What to Order at Applebee's for High Cholesterol

Applebee's is classic American casual — which means fried starters, cheesy toppers, and rich sauces sit next to some genuinely solid grilled options. Steer toward the grill and the lighter menu.

What to look for

Watch fried appetizers, cheese-and-bacon loaded entrees, and creamy sauces. Lean on grilled chicken and salmon, the lighter/“lower-calorie” menu, and steamed vegetable sides.

Heart-smart picks

• Grilled chicken breast with steamed broccoli or a side salad.

• Grilled or blackened salmon — heart-friendly fish; ask for veggies over mashed potatoes.

• A lighter-menu bowl or grilled entree (Applebee's marks lower-calorie items).

• Side salad with dressing on the side or steamed veggies instead of fries.

Solid runners-up

• A grilled chicken salad, dressing on the side.

• Grilled shrimp with vegetables.

What to skip

• Sampler/fried appetizer platters (mozzarella sticks, wings, boneless).

• Bacon-cheeseburgers and loaded/“smothered” entrees.

• Creamy pasta dishes and heavy sauces.

Quick tips

Pick a grilled protein, swap the starch for steamed veggies or a side salad, and get dressings and sauces on the side. Skip the fried starter and you're most of the way there.

Cut through the menu fast. Forage tells you the best thing to order for your heart at Applebee's or anywhere, and remembers what worked. Join the waitlist.

Forage and this guide offer general wellness guidance, not medical advice. Nutrition varies by location and portion — confirm with the restaurant, and talk to your doctor about your diet.