Is Olive Garden Dressing Low Carb? A Detailed Nutrition Guide

November 8, 2025 •

3 min read

A 2-tablespoon serving of Olive Garden's Signature Italian dressing contains just 2 grams of total carbohydrates, leading many to question, is olive garden dressing low carb? The simple answer is yes, but the bigger picture involves understanding the sugar and sodium content, as well as how to pair it with a truly low-carb meal.

Quick Summary

A single serving of Olive Garden's Signature Italian dressing is indeed low in carbs, containing 2 grams of total and net carbs. However, it's essential to be mindful of its sugar and high sodium content when following a strict low-carb or keto regimen.

Key Points

Low Carb Status: Yes, the Signature Italian dressing contains only 2g of net carbs per serving, making it low carb and keto-friendly.
Hidden Sugars: Be aware that the dressing contains added sugars like dextrose and sometimes high fructose corn syrup, which some people prefer to avoid.
High Sodium: The dressing has a high sodium content, so it's best to consume it in moderation.
Modify Your Meal: To keep an Olive Garden meal low-carb, order the house salad without croutons and skip the breadsticks.
DIY Alternatives: Consider making a homemade version of the dressing to control the ingredients and avoid added sugars.
Light vs. Signature: The Light Italian dressing has the same carb count but lower fat and calories, making the Signature version potentially better for keto diets.
Restaurant Menu Options: Excellent low-carb entree options at Olive Garden include grilled chicken or salmon with a side of broccoli.

Olive Garden Dressing: A Closer Look at the Carbs

For those on a low-carb diet, finding suitable condiments can be a challenge. The good news is that Olive Garden's famous Signature Italian dressing is quite low in carbohydrates. Per a standard 2-tablespoon serving, the dressing contains only 2 grams of total carbohydrates. Since it also has 0 grams of fiber, the net carbohydrate count is also 2 grams, making it a viable option for many who track their carb intake.

However, it's important to read beyond the carb count. The dressing's ingredients list includes added sugars like sugar and dextrose, as well as high fructose corn syrup in some restaurant versions, which should be noted by those avoiding all forms of processed sugar. Additionally, the dressing is very high in sodium, with a single serving providing a substantial portion of the daily recommended amount.

Signature vs. Light: Is There a Difference in Carbs?

Olive Garden also offers a Light Italian dressing, which might seem like a better option for dieters. However, when it comes to carbohydrates, the numbers are identical. Like the signature version, the light dressing contains 2 grams of total carbohydrates per serving. The primary difference lies in the calorie and fat content, with the light version containing significantly less fat. For a low-carb or keto diet that prioritizes fat intake, this makes the light version less suitable than the full-fat signature dressing. For general health and calorie reduction, the light version could be a better choice, but for strict carb counting, there is no difference between the two.

Making a Low-Carb Meal at Olive Garden

While the dressing itself is low-carb, the standard Olive Garden house salad comes with croutons and is served alongside high-carb breadsticks. To keep your meal low-carb or keto, you must make a few adjustments.

To build a low-carb meal:

Start with the house salad: Order it with the Signature Italian dressing, but explicitly ask for no croutons. This simple step removes a significant amount of carbs.
Choose a keto-friendly entree: Opt for grilled meats or fish over pasta dishes. The Herb-Grilled Salmon or the Grilled Chicken Margherita (served with broccoli instead of pasta) are excellent choices.
Substitute wisely: If you want a dish like Chicken Piccata, ask to replace the pasta with steamed broccoli or garden veggies.
Skip the breadsticks: Politely decline the complimentary breadsticks to avoid a major source of hidden carbs.

DIY Low-Carb Alternatives to Olive Garden Dressing

For those who prefer to have complete control over their ingredients or want a version free of added sugars, making a copycat Olive Garden dressing at home is a great option. Several recipes replicate the flavor profile using low-carb ingredients.

Common ingredients in homemade low-carb versions include:

Olive oil or avocado oil
Red wine or white wine vinegar
Sugar substitute (erythritol, stevia)
Mayonnaise (for a creamy texture)
Italian seasoning
Dijon mustard
Garlic powder and onion powder
Optional: a sprinkle of parmesan cheese

Comparison Table: Signature vs. Light Italian Dressing


Feature	Signature Italian Dressing	Light Italian Dressing
Calories (per 2 tbsp)	80	30
Total Fat (per 2 tbsp)	8g	2g
Total Carbs (per 2 tbsp)	2g	2g
Sugars (per 2 tbsp)	2g	2g
Fiber (per 2 tbsp)	0g	0g
Net Carbs (per 2 tbsp)	2g	2g
Sodium (per 2 tbsp)	540mg	450mg

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

So, is Olive Garden dressing low carb? Yes, with just 2 grams of net carbohydrates per serving, it fits the criteria for most low-carb and keto diets. However, it's crucial to be aware of the high sodium content and the presence of added sugars in its ingredients. For a truly low-carb experience at the restaurant, remember to ask for your salad without croutons and pair it with a grilled meat or fish entree. For those with strict dietary needs regarding sugar and sodium, making a homemade, clean version might be the best option. Knowing the full nutritional facts empowers you to make the best choice for your health goals. You can find more low-carb eating tips at various restaurant chains on authoritative sites like Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Frequently Asked Questions

There are 2 grams of net carbs per standard 2-tablespoon serving of Olive Garden's Signature Italian dressing. This is because it contains 2 grams of total carbs and 0 grams of dietary fiber.

Yes, Olive Garden's Signature Italian dressing is generally considered suitable for a keto diet due to its low carb count. However, it is high in sodium and contains some added sugars, which some strict keto dieters may wish to limit.

The main difference is in the fat and calorie content. The Light version has less fat and fewer calories, but both dressings contain the same amount of total carbohydrates per serving, at 2 grams.

Yes, it is possible to eat a low-carb meal at Olive Garden by making modifications. Order the house salad with no croutons and choose a grilled meat or fish entree, substituting pasta with a vegetable like steamed broccoli.

While the recipe is similar, there can be some minor variations. Some bottled versions of the dressing do not list high fructose corn syrup, while some restaurant ingredients have been shown to include it.

The Signature Italian dressing contains ingredients like soybean oil, distilled vinegar, Romano cheese, egg, spices, and added sugars. These components give it its characteristic creamy and tangy flavor.

The high sodium content is typical for many bottled and restaurant dressings, where salt is used for flavor enhancement and preservation. A single serving can contain a significant percentage of the daily recommended sodium intake.