Southern comfort food fans, this one’s for you. Captain D’s Fried Green Tomatoes & Pickles is a $5.99 appetizer that brings together two classic Southern fried appetizers on one plate — three crispy fried green tomatoes and fried pickles — served with D’s Dippin’ sauce and cool buttermilk ranch, all for 490 calories.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know before ordering: the ingredients, the full nutrition facts, the allergen information, and how this dish stacks up against similar Southern-style appetizers at other restaurants. If you’re deciding whether to add this to your order, here’s the deep dive.
What Are Fried Green Tomatoes & Pickles?
This appetizer combines two beloved Southern fried food staples: fried green tomatoes and fried pickles. It’s a shareable starter designed to bring some classic Southern flavor to the Captain D’s menu, alongside two signature dipping sauces.
The full order includes:
Three crispy fried green tomatoes
Fried pickles
D’s Dippin’ sauce
Cool buttermilk ranch
This combination makes it one of the more distinctive appetizer options on the menu — a nod to Southern comfort food traditions rather than a typical seafood starter.
Why This Appetizer Stands Out
Two classic Southern fried foods in one order — You don’t have to choose between fried green tomatoes and fried pickles.
Two different dipping sauces — The D’s Dippin’ sauce and buttermilk ranch offer contrasting flavor profiles to pair with the crispy bites.
Shareable portion — Three tomatoes plus a serving of pickles makes this a solid option for sharing at the table.
A distinctly Southern menu item — It stands out from the seafood-forward options most people associate with Captain D’s.
Ingredients
Here’s what typically goes into this dish, based on standard preparation for fried green tomatoes and fried pickles:
Ingredient
Purpose
Green tomatoes (three slices)
Base of the fried green tomatoes
Pickle slices or spears
Base of the fried pickles
Breading/batter (cornmeal-based)
Creates the signature crispy crust on both items
Seasoning blend (salt, pepper, spices)
Base flavor on the breading
Frying oil
Used to cook both the tomatoes and pickles
D’s Dippin’ sauce
Signature dipping sauce, typically tangy or slightly sweet
Buttermilk ranch
Creamy, cool dipping sauce for contrast
Note: Exact ingredient sourcing and formulations can change by region and over time. Always check Captain D’s official ingredient list in-app or in-store, especially if you have food sensitivities.
Nutrition Facts
At 490 calories, this appetizer sits in a moderate range — heavier than a simple side, but lighter than a full fried seafood or chicken meal.
Nutrient
Approximate Amount (Full Order)
Calories
490
Total Fat
28–34g
Saturated Fat
5–7g
Cholesterol
15–30mg
Sodium
1,100–1,400mg
Total Carbohydrates
45–55g
Dietary Fiber
3–5g
Sugars
6–9g
Protein
7–10g
Important: These figures reflect general, publicly reported ranges for this style of fried vegetable appetizer with dipping sauces and are meant as a helpful starting point — not an exact substitute for the restaurant’s official nutrition sheet. Full Captain D’s nutrition values can shift with recipe updates, so always confirm current numbers on Captain D’s official website or app before making dietary decisions.
Component Breakdown Estimate
Component
Estimated Calorie Contribution
Fried Green Tomatoes (3 pieces)
180–220
Fried Pickles
150–180
D’s Dippin’ Sauce
40–60
Buttermilk Ranch
100–130
Total Order (Target)
~490
The two dipping sauces contribute a meaningful share of the total calories here — something worth keeping in mind if you’re trying to keep the appetizer lighter.
Allergen Information
Since this dish involves fried breading and dairy-based dipping sauce, there are a few allergen categories to watch for.
Allergen Category
Present?
Notes
Fish/Shellfish
No (direct ingredient)
Cross-contact possible due to shared fryers in a seafood-focused kitchen
Wheat/Gluten
Yes
Present in the breading on both the tomatoes and pickles
Dairy
Yes
Present in the buttermilk ranch
Soy
Possible
Common in seasoning and breading blends
Eggs
Possible
May be used in the batter
Tree Nuts/Peanuts
Unlikely
Not a standard ingredient
Cross-contact is worth noting: since Captain D’s primarily fries seafood, the fryers used for this appetizer may also be used for fish or shrimp. If you have a fish or shellfish allergy, ask staff whether separate fryers or equipment are used for non-seafood items.
Taste and Texture: What to Actually Expect
This appetizer brings together two distinct textures and flavors on one plate:
Fried green tomatoes: Tart and slightly tangy on the inside, with a crispy cornmeal-style crust — a classic Southern flavor that’s less sweet than a ripe tomato and more savory overall.
Fried pickles: Briny and tangy, with the same crispy breaded exterior, offering a sharper, more acidic bite than the tomatoes.
D’s Dippin’ sauce: Typically a tangy or slightly sweet dipping sauce that complements the fried, breaded texture.
Buttermilk ranch: Cool, creamy, and mild — a contrast to the tangier tomatoes, pickles, and dippin’ sauce.
Together, this plate is built around contrast — tangy and briny fried bites paired with a cool, creamy dip and a second tangy sauce for variety.
How This Appetizer Fits Into a Meal
Fried Green Tomatoes & Pickles works well as:
A shareable starter before a main seafood or chicken meal
A standalone snack or side for smaller appetites
A Southern-inspired alternative to more traditional seafood-based appetizers like hush puppies alone
Pro tip: If you’re sharing this at the table, consider ordering it alongside a lighter main course (like the baked Country-Style Garlic & Herb White Fish Meal) to balance out the fried, indulgent nature of this starter.
Captain D’s Fried Green Tomatoes & Pickles vs. The Competition
Let’s compare this appetizer to similar Southern fried appetizers at other casual dining chains.
Feature
Captain D’s Fried Green Tomatoes & Pickles
Typical Southern Chain Fried Green Tomatoes
Typical Fried Pickles Appetizer
Calories
~490 (combined dish)
Often 400–500 (tomatoes alone)
Often 500–700 (pickles alone)
Price
$5.99 (combined dish)
Often $6–$9 (tomatoes alone)
Often $6–$9 (pickles alone)
Sauces included
Two (D’s Dippin’ sauce and buttermilk ranch)
Typically one
Typically one
Variety
Two different fried items in one order
Single item
Single item
Takeaway: Captain D’s combines both fried green tomatoes and fried pickles into a single order with two sauces for less than what many competitors charge for just one of these items alone — making it a strong value pick for fans of Southern fried appetizers.
Is Fried Green Tomatoes & Pickles a Healthy Choice?
This is very much an indulgent, shareable appetizer rather than a light option, and it’s worth being upfront about that:
Moderate calorie count for an appetizer — At 490 calories, it’s higher than a simple side but more reasonable than a full fried entrée.
High sodium — Between the breading, seasoning, and dipping sauces, sodium adds up quickly.
Low protein — Since this is a vegetable- and pickle-based fried appetizer, it doesn’t offer much protein compared to Captain D’s seafood or chicken options.
Best enjoyed as a shared starter — Splitting this appetizer among two or more people naturally moderates the calorie and sodium impact per person.
If you’re looking for a lighter appetizer option, consider ordering a side salad or a simple vegetable side instead. But if you’re after genuine Southern comfort food flavor, this dish delivers exactly that.
Tips for Ordering
Share the appetizer if you’re ordering it alongside a full meal, to keep portions reasonable.
Go light on the ranch if you’re watching calories, since the buttermilk ranch contributes a meaningful share of the total.
Ask about fryer separation if you have a fish or shellfish allergy, due to shared kitchen equipment.
Check the app for updated nutrition info before ordering, since menu items and prep methods occasionally change by location.
Price and Value: Is $5.99 a Good Deal?
At $5.99, this appetizer offers strong value, especially considering it includes:
Three fried green tomatoes
A full serving of fried pickles
Two different dipping sauces
Many competing restaurants charge similar or higher prices for just one of these items individually. Getting both fried green tomatoes and fried pickles together, with two sauces included, makes this one of the better appetizer deals for fans of Southern fried food.
FAQs
1. How many calories are in Captain D’s Fried Green Tomatoes & Pickles?
The full order comes in at approximately 490 calories, including three fried green tomatoes, fried pickles, D’s Dippin’ sauce, and buttermilk ranch.
2. What is D’s Dippin’ sauce?
It’s Captain D’s signature dipping sauce, typically offering a tangy or slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with fried appetizers.
3. How many fried green tomatoes come with this order?
Three crispy fried green tomatoes are included as part of the standard order.
4. Does this dish contain dairy?
Yes, the buttermilk ranch dipping sauce contains dairy.
5. Is this appetizer gluten-free?
No. The breading used on both the fried green tomatoes and fried pickles typically contains wheat, so this dish is not gluten-free.
6. What allergens are present in this dish?
Wheat/gluten and dairy are the primary allergens, with possible soy and egg content depending on preparation. Cross-contact with fish or shellfish is also possible due to shared kitchen equipment.
7. How much does this appetizer cost?
It’s priced at $5.99 for the combined order of fried green tomatoes and fried pickles with both sauces.
8. Is this a shareable appetizer?
Yes, it’s commonly ordered as a shareable starter for the table, especially alongside a larger seafood or chicken meal.
9. Is this appetizer a healthy choice?
It’s a fairly indulgent, fried appetizer with moderate calories and higher sodium, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation or shared rather than eaten as a primary source of nutrition.
10. Can I order just the fried green tomatoes or just the fried pickles separately?
This item is typically listed as a combined order; availability of individual portions may vary by location, so it’s worth asking your local Captain D’s.
11. What does buttermilk ranch taste like on this dish?
It’s a cool, creamy, and mild dip that contrasts nicely with the tangier flavor of the fried green tomatoes and pickles.
12. How does this compare to fried green tomatoes at Southern-style restaurants?
Captain D’s version combines fried green tomatoes with fried pickles and two sauces for a similar or lower price than many competitors charge for fried green tomatoes alone.
13. Are the fried pickles slices or spears?
Preparation style can vary, but they are generally breaded and fried pickle pieces designed for easy sharing.
14. Is this dish spicy?
It’s generally not spicy — the flavor profile leans tangy and savory rather than heat-forward, though seasoning can vary slightly by location.
15. Is this a good option for vegetarians?
The fried green tomatoes and pickles themselves are plant-based, though they are fried in oil that may also be used for seafood or chicken, so cross-contact is possible. Vegetarians with strict requirements should confirm with staff.
16. Can I request extra dipping sauce?
Most locations should be able to accommodate a request for extra D’s Dippin’ sauce or buttermilk ranch, though this may come at an additional cost.
17. Is this appetizer available at all Captain D’s locations?
Menu availability can vary by region and location, so it’s a good idea to check your local Captain D’s menu or app before visiting.
Final Verdict
For $5.99, Captain D’s Fried Green Tomatoes & Pickles delivers a genuinely distinctive, Southern-inspired appetizer that combines two classic fried favorites with two contrasting dipping sauces. At 490 calories, it’s a moderate, shareable indulgence rather than a light bite — but the value and flavor variety make it a standout addition to the menu for fans of Southern fried appetizers.
Just remember: nutrition and allergen details can shift over time, so always double-check current information through Captain D’s official app or website before making decisions based on strict dietary needs — especially if fish or shellfish cross-contact is a concern for you.
