When we're at Disneyland [1] we're in no position to pass up a churro or seasonal treat [2], but every once in a while we tap out on all the sugar and need a little bit of veggies and protein [3] to balance things out. If you've been in the same position and you're hoping to counteract the several Dole Whips and Mickey ice cream bars that have become cement in your gut, then look no further!
We took a park tour with the culinary geniuses of Disneyland resort to check out the tastiest, healthiest meals [4] on offer — that includes vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergen-free options! We'll be honest, too . . . we had no idea just how many there were.
Ahead you'll find more than a dozen meals and snacks that are either lightened up, plant-based, or protein-rich, but don't go thinkin' these are your only options! The happiest place on earth [5] is jam-packed with mouthwatering meals that'll keep you on track with your health goals (or just offset that cotton candy, if that's what you need). And whether you're eating at a quick service spot or opt for fine dining, Disney chefs can fix things up to meet your needs so you never go hungry. Now let's eat!
Rancho Del Zocalo: Cauliflower Tacos
Disneyland is not immune to the all-things-cauliflower craze [7]! At Rancho del Zocalo you'll find these tangy, peppery cauliflower tacos with a hearty roasted pineapple slaw, an avocado-pasilla cream, and corn tortillas. The tacos are $13.50 for two, served with a side of chips. And yes — they're vegan!
Bengal Barbecue: Bengal Plate
One of the true treasures of the park is Bengal Barbecue and its skewer plates with a fresh citrus-miso slaw. The quick-service counter in Adventureland just outside Indiana Jones and Jungle Cruise serves kebabs packed with hearty vegetables, and if you're in need of some protein, chicken! These plates will seriously fill you up thanks to the sheer volume of food (and that scoop of rice). They're $16, and you can get them on mobile order with the Disneyland app [8] to skip the line.
Throughout The Park: Protein Packs
Like your favourite Starbucks Bistro Box, but cheaper! These protein-packed boxes are available throughout the parks at snack carts for $5. Inside you'll get a hard boiled egg, peanuts, Babybel cheese, grapes, and Goldfish crackers. If you're looking for a lot of high-protein bang for your buck, definitely grab one of these.
Throughout The Park: Fresh Fruit
Whether you like mango with Tajín, fresh watermelon, oranges, apples, or pineapple spears, the parks are packed with fresh fruit. Our favourite is the box of mango spears with lime and Tajín; it makes for an awesome on-the-go snack with a kick of fresh, spicy flavour. Grab one for $4 to satisfy a sweet tooth and savory craving all at once.
Carnation Café: Chef's Vegan Burger
Stroll down Main Street USA to the classic Carnation Café to find a seriously delish plant-based burger [9]. You'll get old-school diner vibes with a modern health-conscious twist thanks to the Chef's Vegan Burger, made from beans and veggies. Topped with tomatoes, lettuce, pickled red onions, and a vegan chipotle mayo, and served on a wheat bun with a side of fruit, this meal is totally vegan-friendly (and exceptionally tasty). And it's under $15!
If you're not vegan but still looking for something fresh and light, definitely try the Romaine Salad with Shrimp ($17) or Spinach Salad with Grilled Chicken ($15).
Jolly Holiday Bakery Café: Grilled Chicken Mediterranean and Grilled Vegetables and Whole-Grain Salad
Jolly Holiday is one of the easiest places to find a healthy meal in the park . . . all for under 10 bucks! And if you're in the mood for a great salad, these will certainly hit the spot. They do not skimp on toppings here — whether you get the Grilled Chicken Mediterranean Salad ($10, left), the Grilled Vegetables and Whole-Grain Salad ($9, right), or the Jolly Holiday Salad ($8.50, not pictured), you won't leave hungry.
The Med salad is loaded with Kalamata olives, chicken, and peppers; the grilled veggie salad is served with a hefty portion of barley and spelt that'll keep you full; and the Jolly Holiday has dried cranberries, raspberry vinaigrette, and spiced pecans that make it anything but a boring old house salad.
Lucky Fortune Cookery: Edamame
For under $3.50 you can get a large serving of delicious, plant-based protein. At the Lucky Fortune Cookery in Disney's California Adventure, grab an edamame snack cup — it'll keep you fuelled for all your park hopping.
Smokejumpers Grill: BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich
This might look like a meaty pulled pork sandwich, but it's actually jackfruit! The BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich at Smokejumpers in DCA is mind-bogglingly similar to the traditional barbecue dish [10], but made from an exceptionally nutritious fruit [11]. It's served with a tangy, spiced BBQ sauce; "bear paw slaw" (like a fresh Summer slaw as opposed to a creamy, mayo-based slaw); and crispy onions. It is damn good and just $12 for the meal!
Lucky Fortune Cookery: Tofu Asian Rice Bowl
This stuff is straight up from your wildest Thai food dreams, or at the very least tastes just like your favourite Thai takeout. There are several iterations and combinations of the Asian rice bowl at Lucky Fortune, but this one blew us away — and it's vegan! Try the Thai Coconut Curry sauce on the tofu bowl with rice and seared veggies and prepare to have cravings for the rest of your life. It's $12.50, and you can get edamame or mango on the side if you want to build out a big ol' plant-based meal.
Cocina Cucamonga: Cocina Bowl
Holy yumminess. If you're in the mood for Mexican, head yet again to Disney's California Adventure at the Pacific Wharf, and try your hardest to choose from the exceptionally delectable healthy options on Cocina Cucamonga's menu.
The Cocina Bowl can come with different protein toppings, but we opted for potato cakes to try something plant-based. This $13 dish is so filling, you'd have to have a serious appetite to finish it, but it's so tasty we wouldn't put it past you. The bowl you see here is full of roasted peppers, fibre-packed Epazote black beans, lime rice, corn, limes, and a little cotija cheese.
Cocina Cucamonga: Ensalada de Frutas
This $6 fruit salad is out of this world. With a Chamoy and chili-lime salt topping, the combo of sweet and crunchy fruits like pineapple, watermelon, cucumber, and jicama will keep you hydrated [12] and satisfied, for very few calories.
Cocina Cucamonga: Ensalada con Pollo
This ain't your ordinary chicken salad, friends. The citrus-marinated chicken is legitimately phenomenal, and the avocado-coriander dressing takes this dish over the top. It's kind of crazy to feel this excited about eating healthy at Disneyland, but the chefs really know what they're doing. This salad is only $10.50 and has so much chicken on it you won't feel hungry for hours.
Carthay Circle Lounge: Summer Garden Roll and Spicy Jerk Chicken Roll
If you're looking for something a little more upscale, head to Carthay Circle. The fine dining restaurant has a lounge that doesn't require a reservation, where you can find these Asian-fusion style fresh rolls in rice paper wraps. Beautiful and delicious.
The Summer Garden Roll is made from hummus, portobello mushrooms, and red peppers, and topped with a "Dragon Sauce." The chicken variety is fresh and tropical with mango, avocado, coriander, and cucumber. Both are $16. The lounge has plenty of lighter options, so stop in here if you want to stick to your healthy eating goals [13] without feeling deprived in the slightest.
Carthay Circle Restaurant: Skuna Bay Salmon
Don't spit out your coffee as you read this, but that photo of salmon? That is a kids meal. We repeat: this is actually a meal for children. The Sautéed "Skuna Bay" Salmon does come in an adult version, but what you see here is a $13 child's portion at Disney California Adventure's fine dining restaurant.
This particular kind of salmon comes from an island in Vancouver [14] (because it's Disney, and they expect the best), where the fish swim in some kind of super pure water that isn't overcrowded . . . the result is absolutely unreal. Without exaggeration, this is the best salmon we've ever eaten. Akin to buttered chicken. Game over.
The meal is served with the most wonderfully crisp green beans and perfectly prepared savory fingerling potatoes. The adult portion is larger, fancier, and has a different preparation and price depending on which meal you order it in.
Red Rose Taverne: Enchanted Crispy Samosa Sandwich
You guys . . . there's a roasted cauliflower burger at Disneyland. OK, technically it's a "handmade patty with roasted cauliflower, potatoes, and peas," but we know the truth: Disneyland has a cauliflower burger.
Find your $11 sandwich at the Red Rose Taverne in Fantasyland (don't forget to finish your meal with The Grey Stuff [15]!). It's served with fried green beans, bibb lettuce, tomato compote, and a vegan curry mayo on a vegan toasted onion roll with a side of apple slices. YUM.
Throughout the Park: Allergy Menus
This isn't even all of it, folks! If you're allergic to gluten, soy, nuts, etc., you'll be pleased to know that this park is particularly allergy-friendly.
Ask any server at a sit-down restaurant for an allergen menu that will guide you through safe choices. If you're ordering from quick service, a Disney chef will come to the front to chat with you about the best options that will keep you safe and healthy. They're more than willing to accommodate even the trickiest of dietary restrictions [16].
And while we've listed off some of our favourite meals, there are tons more to try! Across the resort you'll find salads, lean proteins, gluten-free dishes, and more and more creative plant-based alternatives for vegan Disney fans.
So there you have it; you don't have to hold back when it comes to treats [17], but you can feel better knowing you can keep everything in check with these fresh, light, super tasty options, too. Enjoy!