Red Robin Veggie Burger: Taste, Calories, Price & Full Review
Read the Full Red Robin Menu →Not every burger at Red Robin needs meat to taste this good. The Red Robin Veggie Burger has quietly become one of the most ordered plant-based items on the menu, and for good reason. It skips the sad, dry veggie patty stereotype and goes straight for real texture and bold flavor. In this guide, I break down exactly what's in it, how it tastes, what it costs, how many calories it packs, and whether it's worth your money. I also share a full copycat recipe so you can make it at home.
What Is the Red Robin Veggie Burger?
The Red Robin Veggie Burger is built around an ancient-grain veggie patty made with whole grains, legumes, and real vegetables instead of a processed meat substitute. Red Robin tops it with Swiss cheese, salsa, sliced avocado, and roasted garlic aioli, then finishes it with lettuce, tomato, and onion on a soft bun. It sits on Red Robin's Veggie & Lighter Fare section of the menu, right alongside items like the Very Veggie and The Wedgie.
What makes this burger stand out is that it wasn't designed as an afterthought. The flavors are layered the same way Red Robin builds its classic gourmet burgers, just with a plant-based patty at the center instead of beef.
What's Inside the Burger
Here's everything that goes into a standard Red Robin Veggie Burger, from the patty up:
- Ancient-grain veggie patty — made with grains, legumes, and vegetables for a firm, hearty bite
- Swiss cheese — melted over the warm patty
- Roasted garlic aioli — a creamy, savory spread with a mellow garlic kick
- Salsa — adds a fresh, tangy layer
- Sliced avocado — brings creaminess and healthy fats
- Lettuce, tomato, and onion — the classic fresh crunch
- Soft bun — toasted on the grill before it's built
Every burger comes with your choice of a side, so you can pair it with steak fries, a side salad, or steamed vegetables depending on how you want the rest of your plate to look.
Taste Review: Does It Actually Taste Good?
The patty
The ancient-grain patty is the real story here. Instead of trying to copy the taste of beef, it leans into its own identity. You can taste the grains and legumes, and the texture holds together well on the grill instead of falling apart like some veggie patties do. It's earthy and slightly nutty, with a bit of bite from the vegetables mixed in.
The sauce and toppings
Roasted garlic aioli is doing a lot of work on this burger. It's rich without being heavy, and it pairs well with the tang from the salsa. The avocado adds a smooth, buttery layer that balances out the grain patty's slightly firm texture. Nothing here feels like it was added just to check a box.
The bun
The bun is lightly toasted, which keeps it from turning soggy under the salsa and aioli. It's soft enough to bite through easily but sturdy enough to hold everything together to the last bite.
Overall, this isn't a burger that tastes like a substitute. It tastes like its own dish, and that's the biggest compliment you can give a veggie burger.
What people are saying
"With 12g of fiber and 24g of protein, this burger offers excellent satiety and nutritional value for plant-based eaters." — a registered dietitian's take on the patty's nutrition profile.
"It's not just meatless, it's actually good for you." — a nutritionist commenting on the whole-food ingredients in the patty.
Calories, Price, and Nutrition
As of September 2026, here's what you can expect to pay and eat when you order this burger at Red Robin. Prices and nutrition can shift slightly by location, so always check your local menu for the exact numbers.
| Detail | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| Price | Around $16.59 |
| Calories | Around 780 kcal |
| Protein | Around 24g |
| Fiber | Around 12g |
| Contains dairy, egg, and soy | Yes (cheese, aioli, patty) |
| Gluten-free option | Available with a lettuce wrap or GF bun |
This burger sits in a middle ground on the calorie chart. It's heavier than a plain side salad but noticeably lighter than most of Red Robin's beef-based gourmet burgers with all the extras piled on.
Burger Extras and Customization
One of the best parts of ordering at Red Robin is how easy it is to make a burger your own. A few popular ways to customize the Veggie Burger:
- Swap the bun for lettuce wrap to cut carbs and make it gluten-friendly
- Ask for the aioli on the side if you want to control how rich it tastes
- Add jalapeños for a spicy kick
- Upgrade your side to sweet potato fries or onion rings for a small extra charge
- Skip the cheese and aioli to move it closer to a vegan option
- Add extra avocado for more creaminess
If you're dining with a group that wants a mix of proteins, it's easy to order this alongside a Tavern Burger or a chicken sandwich from the wraps menu, since everyone can build their plate the way they like it.
Is the Red Robin Veggie Burger Worth Ordering?
Here's an honest breakdown to help you decide before you order.
Why it's worth it
- Real, whole-food patty instead of a processed substitute
- High in fiber and protein for a menu burger
- Flavor stands on its own, not just a beef copy
- Easy to customize for different diets
- Comes with a choice of side, so it feels like a full meal
Things to know first
- Not vegan by default (contains cheese and aioli)
- Standard bun isn't gluten-free
- Calories add up quickly with extras like extra cheese or fries
- Some diners may miss the smoky flavor of a beef patty
For vegetarians, flexitarians, or anyone trying to eat a little lighter without giving up flavor, this burger earns its spot on the menu. Meat lovers who are just curious should still give it a try. It's different enough from a beef burger that it doesn't feel like a compromise.
Copycat Red Robin Veggie Burger Recipe
Want to make this burger at home? This copycat recipe gets you close to the real thing using simple, easy-to-find ingredients.
Homemade Ancient-Grain Veggie Burger
Ingredients
For the patties
- 1 cup cooked quinoa, cooled
- 1 cup cooked brown rice, cooled
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup rolled oats, ground into a coarse flour
- 1/2 cup grated carrot
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for cooking
For the build
- 4 burger buns, toasted
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 4 tablespoons salsa
- Lettuce, tomato, and sliced onion
For the roasted garlic aioli
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon roasted garlic, mashed
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Mash the black beans in a large bowl with a fork, leaving some texture rather than a smooth paste.
- Add the cooked quinoa, brown rice, ground oats, carrot, onion, and garlic. Mix well.
- Stir in the soy sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper until the mixture holds together when pressed.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a firm patty, about 3/4 inch thick.
- Chill the patties in the fridge for 15 minutes so they firm up and hold their shape while cooking.
- While the patties chill, mix the mayonnaise, roasted garlic, lemon juice, and salt in a small bowl to make the aioli.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the patties for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until a golden crust forms and the inside is heated through.
- In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of Swiss cheese on each patty and cover the pan so it melts.
- Spread the roasted garlic aioli on the toasted bun tops and bottoms.
- Build each burger with the patty, salsa, avocado slices, lettuce, tomato, and onion.
- Serve right away with your favorite side, like baked fries or a simple salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Red Robin Veggie Burger vegan?
Not by default. It comes with Swiss cheese and roasted garlic aioli, both of which contain dairy or egg. You can ask your server to leave these off to make it closer to a vegan option.
Is the Red Robin Veggie Burger gluten-free?
The standard bun is not gluten-free, but you can request a lettuce wrap or ask about a gluten-free bun option at your location.
How many calories are in the Red Robin Veggie Burger?
It comes in at around 780 calories as served, though this can change slightly if you add extras like extra cheese or swap your side.
What does the veggie patty taste like?
It has an earthy, slightly nutty flavor from the grains and legumes, with a firm texture that holds together well instead of falling apart.
Can I customize the Red Robin Veggie Burger?
Yes. You can swap the bun, add or remove toppings, adjust the sauce, or add extras like jalapeños or avocado.
How much does the Red Robin Veggie Burger cost?
It's priced around $16.59, though prices can vary slightly depending on your location.
More Menus to Explore
Looking for something else to pair with your visit? Check out these other Red Robin menu guides: