Olive Garden Appetizers Menu: Tasty Starters
Welcome to Olive Garden’s appetizer world! Here, starters mix classic Italian ingredients with new twists. They’re made to spark your hunger and get you ready for an unforgettable meal. Enjoy different flavors and textures, all designed to provide a unique taste at one of America’s favorite Italian dining spots.
Trying Olive Garden’s Fried Mozzarella or Calamari is the perfect way to start your meal. With favorites like Spinach-Artichoke Dip and Toasted Ravioli, there’s something for everyone. These appetizers make your dining experience even better.
The starters, priced between $7 and $12, stand out at Olive Garden. They let you taste top-notch Italian flavors. Whether it’s a 2 for $25 deal with a friend or a family-style meal, you must try Olive Garden’s appetizers.
Introduction to Olive Garden Appetizers
The Olive Garden appetizers menu is carefully chosen. It has a wide range of options to begin your meal. There are cheesy treats and crispy delights. Every appetizer gives you a real taste of Italy.
Olive Garden offers appetizers that are both tasty and affordable. They have calorie counts from 150 to 490 and prices range from $6.99 to $11.00. The average calorie count for appetizers is about 286. This balances enjoyment with eating healthy.
| Appetizer | Calories | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Stuffed Mushrooms | 240 | $8.49 |
| Fried Calamari | 310 | $10.99 |
| Bruschetta | 150 | $7.99 |
| Spinach and Artichoke Dip | 360 | $9.49 |
| Italian Nachos | 490 | $10.49 |
| Fried Zucchini | 230 | $8.99 |
| Toasted Ravioli | 290 | $9.49 |
Olive Garden also offers gluten-free choices. This lets guests pick what suits them best. Appetizers are made for sharing. They’re perfect for eating together with friends or family.
There are 10 appetizers to choose from at Olive Garden. This variety makes the dining experience fun and enjoyable. There are also seasonal specials and promotional prices. This means there’s always something new and exciting to try.
Classic Garlic Breadsticks
The Classic Garlic Breadsticks are a favorite at Olive Garden. They are freshly baked every day. This makes them the perfect start to any meal.
Key Ingredients
The breadsticks have a simple dough that fluffs up perfectly. Once baked, they get a garlic butter coat. Finally, a special seasoning blend is sprinkled on top, making them irresistible.
Nutritional Information
Each breadstick has about 140 calories. This makes them a guilt-free addition to your meal. Enjoying these breadsticks won’t ruin your diet.
Mouthwatering Fried Mozzarella
The Olive Garden appetizers menu has lots to choose from, but Fried Mozzarella steals the show. It’s a favorite for many because of its taste and appeal. Olive Garden knows how to make dishes that you’ll remember.
Flavor Profile
The Fried Mozzarella is famous for its crispy outside and soft, melting cheese inside. It’s coated with Italian herbs for extra crunch and flavor. The mozzarella goes great with the rich marinara sauce.
Caloric Information
| Component | Value | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Serving Size | 100g | |
| Calories | 320 | |
| Total Fat | 18.00 g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 9.0 g | 45% |
| Cholesterol | 60 mg | 20% |
| Sodium | 760 mg | 33% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 23.00 g | 8% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g | 4% |
| Total Sugars | 3 g | 0% |
| Protein | 12 g | 24% |
| Calcium | 320 mg | 25% |
| Iron | 0.6 mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 210 mg | 6% |
This cheese appetizer from Olive Garden is both indulgent and energizing. Whether counting calories or seeking something satisfying, Fried Mozzarella is a top choice.
Stuffed Ziti Fritta Delight
The Stuffed Ziti Fritta is a hit at Olive Garden. It mixes amazing flavors and textures. Think crispy ziti pasta filled with creamy cheese. It’s a great starter for anyone looking for something special.
Cheeses and Textures
This dish uses five cheeses to create a rich filling. The stars of the show are Mozzarella, Ricotta, Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago.
- Mozzarella
- Ricotta
- Parmesan
- Romano
- Asiago
The ziti’s crispy shell contrasts with the soft cheese inside. The marinara and alfredo sauces add more excitement. The marinara brings a zesty tomato touch. The alfredo sauce adds creaminess and a buttery flavor.
| Item | Calories | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Stuffed Ziti Fritta | 500 | $7.49 |
| Marinara Sauce | 45 | |
| Alfredo Sauce | 220 |
This delicious appetizer is more than just tasty. It’s also affordable. Everyone should try it from the Olive Garden menu.
Crispy Calamari
Olive Garden’s Crispy Calamari is lightly breaded and fried until golden. It stands out among seafood appetizers. You get a side of marinara and spicy ranch for dipping. The blend of crispiness and zest lifts the whole experience.
The calamari is tender but still chewy, without being rubbery. Dipping sauces make the appetizer even more delightful. It’s a great beginning to any Olive Garden meal.
| Item | Calories |
|---|---|
| Calamari | 670 cal |
| Marinara Sauce | 45 cal |
| Ranch Dressing | 250 cal |
Compared to other items, Crispy Calamari has fewer calories. Fried Mozzarella and Lasagna Fritta have 860 and 1070 calories. Priced at $12.79, it’s a tasty and affordable choice for seafood fans.
Lasagna Fritta: A Cheesy Concoction
The Olive Garden offers a unique appetizer called Lasagna Fritta. It’s a new take on classic lasagna. This dish mixes rich lasagna flavors with the crunch of parmesan breading. Each bite is a mix of textures and tastes. It’s a favorite for many at Olive Garden.
Details and Ingredients
Lasagna Fritta has parmesan-breaded lasagna pieces. They are fried and come with alfredo and marinara sauces. The cheeses used, ricotta and mozzarella, make it creamy. The careful way it’s made ensures each piece is perfect and golden.
Caloric Content
One serving of Lasagna Fritta has about 1,070 calories. It’s one of the richer options at Olive Garden. Below is how it compares with other appetizers:
| Appetizer | Calories |
|---|---|
| Lasagna Fritta | 1,070 |
| Calamari | 670 |
| Fried Mozzarella | 860 |
| Stuffed Ziti Fritta | 500 |
The Lasagna Fritta is rich but worth trying. It’s a great way to start exploring the Olive Garden menu.
Olive Garden Appetizers Menu Highlights
Starting your meal at Olive Garden is exciting with their appetizers menu. You’ll find a variety of tasty options like Garlic Breadsticks and Lasagna Fritta. Each dish is made with care. They make your Olive Garden visit truly special.
The appetizers menu has something for everyone, with prices between $4.99 and $14.29. Whether you crave Calamari at $12.99 or want Spinach-Artichoke Dip at $11.79, you’ll be happy. These starters are great for sharing or enjoying by yourself.
Here’s a quick look at some popular appetizers at Olive Garden:
| Appetizer | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Garlic Breadsticks | $4.99 | 140 Cal |
| Stuffed Ziti Fritta | $10.29 | 500 Cal |
| Fried Mozzarella | $9.79 | 800 Cal |
| Calamari | $12.99 | 670 Cal |
| Lasagna Fritta | $11.99 | 1130 Cal |
| Toasted Ravioli | $10.49 | 650 Cal |
The appetizers menu also includes the Weekday Lunch Special for $9.99. You get soup, salad, and breadsticks during lunch from Monday to Friday. It’s a light yet fulfilling choice with only 400 calories.
For those who enjoy family-style dining, Olive Garden has you covered. With options like Lasagna Fritta and Fried Mozzarella, everyone will find something they love. It’s perfect for bringing people together.
Popular Choices: Toasted Ravioli
Toasted Ravioli is a top pick at Olive Garden. It perfectly captures the flavors of Italy with its crispiness and savoriness. Many customers love this appetizer, making it highly popular. Its amazing taste and texture make everyone happy.
Ingredients and Serving
The Toasted Ravioli has a special filling of beef and Italian sausage, mixed with herbs. Each one is fried until golden and crunchy. It comes with a tasty marinara sauce. This creates a yummy mix of crunchy outside and flavorful inside.
It’s often part of the Create a Sampler Italiano. This lets customers try two or three appetizers with the Toasted Ravioli. Prices are $11.99 or $14.29. This way, they can enjoy various Olive Garden favorites.
Shrimp Fritto Misto
The Shrimp Fritto Misto at Olive Garden is a must-try among their seafood appetizers. It features tender shrimp, red bell peppers, and red onions. All are covered in a light and crispy batter. With a tangy marinara sauce on the side, it’s a blend of flavors that everyone loves. Perfect for sharing, it’s a great start to a meal at Olive Garden.
Seafood Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll find in the Shrimp Fritto Misto:
- Raw medium shrimp (over a pound, approximately 16 oz)
- Red bell peppers
- Red onions
- Dry breading mixture (2 Tbsp cornstarch, 2 Tbsp ground cornmeal, 3/4 cup all-purpose flour)
- Spicy ranch sauce (1/4 cup creamy ranch dressing, 1 Tbsp cherry pepper spread, 3 Tbsp parmesan cheese, 3 Tbsp Olive Garden dressing)
- Frying oil (2-3 cups heated to 350°F)
This appetizer serves 8 and is a delicious choice among Olive Garden’s seafood options. It promises a dining experience to remember.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 158 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Total Fat | 6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.01 g |
| Cholesterol | 75 mg |
| Sodium | 1368 mg |
| Potassium | 133 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Vitamin A | 607 IU |
| Vitamin C | 10 mg |
| Calcium | 64 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
The Shrimp Fritto Misto also comes with a full nutritional profile. This means you can enjoy it while staying informed about what you’re eating.
Decadent Spinach-Artichoke Dip
At Olive Garden, the Spinach-Artichoke Dip is a top pick. It’s a warm, creamy mix of fresh spinach, artichokes, and lots of cheeses. This appetizer is made for sharing, with flavors and textures mixed just right.
This dip is a highlight on the Olive Garden menu, priced at $14.79. It comes with a hefty 1160 calories per serving. That’s because of its rich contents and big size. It’s served with fresh pita flatbread, making it a yummy start to any meal.
| Item | Calories | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Spinach-Artichoke Dip | 1160 | $14.79 |
| Calamari | 670 | $15.79 |
| Lasagna Fritta | 1130 | $15.79 |
| Stuffed Ziti Fritta | 500 | $12.79 |
| Toasted Ravioli | 650 | $12.79 |
Olive Garden’s dip appetizers, like the Spinach-Artichoke Dip, are a teaser of what’s to come. They blend great flavor with a cozy setting. It’s all about enjoying good times with your favorite people.
Conclusion
As our journey through Olive Garden’s Appetizers Menu comes to an end, we see it’s full of diverse and tasty options. Every appetizer, from the nine available, offers unique flavors and textures. Olive Garden’s dedication to quality and taste shines through clearly. Whether you pick the crunchy Fried Mozzarella, savory calamari, or the beloved garlic breadsticks, you’re in for a delightful start to your meal.
The menu offers something for everyone, from rich Lasagna Fritta to crispy Shrimp Fritto Misto. Prices range from $6 to $12, making these starters great for anyone. If you want to try a bit of everything, the Appetizer Sampler is a smart choice. It lets you taste a variety of dishes at once, with the Classic Sampler at $24.99 and the Premium at $32.99.
Favorites like the five cheese Stuffed Ziti Fritta and meatballs parmigiana stand out for their cheese and marinara mix. These appetizers are not just food; they kickstart a memorable Italian dining experience. Olive Garden proves to be a top pick for those craving a satisfying and memorable meal.
FAQ
What are the key ingredients in Olive Garden’s Garlic Breadsticks?
Olive Garden’s Garlic Breadsticks start with a simple dough. It rises to become fluffy, is then coated with garlic butter, and seasoned well. These breadsticks are freshly made every day for the best taste.
How many calories are in a serving of Olive Garden’s Fried Mozzarella?
A serving of Olive Garden’s Fried Mozzarella has about 330 calories. It’s a rich appetizer, great for splitting with others.
What types of cheeses are used in the Stuffed Ziti Fritta?
The Stuffed Ziti Fritta features a mix of five cheeses: mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago. The blend offers a creamy texture inside a crunchy shell, for a delicious start to your meal.
What makes Olive Garden’s Crispy Calamari unique?
Olive Garden’s Crispy Calamari is lightly breaded, then fried until it’s golden. It comes with marinara and spicy ranch sauces. The dish strikes a perfect texture balance being crispy, but still tender inside.
What is the caloric content of a serving of Lasagna Fritta at Olive Garden?
Each serving of Lasagna Fritta packs about 1,070 calories. It consists of parmesan-breaded lasagna pieces that are fried. They’re then served with creamy alfredo and marinara sauces.
What ingredients are in Olive Garden’s Toasted Ravioli?
Olive Garden’s Toasted Ravioli is stuffed with beef and Italian sausage, herbs seasoning the mix. It’s breaded, fried, and served golden. A tasty marinara sauce comes on the side, enhancing the flavors.
What seafood components are included in the Shrimp Fritto Misto?
The Shrimp Fritto Misto includes tender shrimp, red bell peppers, and red onion. All are wrapped in a light, crispy batter. This dish is served with marinara sauce on the side, adding a nice tang.
