What are the Vegetarian Options at Panda Express?

Last Updated on February 2, 2025 by Karen

Discover the vegetarian and vegan options at Panda Express, including popular dishes and how to customize your meal to fit a plant-based diet.

Panda Express is one of the most well-known fast-food chains that brings a taste of American Chinese cuisine to customers across the United States. With the growing demand for plant-based and meat-free options, more and more people are seeking out vegetarian and vegan-friendly choices when dining out. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a delicious dinner, Panda Express has a variety of vegetarian options that cater to those seeking healthier or animal-free meals.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore all the vegetarian options at Panda Express, including how to customize your meal and what to watch out for when trying to avoid animal products. From vegetable spring rolls to eggplant tofu, we’ve got you covered on all the plant-based items you can enjoy at Panda Express. We’ll also dive into the restaurant’s vegan dishes and how to navigate the menu for a vegan entrée that’s both satisfying and delicious.

What Vegetarian Dishes Are Available at Panda Express?

Panda Express offers several vegetarian options that are both tasty and filling. These dishes are made with fresh vegetables, tofu, and grains, offering a variety of textures and flavors that cater to plant-based diets. Here’s a look at some of the most popular vegetarian options:

Vegetable Spring Rolls

Panda Express offers vegetable spring rolls, which are crispy and filled with a mixture of vegetables such as red bell peppers, cabbage, and carrots. These are a great snack or appetizer and are perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a vegetarian option at Panda Express. They come wrapped in a crispy wonton wrapper, which adds a crunchy texture that contrasts with the light vegetable filling.

Chow Mein

Chow mein is one of Panda Express’ most popular dishes, and it can be enjoyed as a vegetarian option if you order it without meat. It features a savory combination of Chinese noodles, cabbage, and green onions, all stir-fried together in a delicious sauce. You can also add extra vegetables like broccoli or string beans for more flavor and nutrition.

Is Panda Express chow mein vegetarian? Yes, it can be! To be sure, just ask your restaurant whether they use any meat or animal-based seasonings like chicken broth.

Eggplant Tofu

One of the standout vegetarian options at Panda Express is eggplant tofu, which features crispy tofu and tender eggplant cooked in a tangy spicy sauce. The dish is flavorful, with a mix of sweet and savory notes, and it’s a favorite for those looking for a hearty and satisfying vegetarian entrée. It’s also a great option for anyone following a vegan diet, as it’s made without any animal-based ingredients.

Super Greens

If you’re looking for a lighter, healthier option, super greens is an excellent choice. This dish is made up of stir-fried green beans, kale, and broccoli, offering a refreshing, nutrient-packed side dish that pairs well with other entrees. It’s a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables while enjoying a flavorful meal.

Fried Rice

While fried rice at Panda Express typically contains eggs, it can be customized to fit a vegetarian diet by asking for the egg-free version. This classic dish is made with white rice and stir-fried with vegetables, offering a comforting and familiar side that complements many of the plant-based main dishes.

Beyond Orange Chicken

For those seeking a plant-based alternative to Panda Express’ signature dish, the Beyond Orange Chicken is a must-try. Made with Beyond Meat, this dish offers the same crispy, tangy flavor as the traditional original orange chicken but without any animal products. It’s available at select locations and is part of Panda Express’ growing menu of plant-based options.

What to Avoid When Choosing Vegetarian Dishes

While Panda Express offers a variety of vegetarian options, some dishes may contain hidden animal products such as chicken broth or animal-based seasonings. For example, the orange chicken and Beijing beef both contain meat, and even seemingly vegetarian dishes like the fried rice and chow mein can contain animal-based ingredients like eggs or broth.

When in doubt, it’s best to ask the staff at your local Panda Express to confirm the ingredients in any dish, especially if you’re following a vegan diet or are sensitive to animal ingredients.

Vegan-Friendly Dishes at Panda Express

If you’re following a vegan diet, there are several options available at Panda Express. The vegan orange chicken is a perfect plant-based alternative to the classic orange chicken, made with Beyond Meat and tossed in a spicy orange sauce. Another great choice is the mapo tofu, which is made with tofu and a spicy, Sichuan-inspired dish sauce.

Other vegan options include the eggplant tofu, super greens, and veggie spring rolls. Panda Express also offers several sauces, including teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, and sour sauce, which can be used to customize your meal.

Is Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoon Vegetarian?

Panda Express’ cream cheese rangoons are typically not considered vegetarian. While the filling itself is made with cream cheese, the wonton wrapper may contain egg or other animal-derived ingredients, making it not suitable for those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet. Additionally, the oil used for frying could be cross-contaminated with meat products, depending on how the fryer is used.

How to Customize Your Vegetarian or Vegan Meal

For those looking to create their ideal vegan entrée or vegetarian dish, Panda Express allows for a variety of customizations. You can easily swap out meat for tofu or extra vegetables, and many sides, like the super greens or fried rice, can be tailored to suit your preferences.

Is Panda Express healthy?

Many of the vegetarian options at Panda Express are healthy, especially the vegetable-based dishes like the super greens and eggplant tofu, which are full of nutrients and offer plenty of fiber. However, keep in mind that some dishes, like fried rice, may contain more calories depending on how they are prepared.

Panda Express has made strides in offering more vegetarian options and plant-based dishes to cater to the growing demand for vegan-friendly options. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal at the mall food court or enjoying a sit-down dinner at one of their Panda Express locations, there are plenty of meat-free options available, from eggplant tofu to Beyond Orange Chicken.

Next time you visit Panda Express, feel free to customize your meal with the variety of vegan dishes and vegetarian options on the menu, or try a new limited-time dish at your local Panda Express.