Most of us don’t mind ordering burgers, fries, and pasta with extra cheese. But when it comes to veggies, we tend to hold back. Not everyone, though. 

When you talk about veggies, some people imagine soggy spinach or bland broccoli from childhood dinners. The good news? That’s now a thing of the past. 

Veggies have come a long way. Many restaurants have turned vegetables into dishes so flavorful, while maintaining their healthy aspect. 

I used to be one of those who turned down veggies when I went out. Wings, fries, and burgers are my holy trinity. But that’s in the past. I’ve tried many veggies from different restaurants and never plan on stopping anytime soon. The Red Robin veggies & more menu holds some of my favorite options. Chipotle is another restaurant that makes veggies I love so much. 

If you’re avoiding greens, it’s high time you stop. Here are some reasons you should always add veggies to your restaurant orders. 

Why Veggies Should Always Be Part of Your Meals

1. They Make Your Meal More Satisfying

If you think veggies are just for the health benefits, you’re wrong. Veggies make your food more satisfying; they don’t just fill you up. 

The benefits of vegetables go beyond your health. They can make your meal more satisfying. 

I think of them as building layers in music. The entree is your main melody. Guess what your harmonies are? Yup, your veggies. They just make everything richer. 

A burger hits differently when it contains crispy lettuce and juicy tomato. You can’t go wrong with a steak with roasted asparagus on the side. 

2. They Help You Feel Good After You Eat

There are some meals you will eat and start feeling uncomfortable after. That’s not veggies. Fresh veggies, I mean. Veggies don’t come with post-meal slumps. 

Do you know why? Because they are full of fiber. Fiber helps your body digest food steadily and slowly. This means less fatigue, less bloat, and more energy. 

There was a time I had a giant bacon cheeseburger (no regrets), but I couldn’t finish it. I got tired halfway because it was too heavy. The next time, I opted for a side salad and just half my fries. The feeling was different. I was still full but not stuffed. 

3. They Bring Color and Flavor to the Table

This is one of the less talked-about things about veggies. The prettiest plates on the dining table always have colors. The credit for those colors goes to veggies. In addition to being visually pleasing, veggies bring vibrancy. 

But it doesn’t stop at the color. Flavor is also part of the mix. Green beans, golden corn, roasted red peppers, and purple cabbage all come together to make your meal feel alive. 

Restaurants now serve veggies in more creative ways. Tangy coleslaw in sandwiches, avocado slices on burgers, and veggie-packed wraps are some of the unique ways you can enjoy veggies. Check So Foody for different veggie options from various restaurants. 

4. They Make Room for Balance

Look, no one’s saying you have to ditch your favorite foods. (Trust me, I’m not giving up fries anytime soon.) But adding veggies is about finding that balance — enjoying what you love while sneaking in a little extra goodness.

Order that burger, but throw in a side of grilled broccoli or a veggie-packed salad. Go for pasta, but add spinach or mushrooms. It’s not about restriction — it’s about enhancement.

When I started doing this, I noticed I didn’t crave heavy meals as much. My body kind of adjusted — I still enjoyed my comfort food, but the veggies kept everything… balanced.

5. You Discover New Flavors

Here’s the fun part: adding veggies pushes you to try new things. Maybe it’s grilled artichokes, roasted brussels sprouts, or sautéed mushrooms — things you never thought you’d like until you actually tasted them.

Restaurants have gotten so creative with how they prepare veggies that they’re anything but boring. Ever had sweet potato fries with chipotle mayo? Or roasted cauliflower with a hint of garlic butter? Total game changers.

Sometimes, I’ll order a veggie side I’ve never tried just to see what happens. And nine times out of ten, I end up loving it.

6. You Get That Feel-Good Bonus

Let’s be honest — there’s something satisfying about eating a meal that tastes good and makes you feel like you’re doing something good for your body. You don’t have to overthink it or go full “health guru” mode. Just knowing your plate has a mix of things your body actually needs adds a quiet kind of satisfaction.

I once saw this couple at Red Robin sharing a burger and a big salad. They looked like they were having the time of their lives — laughing, talking, totally relaxed. It wasn’t about “eating healthy.” It was about enjoying good food, together. That’s the vibe veggies bring to the table — easy, effortless balance.

7. They Go with Everything

Veggies are like that one friend who gets along with everyone. They fit in anywhere. Want something spicy? Add jalapeños. Craving sweet? Grilled corn or caramelized onions. Need a crunch? Fresh slaw’s got your back.

They don’t steal the spotlight — they make everything else taste better. And that’s what makes them such a solid addition to any restaurant order.

Even a burger joint like Red Robin gets it — their Red Robin Appetizers Menu offers veggie-based bites that pair perfectly with everything else. You can start with fried zucchini or a veggie-packed dip, and still have room for your main dish. It’s the best of both worlds.

Wrapping Up

So next time you’re scanning a restaurant menu, don’t skip the veggie section. Mix them into your meal, play around with flavors, and see what happens. You might surprise yourself.

Because adding veggies isn’t about eating less or being “good.” It’s about eating better. And when done right, it’s not a chore — it’s a delicious choice.

And hey, if you ever find yourself at Red Robin, give one of their veggie-packed sides a try. You might just walk out wondering why you didn’t start doing that sooner.