coffee

  • Macros: Calories 0, 0g Fat, 0g Net Carbs, 0g Protein

Fresh Brewed Decaf Coffee

  • Macros: Calories 0, 0g Fat, 0g Net Carbs, 0g Protein

Fountain Drinks

Bubly Sparkling Water (multiple flavors)

  • Macros: Calories 0, 0g Fat, 0g Net Carbs, 0g Protein

Lipton Unsweetened Iced Tea

  • Macros: Calories 0, 0g Fat, 0g Net Carbs, 0g Protein

Minute Maid Lemonade Light

  • Macros: Calories 5, 0g Fat, 0g Net Carbs, 0g Protein

Brewed Iced Tea

  • Macros: Calories 0, 0g Fat, 2g Net Carbs, 0g Protein

Bottled Water

  • Macros: Calories 0, 0g Fat, 0g Net Carbs, 0g Protein

Perrier Sparkling Water

  • Macros: Calories 0, 0g Fat, 0g Net Carbs, 0g Protein 



Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I stay in ketosis if I eat at Applebee’s?
Yes — if you choose low-carb meals (meat + veggies or salads), avoid bread/fries/sugary sides and keep net carbs low.

What’s the safest salad dressing on keto at Applebee’s?
Cream- or oil-based dressings like Caesar, bleu cheese, or a simple olive-oil vinaigrette (ask for no croutons or sugar-heavy dressings).

Which side dishes work for keto?
Go for steamed broccoli, garlicky green beans, side salad (no croutons or sugary toppings), or extra veggies.

Can I have a burger on keto at Applebee’s?
Yes — ask for the burger without the bun, skip fries, and wrap the patty in lettuce. You can add cheese, bacon, or low-carb toppings.

What drinks are safe for keto?
Water, unsweetened iced tea, black coffee, or sugar-free drinks. Avoid sodas, sweet tea, cocktails with sugary mixers, beers, or sweet frozen drinks.

What should I avoid if I’m strict keto (20–30g net carbs/day)?
Skip bread, fries, mashed potatoes, pastas, desserts, breaded or fried items, sugary sauces/dressings, and sugary drinks — even condiments can hide carbs.


UP NEXT: Eating Keto at Chipotle - A Step by Step Guide to Ordering Low Carb

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