Explore Olive Garden Appetizer Menu Choices
The Olive Garden Appetizer Menu is a culinary gateway. It offers a range of Italian starters that wake up the taste buds. These appetizers prepare you for the delicious entrees to come.
Menu favorites include Garlic Breadsticks, Crispy Mozzarella Sticks, and Rich Spinach Artichoke Dip. Each item brings unique flavors and textures to your table. These Olive Garden starters offer a taste of Italy at your meal.
Choices like Stuffed Ziti Fritta and the Sampler Italiano make the menu versatile. Whether you’re sharing or treating yourself, these appetizers are made to perfection. They are among the best Olive Garden menu items.
Introduction to Olive Garden Appetizers
Olive Garden appetizers are made to thrill your taste buds. They mix different textures and flavors. This part of the menu gives diners a taste of the Italian dining experience Olive Garden wants to offer.
Guests can find something they love, whether it’s crispy, cheesy, or creamy. The appetizers aim to please all tastes. They make the beginning of every meal memorable.
Popular choices like Garlic Breadsticks, Mozzarella Sticks, and Spinach Artichoke Dip are favorites. These snacks prepare diners for a wonderful meal. They are perfect whether you want savory or creamy dishes.
The Sampler Italiano plate lets diners try different flavors. It’s great for sharing. It shows the Italian custom of enjoying meals together, with many flavors at once.
| Appetizer | Calories | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Garlic Breadsticks | 220 | $4.99 |
| Calamari | 210 | $10.99 |
| Stuffed Mushrooms | 300 | $9.99 |
| Bruschetta | 210 | $8.99 |
Everyone can find something they like among the appetizers. You might try something new like Chicken Alfredo Pizza. Or, stick with a favorite like Smoked Mozzarella Fonduta. Olive Garden’s appetizers offer a mix of tastes. They make each visit an adventure in dining.
Iconic Garlic Breadsticks
Olive Garden’s Garlic Breadsticks have become legendary. They are known for being freshly made and perfectly seasoned. These breadsticks are a must-have during any visit to Olive Garden.
Description and Preparation
Every day, these Garlic Breadsticks are baked fresh. They are seasoned with garlic, butter, and herbs. This makes them soft inside and slightly crispy outside. It’s a delicious balance of textures.
They are great by themselves or with Olive Garden’s small plates. Customers love them either way.
Nutritional Information
A Garlic Breadstick has about 140 calories. This makes them a tasty yet light option for guests. Even with fewer calories, they pack a flavorful punch and enhance any meal.
Crispy Mozzarella Sticks
At Olive Garden, Crispy Mozzarella Sticks are a favorite. They have a golden, crispy outside and a soft, gooey cheese inside. Both kids and adults love them.
Description and Ingredients
Olive Garden’s Mozzarella Sticks are crafted with care. They are coated in Italian breadcrumbs and fried to a golden brown. Served with Marinara sauce, they are a delight.
Popularity and Price
These mozzarella sticks cost $11.99. They are loved for their crispy coating and cheesy center. With 860 calories, and the marinara sauce adding 45 more, they’re a hearty choice.
| Appetizer | Calories | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Crispy Mozzarella Sticks | 860 cal | $11.99 |
| Fried Mozzarella | 800 cal | $7.29 |
| Stuffed Ziti Fritta | 500 cal | $7.79 |
Rich Spinach Artichoke Dip
The Olive Garden’s Spinach Artichoke Dip is a must-try appetizer. It blends spinach and artichokes in a delicious cream cheese base. Its flavors mix wonderfully, giving diners a warm, satisfying start to their meal.
At $14.29, it might cost more than other items but you get a lot for your money. The dip, weighing 198g, is enough for several people. It has 330 calories a serving. When shared with others, it becomes a favorite choice. Plus, it comes with crispy flatbread crisps for dipping.
| Appetizer | Price | Calories | Serving Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spinach Artichoke Dip | $14.29 | 330 | 198g |
| Fried Mozzarella | $7.29 | 750 | 6 pieces |
| Calamari | $15.79 | 670 | Not Specified |
| Lasagna Fritta | $9.99 | 1070 | Not Specified |
| Stuffed Ziti Fritta | $7.49 | 500 | Not Specified |
Sampler Italiano: A Variety Plate
The Sampler Italiano at Olive Garden is a tasty mix, great for explorers. It lets you try various flavors in one go.
What’s Included
“Create A Sampler Italiano” lets visitors pick from favorite starters. These include:
- Stuffed Mushrooms
- Fried Mozzarella
- Toasted Ravioli
It’s a perfect choice to taste Olive Garden’s starter range all at once.
Price and Value
The Sampler Italiano is priced at $11.99 for three options or $9.99 for two. This deal provides good value. Single appetizers cost between $6.49 and $11.79. So, this plate helps you enjoy more for less money.
Below is a price list for popular starters:
| Appetizer | Price |
|---|---|
| Fried Mozzarella | $6.49 |
| Spinach Artichoke Dip | $8.99 |
| Stuffed Ziti Fritta | $8.99 |
| Calamari | $11.79 |
| Lasagna Fritta | $9.99 |
| Shrimp Fritto Misto | $12.99 |
The average cost of a starter at Olive Garden is about $8.32. This makes the Sampler Italiano an affordable way to taste multiple dishes.
Olive Garden Appetizer Menu In-Depth
Olive Garden’s appetizers are known for their variety and flavors. If you’re curious about the menu and prices, this analysis is for you.
The Spinach-Artichoke Dip ranks 9th due to its mild taste, despite its creamy texture. The 8th place goes to Lasagna Fritta. It’s unique because it’s fried and has parmesan-breaded lasagna with meat sauce. Yet, its taste is balanced by alfredo sauce, making it less prominent.
Seventh place is Stuffed Ziti Fritta, packed with five cheeses. Dipping sauces like alfredo and marinara boost its flavor. Toasted Ravioli is 6th, known for its beef filling and great taste. Calamari, at 5th, is tender and lightly breaded but sometimes too salty.
Shrimp Fritto Misto takes 4th place. It features shrimp, onions, and bell peppers with a crispy outside and full flavor. The third spot goes to Meatballs Parmigiana. It has five meatballs with marinara and breadcrumbs, offering a spicy and rich tomato flavor.
The second position is Fried Mozzarella, a crowd favorite. It combines crispy, herb-infused breading with melty cheese inside. This ranking shows off the different textures and flavors, enhanced by sauces.
Olive Garden appetizer prices show good value:
| Appetizer | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Spinach-Artichoke Dip | $9.99 | 1,160 |
| Lasagna Fritta | $11.29 | 1,130 |
| Stuffed Ziti Fritta | $8.99 | 500 |
| Toasted Ravioli | $9.49 | 650 |
| Calamari | $15.79 | 670 |
| Shrimp Fritto Misto | $12.99 | 1,280 |
| Meatballs Parmigiana | $14.79 | 1,040 |
| Fried Mozzarella | $8.49 | 800 |
Olive Garden’s appetizer menu offers a wide selection to satisfy many tastes. Knowing the prices, taste, and presentation helps diners make the best choices for their visit.
Fried Mozzarella: A Classic Favorite
The Fried Mozzarella at Olive Garden is a hit for its crispy outside and gooey inside. It’s a top pick at Olive Garden, mixing great texture with taste.
This appetizer is made to be super crunchy yet melts in your mouth. It comes with a tangy marinara sauce. That sauce adds 45 calories to the 750 calories it has. This combo brings a satisfying flavor that’s both cozy and lavish.
At $9.99, Fried Mozzarella is both loved and easy on the wallet. It has rightly earned its spot on the Olive Garden menu. It’s a favorite for both regulars and first-timers.
Stuffed Ziti Fritta
The Olive Garden starters menu has many tasty options, like the delicious Stuffed Ziti Fritta. This dish is filled with a rich cheese blend that includes ricotta, parmesan, romano, cream cheese, and mozzarella. Each piece of ziti is coated and fried until crispy. It’s a savory appetizer that everyone loves. You also get Alfredo and marinara sauces for dipping, which adds more yummy flavors.
Description and Ingredients
Stuffed Ziti Fritta uses rigatoni pasta, cooked just right, then filled with yummy cheese. After stuffing, each ziti is breaded and fried. Canola oil heats up to 350°F to make sure each piece is crispy outside and creamy inside. The Alfredo and marinara sauces provided make it even tastier, mixing creamy and tangy tastes perfectly.
Price and Nutritional Information
This appetizer is a deal at $11.99, bringing flavor and value from Olive Garden’s starters. It has 500 calories per serving. Added calories come from Alfredo sauce (220 calories) and marinara sauce (35 calories). Here’s what’s in it per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 416 |
| Carbohydrates | 60 g |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Cholesterol | 86 mg |
| Sodium | 689 mg |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Calcium | 211 mg |
| Iron | 3 mg |
It takes about 45 minutes to make this appetizer, with 30 minutes for prep and 15 for cooking. It’s great for six people, making it perfect for sharing. Leftovers? Just put them in a tight container. They can stay in the fridge for up to three days or be frozen for two months.
Calamari: Fresh and Flavorful
Olive Garden’s snack options, especially the Calamari appetizer, are a big hit. It’s known for being very fresh and perfectly seasoned. This dish has tender calamari rings and tentacles with a crispy breading outside. It’s a great mix of tastes and textures that many people enjoy.
Olive Garden’s Calamari is enough for 2-3 people to share. It comes with a rich marinara sauce that has only 45 calories. There’s also a creamy ranch dressing with 250 calories. These sauces add to the appetizer, making it even more enjoyable.
The Calamari appetizer has 670 calories. This is less than some other choices on the menu. For example, Fried Mozzarella has 860 calories. The Lasagna Fritta is even higher with 1070 calories. But, the Classic Shrimp Scampi Fritta has only 600 calories.
Here is a detailed comparison of selected Olive Garden snack options:
| Appetizer | Caloric Content | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Calamari | 670 cal | $12.79 |
| Fried Mozzarella | 860 cal | $8.79 |
| Lasagna Fritta | 1070 cal | $11.79 |
| Classic Shrimp Scampi Fritta | 600 cal | $12.49 |
| Create a Sampler Italiano (featuring calamari) | 330 cal | $14.79 |
In the end, Olive Garden’s Calamari is a fresh, flavorful pick from their appetizer menu. It has a good balance of calories and comes with tasty sauces. This makes it a favorite for fans of both traditional and modern Italian dishes.
Lasagna Fritta: An Innovative Twist
The Lasagna Fritta at Olive Garden is a unique addition to the menu. It has gotten a lot of attention. As one of the small plates, it brings a new twist to traditional lasagna. It’s perfect for those who want to try something new and tasty.
Description
The Lasagna Fritta features crispy fried pasta pockets. They’re filled with savory ricotta cheese and hearty meat sauce. These pockets are then breaded and fried, creating a crunchy outside.
It’s served with marinara sauce and an alfredo drizzle on top. This makes the Lasagna Fritta not only tasty but also pleasing to the eye. It’s a great pick for anyone who loves a classic dish with a twist.
Popularity and Price
The Lasagna Fritta is loved for its unique look and rich taste. Priced at $14.79, it’s seen as a good deal, especially because you can share it. It has quickly become a favorite at Olive Garden. People like exploring the small plates.
What makes the Lasagna Fritta stand out is its mix of textures and flavors. It promises an eating experience you’ll remember. This appetizer keeps getting great reviews from those who enjoy trying new things.
Shrimp Fritto Misto: Seafood Delight
Olive Garden’s Shrimp Fritto Misto is a top pick among its appetizers. It’s great for those who want a tasty and fulfilling start to their meal.
Description and Ingredients
The dish includes lightly breaded and fried shrimp. They come with other seafood bits and a zest lemon aioli sauce. The mix of soft and crisp, plus the tangy sauce, makes it a favorite.
Price and Serving Size
At $17.29, the Shrimp Fritto Misto is a premium choice. It’s big enough to share, making it perfect for groups. Though pricey, its quality and size offer good value for seafood lovers.
This appetizer packs 1280 calories. The sauces add more, with marinara bringing 35 and spicy ranch 240 calories more.
| Appetizer | Calories | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Shrimp Fritto Misto | 1280 | $17.29 |
| Fried Mozzarella | 800 | $7.29 |
| Lasagna Fritta | 1130 | $10.29 |
| Calamari | 670 | $10.99 |
| Stuffed Ziti Fritta | 500 | $7.79 |
| Spinach-Artichoke Dip | 1160 | $9.99 |
The Shrimp Fritto Misto is a superb seafood choice at Olive Garden. It’s hearty and worth the premium price among appetizers.
Nutritional Insight on Olive Garden Appetizers
Looking at Olive Garden appetizer choices and their nutrition is smart. Various starters are on the menu, each with different calorie counts and ingredients. For example, the Calamari has 670 calories, while the Fried Mozzarella is 800 calories. The Spinach Artichoke Dip tops them with 1,160 calories.
Knowing about nutrients helps diners choose wisely. Let’s compare some popular Olive Garden appetizers:
| Appetizer | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calamari | 670 | 38 | 15 | 23 |
| Fried Mozzarella | 800 | 45 | 43 | 32 |
| Spinach Artichoke Dip | 1,160 | 70 | 85 | 26 |
Each Olive Garden breadstick has around 140 calories. This makes it a better choice than many appetizers. For healthier options, consider the Chicken & Gnocchi Soup at 230 calories or the Minestrone Soup for just 110 calories.
Olive Garden also offers a “Lighter Italian Fare” menu. It’s made for those wanting few calories. You can find gluten-free pasta with 380 to 440 calories, and seasonal risottos. These dishes use fresh veggies to boost nutrition.
Learning about these nutritional facts makes choosing at Olive Garden easier. It helps diners pick options that fit their dietary needs.
Conclusion
The Olive Garden’s appetizer menu is sure to please everyone. It features items like crispy Mozzarella Sticks and the tasty Spinach Artichoke Dip. The innovative Lasagna Fritta is also a hit. With prices from $7.49 to $10.79, they offer good value for your money.
Olive Garden stands out with its range of starters. You can try the Sampler Italiano or the Shrimp Fritto Misto for a seafood treat. Dishes like the Stuffed Ziti Fritta come with lots of cheese, adding to the flavor. These starters, usually priced around $9.11, are both delicious and affordable.
With more than 850 locations, Olive Garden’s appetizers are easy to find. They invite guests to try something new and find a favorite. Every visit can be a fun adventure in taste.
FAQ
What are some of the best Olive Garden appetizer menu items?
Olive Garden’s top appetizers include Garlic Breadsticks, Mozzarella Sticks, and Spinach Artichoke Dip. The Sampler Italiano lets you try several appetizers at once.
Can you describe the Olive Garden Garlic Breadsticks?
The Garlic Breadsticks at Olive Garden are fresh and seasoned with garlic, butter, and herbs. Each one has about 140 calories, making them a light, tasty option.
How are the Mozzarella Sticks prepared?
The Mozzarella Sticks are covered in Italian breadcrumbs and fried till golden. Served with marinara sauce, they are known for their gooey cheese pull. They cost .99.
What does the Spinach Artichoke Dip include?
This dip mixes spinach and artichokes in a creamy cheese sauce. It comes with fresh chips, perfect for those who love rich flavors.
What is included in the Sampler Italiano?
The Sampler Italiano has Stuffed Mushrooms, Fried Mozzarella, and Toasted Ravioli. It offers a variety for .29, which is a good deal.
What are some of the premium appetizer options at Olive Garden?
For fancier starters, try the Calamari, Meatballs Parmigiana, or Shrimp Fritto Misto. The shrimp comes with a tangy lemon aioli and costs .29.
What nutritional information is available for Olive Garden appetizers?
Olive Garden shares nutrition facts for their appetizers. For instance, the Stuffed Ziti Fritta has 330 calories per serving and is also .99.
