Olive Garden is the place to go when you’re looking for a cozy bowl of pasta at an affordable price. Although it’s well known for its consistent lineup of pasta dishes, soups, salads, wines, and desserts, it’s not necessarily the healthiest option. However, while Olive Garden has its fair share of unhealthy, high-calorie dishes (like the Chicken Tortellini Alfredo, which has about 2,000 calories), the chain also offers a variety of nutritious, low-calorie meals.
When eating at a chain restaurant, keep in mind that even healthy dishes often contain more calories, fat, and salt than those prepared at home. Some menu items may be lower in calories, but may still be high in sodium. For those watching their intake, remember that the FDA recommends no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day to prevent high blood pressure and heart disease. If you choose a high-sodium dish, balance it out by reducing your salt intake for the rest of the day.
Ready to make healthier choices?Here are seven great low-calorie dishes to try at Olive Garden. Read on to check out the 15 Best Low Calorie Meals from 15 Chain Restaurants.
shrimp scampi
Nutritional information (per order):
calorie:490
fat: 18g (saturated fat: 7g)
sodium:1,120mg
carbohydrates: 52g (dietary fiber: 4g, carbohydrates: 5g)
protein:29g
One of Olive Garden’s lowest calorie options is shrimp scampi For several reasons. “First, shrimp are a lean protein source and are low in calories, yet rich in nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health,” Sabato says. This dish is sautéed in garlic sauce for flavor without heavy cream, and contains asparagus and tomatoes for added fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Angel hair pasta is thin pasta, so you can eat a satisfying amount while keeping calories low. “Overall, this dish has a good balance of protein, vegetables, and a modest amount of pasta, making it a nutritious and satisfying option for those watching their calorie intake.” she added.
Herb grilled salmon
Nutritional information (per order):
calorie:610
fat: 45g (saturated fat: 11g)
sodium:1,360mg
carbohydrates:9g (dietary fiber: 4g, carbohydrates: 3g)
protein:45g
of Herb grilled salmon One of the healthiest meals you can order at Olive Garden.
According to Sabato, “This order provides a nutritious meal rich in high-quality protein and healthy fats, especially omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation. She says, “This combination of lean protein, healthy fats, and nutrient-rich vegetables makes herb-roasted salmon a balanced, health-conscious option for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious, balanced meal.” “It will be an option.”
spaghetti marinara
Nutritional information (per order):
calorie:490
fat: 12g (saturated fat: 1g)
sodium:1,290mg
carbohydrates: 83g (dietary fiber: 6g, carbohydrates: 13g)
protein:15g
Sometimes all you need is a classic bowl spaghetti with marinara sauce Perfect for warming your body on cold days. Thankfully, the Olive Garden version is low enough in calories to fit into many types of healthy eating plans.
This 490-calorie dish has 15 grams of protein and 6 grams of gut-healthy fiber to help you stay full and satisfied until your next meal. The only downside is the high sodium content (1,290 milligrams per serving). If you choose this dish, be sure to keep your salt intake within limits for the rest of the day. Maximum recommended daily intake is 2,300 milligrams.
grilled chicken margherita
Nutritional information (per order):
calorie:650
fat:39g (saturated fat: 11g)
sodium:2,120mg
carbohydrates: 15g (dietary fiber: 5g, carbohydrates: 5g)
protein:65g
Try our chicken-based dishes, which are lower in calories than other menu items. grilled chicken margherita.
“At only 650 calories, this dish provides a balanced and flavorful meal,” Sabato says. Featuring lean grilled chicken breast, it contains high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle maintenance and overall body function. “The fresh tomato and mozzarella topping provides additional nutrients like calcium, vitamins, and antioxidants, and the basil pesto and lemon garlic sauce delivers bright flavor without adding excess calories or unhealthy fats. ” she added.
minestrone soup
Nutritional information (per order):
calorie:110
fat:1g (saturated fat: 0g)
sodium:810mg
carbohydrates: 17g (dietary fiber: 4g, carbohydrates: 4g)
protein:11g
To start your meal lightly, minestrone soup From Olive Garden. Made with vegetable, bean, pasta, and tomato broth, this vegetarian-friendly soup has just 110 calories per bowl, but has 4 grams of fiber and 11 grams of protein.
For a completely low-calorie meal, order this soup and shrimp scampi for a total of 600 calories, or order the lunch portion of spaghetti with meat sauce for a total of 470 calories.
Lunch size spaghetti with meat sauce
Nutritional information (per order):
calorie:360
fat: 12g (saturated fat: 3.5g)
sodium:530mg
carbohydrates: 51g (dietary fiber: 3g, carbohydrates: 9g)
protein:14g
If you go to Olive Garden during lunchtime, you’ll find a wide selection of small lunch menu items. Their lunch portion is meat sauce spaghetti It’s only 360 calories but contains 14 grams of protein, making it perfect for those looking for a low-calorie meal.
Another benefit of this dish is its low sodium content. The fact that this dish only has a sodium content of 530 milligrams is beneficial, especially considering that other low-calorie meals have a sodium content of well over 1,000 milligrams.
pasta and fagioli soup
Nutritional information (per order):
calorie:150
fat:5g (saturated fat: 2g)
sodium:710mg
carbohydrates: 16g (dietary fiber: 3g, carbohydrates: 4g)
protein:8g
Try another nutritious soup option from Olive Garden. pasta and fagioli soup. It is made with ground beef, white and red beans, pasta, tomatoes, and a flavorful broth. With only 150 calories and 8 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber, this soup pairs well with pasta or salad for lunch.
Sign up for our newsletter!
