Applebee’s Caesar Side Salad: Price, Calories & Nutrition (Updated 2026)
Caesar Side Salad
Looking for a lighter option to go with your meal? Applebee’s Caesar Side Salad is one of the most popular side choices on the whole menu. It’s a small portion of crisp romaine lettuce, tossed in garlic Caesar dressing with croutons and shaved Parmesan.
But how much does it cost? How many calories does it have? And is it worth swapping in for fries?
This guide covers all of that. You’ll find the current price, calories, full nutrition facts, ingredients, and taste reviews. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect before you order.
Quick Overview Table
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | $6.79 (varies by location) |
| Calories | About 230 kcal (with dressing) |
| Category | Sides & Salads |
| Available Sauces | Garlic Caesar dressing (signature) |
| Best For | A lighter side, or swapping out fries |
| Portion Size | Small side salad, one serving |
What Is Applebee’s Caesar Side Salad?
This side salad is a small portion of crisp romaine lettuce. Applebee’s tosses it in garlic Caesar dressing, then tops it with crunchy croutons and shaved Parmesan cheese.
It’s simple by design. There’s no chicken, no extra proteins, just clean, classic Caesar salad flavor in a smaller, side-dish portion.
Applebee’s serves it cold and fresh, usually alongside an entrée in place of fries or another side. It’s a quick, easy way to add something a little lighter to your plate.
Customers love this side salad because it’s a simple, reliable way to lighten up a meal. It’s an easy swap for fries on almost any entrée, and it delivers classic Caesar flavor without adding a ton of extra calories.
Also See : Applebee’s Salads Menu
Ingredients
This side salad keeps things simple and classic. Here’s what goes into it:
- Crisp romaine lettuce
- Garlic Caesar dressing
- Croutons
- Shaved Parmesan cheese
There’s no breading, no meat, and no heavy toppings here. It’s a straightforward salad built around a handful of quality ingredients.
The garlic Caesar dressing is really what defines the flavor. It’s creamy, garlicky, and a little sharp from the Parmesan. The croutons add crunch, and the shaved Parmesan on top brings a final touch of salty, nutty flavor.
Customization Options
| Ingredients | Additional Calories |
|---|---|
| Garlic Caesar | Subtracts 130 Cal |
| Croutons | Subtracts 60 Cal |
| Parmesan Cheese | Subtracts 20 Cal |
Extra Dressing(optional)
| Extra Dressing | Price | Additional Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Bleu Cheese | $0.59 | adds 410 Cal |
| Garlic Caesar | $0.59 | Adds 400 Cal |
| Fat Free Italian | $0.49 | Adds 35 Cal |
| Honey Mustard | $0.59 | Adds 400 Cal |
| Lemon Olive Oil Vinaigrette | $0.99 | Adds 340 Cal |
| House-Made Ranch | $0.59 | Adds 330 Cal |
| Mexi-Ranch | $0.59 | Adds 280 Cal |
| Oriental Vinaigrette | $0.59 | Adds 490 Cal |
Nutritional Information Applebee’s Caesar Side Salad
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 1080 | – |
| Total Fat | 63g | 81% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | – |
| Cholesterol | 110mg | 37% |
| Sodium | 2400mg | 104% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 92g | 33% |
| Dietary Fiber | 7g | 25% |
| Sugars | 10g | – |
| Protein | 37g | – |
Nutrition Summary
Calories
1080
Fat
63g
Carbs
92g
Protein
37g
Calorie Burn Time
A person weighing 150 lbs would need to engage in following specific exercises to burn off 1080 calories from one serving of Applebee’s Caesar Side Salad from Applebee’s.
Allergens
| Allergen | Contains? |
|---|---|
| Milk | Yes |
| Egg | Yes |
| Wheat | Yes |
| Soy | No |
| Fish | Yes (anchovy, in some dressing recipes) |
| Shellfish | No |
| Sesame | No |
Taste Review: What Does It Actually Taste Like?
- Flavor: Classic and garlicky, with a sharp, salty finish from the Parmesan and dressing.
- Texture: Crisp romaine and crunchy croutons, with just enough dressing to coat every leaf.
- Sauce quality: The Caesar dressing is rich and creamy without being overly heavy for a side portion.
- Portion: This is a true side dish. It’s not meant to be a full meal on its own.
- Freshness: Applebee’s builds this salad fresh to order, so the lettuce usually stays crisp, not wilted.
Is Applebee’s Caesar Side Salad Worth the Price?
At around $6.79, this side salad is priced fairly for a small, fresh side dish. You’re getting crisp romaine, real Parmesan, and classic Caesar dressing in a simple, satisfying portion.
The portion size fits its role well. It’s not trying to be a full meal, it’s a lighter alternative to fries or onion rings. It’s best for people who want to add something fresh to their plate without loading up on extra calories.
If you’re craving something heartier, this isn’t the pick. But as a simple, classic side, it holds up well against other Applebee’s sides.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fresh, simple, and reliably tasty | Small portion for the price as a standalone order |
| A smart lower-calorie swap for fries | Not filling enough to be a meal on its own |
| Classic Caesar flavor done well | Dressing amount can vary by location |
| Easy to customize | Limited ingredients compared to entrée salads |
| Pairs well with almost any entrée |
Final Verdict
Applebee’s Caesar Side Salad is a solid pick if you want a simple, fresh side without loading up on extra calories. It’s best for people who want to swap out fries, or add something lighter alongside a rich entrée.
For the best experience, ask for dressing on the side if you want more control over the richness. Pair it with a heavier main dish like ribs or pasta for a well-rounded meal.
If you’re looking for a full meal on its own, this isn’t the pick, try the entrée-size Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad instead. But as a simple side, it delivers reliable, classic flavor.