How to Order Healthy Low Calorie Meals at Olive Garden Restaurant

A Guide to Choosing Healthy Menu Items at Olive Garden

Olive Garden is one of the most popular Italian restaurant chains in America. With its endless breadsticks, giant bowls of pasta, and indulgent desserts, it may seem challenging to eat healthy there. However, the menu actually offers many nutritious options if you know what to look for.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how to select the healthiest entrees, sides, and appetizers at Olive Garden. We will specifically focus on menu items that are lower in calories, carbs, fat, and sodium. With a few simple substitutions and smart choices, you can enjoy delicious Italian cuisine at Olive Garden while still sticking to your healthy diet.

Tips for Ordering Healthy at Olive Garden

Here are some general tips to keep in mind when dining at Olive Garden:

• Choose grilled or baked entrees instead of fried options
• Opt for steamed, sauted, or roasted vegetables as sides
• Request sauce and dressing on the side
• Avoid heavy cream-based sauces like alfredo
• Order salad dressing on the side and use sparingly
• Choose whole wheat or veggie pasta options
• Share high-calorie appetizers or order a side salad instead
• Savor one breadstick instead of unlimited refills
• Order water, unsweetened tea, or wine spritzers instead of sugary drinks

Keeping these guidelines in mind will help you indulge without overdoing it on calories, carbs, fat, and sodium.

Healthy Olive Garden Appetizers

Starting your meal with a healthy appetizer sets the tone for smart menu choices. Here are some of the best options under 400 calories:

Shrimp Fritto Misto - 330 calories

This dish features flash-fried shrimp, zucchini, and mushrooms. Request olive oil instead of butter to dip your veggies and shrimp in.

Veggie Antipasto - 150 calories

Load up your plate with fresh vegetables like grilled asparagus, tomatoes, artichokes, and olives.

Five Cheese Marinara - 310 calories

Dip warm breadsticks in marinara sauce topped with a blend of Italian cheeses for a lighter appetizer.

Minestrone Soup - 120 calories

Warm up with this classic Italian vegetable soup packed with tomatoes, spinach, beans, pasta, and potatoes.

Healthiest Olive Garden Salads

Salads are a great way to add nutrients from fresh veggies into your meal. Choose one of these lower calorie options for a healthy start to your entre:

Garden Fresh Salad - 60 calories

Fill up on lettuce, tomatoes, pepperoncini peppers, red onions, olives, and croutons. Use olive oil and vinegar for dressing.

Herb-Grilled Salmon Salad - 330 calories

Grilled salmon served over romaine and spinach adds lean protein to make this a balanced meal.

Cesar Salad with Grilled Chicken - 290 calories

Romaine lettuce, grilled chicken breast, and reduced-fat Caesar dressing create a lighter take on this classic.

Low-Calorie Olive Garden Entrees

The entre section of the menu provides plenty of lower calorie Italian favorites. Here are some of the top picks under 500 calories:

Herb-Grilled Salmon - 330 calories

Rich and tender salmon fillets are seasoned with Italian herbs and grilled. Served with vegetables, this entre provides lean protein and produce.

Shrimp Primavera - 450 calories

Sauteed shrimp are combined with zucchini, carrots, bell peppers, and olive oil in a light tomato cream sauce over pasta.

Five Cheese Ziti al Forno - 400 calories

A blend of Italian cheeses and marinara sauce is baked over ziti pasta for a hearty vegetarian meal.

Spicy Chicken Rigatoni - 470 calories

Grilled chicken breast is tossed with onions, red peppers, rigatoni, and a spicy cream sauce for a protein and fiber-rich option.

Chicken Margherita - 370 calories

Chicken breast topped with roasted tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil are served with green beans and roasted potatoes.

Healthy Olive Garden Side Dishes

Choosing vegetable or salad side dishes can help balance out higher calorie pasta entrees. Opt for these smart sides under 150 calories per serving:

• Steamed Broccoli - 60 calories
• Fresh Spinach - 60 calories
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes - 140 calories
• Roasted Potatoes - 130 calories
• Grilled Vegetables - 80 calories
• Small House Salad with Light Dressing - 60 calories

Satisfying Low-Calorie Olive Garden Desserts

Leave room for something sweet while still watching your calorie intake. Here are light Olive Garden desserts under 300 calories:

Fresh Fruit - 100 calories

Choose from mixed berries, peach slices, or melon chunks drizzled with honey.

Mini Chocolate Cake - 190 calories

Indulge in a personal-sized chocolate cake with fresh whipped cream on top.

Gelato - 280 calories

Two small scoops of this rich Italian ice cream make for a lighter dessert.

Italian Cheesecake - 250 calories

A slice of creamy ricotta cheesecake with fresh berry compote satisfies any sweet tooth.

Tips for Ordering Olive Garden's Lightest Menu Items

With its endless pasta bowls, irresistible breadsticks, and decadent desserts, Olive Garden can seem daunting for anyone watching their weight and overall health. However, there are many better-for-you options available if you know what to look for.

Here are some final tips for ordering the lightest fare when dining at Olive Garden:

• Start your meal with minestrone soup or a garden fresh salad
• Order herb-grilled salmon, shrimp, or chicken entrees
• Ask for sauces and dressings on the side
• Fill up on low-calorie vegetable side dishes
• Share high-calorie appetizers or skip the breadsticks
• Savor a fresh fruit or mini dessert for something sweet
• Drink water or unsweetened tea instead of sugary beverages

With a combination of smart substitutions, portion control, and lighter preparations, you can enjoy Olive Garden's delicious Italian fare while still sticking to a healthy diet. Savor the flavors of Italy without going overboard on calories, fat, carbs, and sodium.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.