Olive Garden is one of the most prominent Italian-American restaurants that offer alternatives to spaghetti and breadsticks for customers who need them.
Olive Garden has worked hard to provide keto and almost gluten-free choices that don’t sacrifice taste for its consumers.
They also promote the idea that you can always ask for a different option, and the server would do their best to accommodate your request.
What is the Keto diet?
Said, a ketogenic diet is a low-carbohydrate eating plan. Consuming a higher proportion of protein and fat while decreasing your carbohydrate intake is the goal. You reduce your consumption of simple carbohydrates (such as sugar, soda, pastries, and white bread) the most. This kind of eating is a little challenging, especially when eating away from home. This eating style is a little tricky, especially when eating out.
Can I eat keto at Olive Garden?
The Olive Garden is unquestionably the best pasta restaurant in the world. Especially if you’re starting your ketogenic diet and still enticed by unhealthy foods, this doesn’t make it a keto-friendly environment.
Olive Garden’s cuisine consists mainly of breaded foods, pasta, five cheese ziti, and high-carb sauces.
The good news is that those who have resolved to avoid carbohydrates need not give up hope just yet! This Italian establishment has a limited selection of low-carb alternatives. Please see a list of our featured entrees below. Order the herb-grilled fish, the steamed broccoli, the Parmesan-crusted zucchini, the grilled chicken, and the famed house salad (without the croutons, of course).
Olive Garden’s Low-Carbohydrate Menu Options
With that in mind, we have compiled a list of the lowest carb meals available at Olive Garden.
Grilled Chicken and Steamed Broccoli
One hundred fifty calories, 5 grammes of fat, 1 gramme of carbohydrates, 1 gramme of fibre, and 27 grammes of protein are found in a side of grilled chicken breast.
Get some steamed broccoli on the side; it adds 35 calories, 0 grammes of fat, 7 grammes of carbohydrates (3 grammes net carbs), 4 grammes of fibre, and 4 grammes of protein your meal.
Together, they make dinner with around 3 or 4 grammes of net carbohydrates. For an extra calorie boost, get two chicken accompaniments.
Salmon Piccata
You’ll get grilled fish with a parmesan-crusted zucchini and a side of sun-dried tomato and caper butter sauce.
There are 21 grammes of fat, 11 grammes of carbohydrates (9 grammes net carbs), 2 grammes of fibre, and 32 grammes of protein in the lunch meal.
With 510 calories, 26 grammes of fat, 12 grammes of carbohydrates (9 grammes net carbs), 3 grammes of fibre, and 59 grammes of protein, the supper portion is a healthy choice.
Zoodles with Alfredo Sauce
Inconveniently, just a tiny fraction of eateries cater to those following the ketogenic diet. The nutritional breakdown of a primary serving of zoodles is as follows: 40 calories, 0.5 grammes of fat, 7 grammes of carbohydrates (5 grammes net carbs), 2 grammes of fibre, and 3 grammes of protein.
There are 440 calories, 43 grammes of fat, 5 grammes of carbohydrates, and 8 grammes of protein in a side of alfredo sauce.
Together, they’d make a plate with 480 calories and 10 grammes of net carbohydrates if ordered.
Tuscan Sirloin
From the gluten-free menu, order the Tuscan sirloin for a 6-ounce sirloin steak served with herb garlic butter, steamed broccoli, and mashed potatoes.
It has 46 grammes of protein, 7 grammes of fibre, and 420 calories from fat (16 grammes).
You may reduce carbohydrates by requesting no potatoes and extra broccoli.
Chicken Margherita
The Chicken Margherita is an easy meal to prepare that never fails to wow with its robust flavours.
Two perfectly seasoned and juicy grilled chicken breasts are served above a bed of fresh tomatoes, basil pesto, mozzarella, and a zippy lemon-garlic sauce. Parmesan garlic broccoli is included as a side dish.
Because it satisfies hunger without relying on carbohydrates, it’s one of my go-to keto diet meals. You won’t feel weighed down by the weight of this dish.
Broccoli is served on the side to balance the heavy flavours of the cheese and pesto.
The juicy, fresh cherry tomatoes provide a new dimension of flavour and texture to the meal. Olive Garden is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a restaurant that doesn’t offer just pasta and bread but has a wide variety of delicious selections.
Herb-Grilled Salmon
Olive Garden’s grilled salmon is served with an herb butter that is both light and savoury, making it a standout menu item.
It’s a good size and tastes fresh and flaky, thanks to a light grill coating on the top and bottom. The addition of fresh herbs much improves the fish.
The parmesan garlic broccoli comes with it is delicious, and the dish has low sodium and calorie count.
Upon request, the wait staff will bring you healthier options such as Zuppa Toscana, a side of zoodles (zucchini noodles), the house salad without croutons, and more.
Basic guidelines for enjoying a meal at Olive Garden while on the ketogenic diet
- -Forget the condiments and sauces if you’re unsure what to do.
- -Avoid bread, pasta, croutons, breading, breadsticks, soups, and desserts.
- -Consume just water, unsweetened iced tea, or Diet Coke products.
- -Download the free app for locations, menus, and to order
- -Refer to the nutrition guide.
What to Avoid at Olive Garden
Olive Garden doesn’t provide many options for those who don’t eat bread or pasta. Common examples of starchy sides are breadsticks and spaghetti. It’s just as crucial to know what you shouldn’t order before you place your purchase.
Learn how to keep your macros in check by following these guidelines:
-Put down the sugary drinks
Carefully choose your alcoholic beverages, and avoid soda and sweetened teas.
-The proper procedure must be known for your order
The most important thing is to know your order. Plan out your meals ahead of time and stick to them.
-Avoid soups
Keto dieters need to steer clear of the soups at Olive Garden since they often include pasta or other starchy carbohydrates.
Conclusion
Even though it’s known for its pasta, Olive Garden has a few keto-friendly alternatives.
Despite not being great on their own, the restaurant’s Minestrone, Pasta Fagioli, and Zuppa Toscana have 13 g of net carbohydrates per dish. For an additional 5 net carbohydrates, you may have a salad without croutons.
Grilled chicken, salmon, and steak from Olive Garden are excellent keto options when served with broccoli instead of pasta.
To satisfy your pasta hunger without overindulging, consider ordering your favourite noodle meal without the noodles and adding broccoli or another vegetable of your choice.