Unlimited Soup, Salad, and Breadsticks
One of the most appealing aspects of dining at Olive Garden is the unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks, and vegans can enjoy a modified version of this classic offering.
The Famous House Salad
The standard house salad must be customized to be vegan-friendly. Here's how to order it properly:
- Request no croutons. The standard croutons are not vegan.
- Omit the Italian dressing and cheese. The house dressing contains eggs and cheese.
- Substitute with oil and vinegar. This simple, classic dressing is a safe and delicious alternative.
Minestrone Soup
Hearty and flavorful, Olive Garden's Minestrone soup is a satisfying vegan option packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta in a tomato-flavored broth. This is a go-to choice for many plant-based diners and is available as part of the unlimited offering.
Unlimited Breadsticks
Yes, the famous Olive Garden breadsticks are vegan! The company uses a soy-based margarine for the buttery garlic topping instead of dairy butter, so they are perfectly safe for vegans to enjoy. You can also ask for the marinara dipping sauce, which is also vegan, for an extra treat.
Build Your Own Pasta Entrée
When it comes to a main course, the 'Cucina Mia,' or Create Your Own Pasta, is your best option. This customizable meal allows you to select your preferred pasta and sauce from the vegan-friendly options.
Vegan Pasta Choices
Olive Garden uses dried, egg-free pasta for most of its options, with the exception of the gluten-free rigatoni. Vegan pasta choices include:
- Angel Hair
- Fettuccine
- Rigatoni (note: the non-gluten-free version is vegan)
- Small Shells
- Spaghetti
Vegan Sauce Option
Your only vegan sauce choice is the classic marinara or plain tomato sauce. Be sure to specify that you want only the marinara, as other sauces contain dairy or meat.
Extra Veggies
To bulk up your pasta dish, ask your server to add extra garden vegetables. Popular additions include steamed broccoli, mushrooms, and tomatoes.
Other Vegan Sides and Options
Beyond the staples, Olive Garden offers a few other menu items that can be ordered vegan. Remember to always confirm with your server about preparations.
Table: Vegan vs. Non-Vegan Olive Garden Menu Items
| Menu Item | Vegan Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited Breadsticks | Vegan | Topped with soy-based margarine, not butter. |
| Minestrone Soup | Vegan | Contains vegetables, beans, and pasta in a tomato broth. |
| House Salad | Needs Modification | Order without croutons, dressing, or cheese. Use oil and vinegar. |
| Marinara Sauce | Vegan | The only vegan sauce option. |
| Spaghetti, Angel Hair, etc. | Vegan | Most dried pastas are egg-free. |
| Fettuccine Alfredo | Not Vegan | Contains dairy. |
| Gluten-Free Rigatoni | Not Vegan | Contains egg. |
| Five Cheese Marinara | Not Vegan | Contains dairy. |
| Steamed Broccoli | Vegan | Order without butter or cheese. |
| Golden Fried Shrimp | Not Vegan | Contains animal products. |
| Desserts | Not Vegan | All desserts contain dairy or eggs. |
What to Avoid as a Vegan
To ensure your meal is entirely plant-based, be mindful of several items on the Olive Garden menu. This is particularly important for pasta sauces and sides that might seem vegetarian but are not vegan.
Pasta Sauces
- Five Cheese Marinara: Contains dairy.
- Alfredo Sauce: Dairy-based.
- Creamy Mushroom Sauce: Contains dairy.
- Meat Sauce: Contains meat.
Sides and Appetizers
- Soups: All soups except the Minestrone contain meat or dairy.
- Sauces: Other sauces like pesto also contain dairy.
Desserts and Drinks
- Desserts: None of Olive Garden's standard desserts are vegan, as they contain dairy and eggs. The raspberry sauce is vegan, but there is no vegan item to pair it with.
- Mints: The Andes Mints served with the check are not vegan, as they contain milk ingredients.
Conclusion: Navigating the Vegan Menu at Olive Garden
Dining out as a vegan can sometimes be a challenge, but Olive Garden offers several satisfying options when you know how to order correctly. By leveraging the unlimited breadsticks, minestrone soup, and a customizable pasta dish with marinara and extra veggies, you can enjoy a hearty Italian-American meal. The key is communicating your needs clearly to your server regarding modifications to the salad and selecting the correct pasta and sauce for your main course. While the choices are limited, the foundational items are hearty and flavorful, ensuring that vegans don't have to miss out on the classic Olive Garden experience. For the most up-to-date allergen information, always check with your specific restaurant location or visit the official Olive Garden website for their allergen guide.
A note on cross-contamination
While the mentioned menu items are vegan in their ingredients, it is important to remember that cross-contamination is a possibility in any restaurant kitchen. Olive Garden states it follows careful food handling procedures but cannot guarantee food items won't come into contact with animal products. For those with severe allergies or strict ethical considerations, this is a point to consider.
