What has the lowest carbs at Olive Garden?

According to nutrition data, a plain grilled chicken breast contains less than 1g of total carbs, making it one of the simplest options for those wondering what has the lowest carbs at Olive Garden. The best choices are often found by customizing entrees and focusing on grilled proteins and vegetables, while avoiding pasta and breadsticks.

Quick Summary

A guide to the lowest-carb dishes at Olive Garden, focusing on grilled proteins, salads without croutons, and veggie-based substitutions. Tips for customizing classic entrees are included, helping you make informed decisions for a low-carb or keto-friendly meal.

Key Points

• Grilled Chicken is Lowest: A simple grilled chicken breast is the lowest carb single item on the Olive Garden menu, with less than 1g of total carbs.

• Customize Entrees: Modify high-carb pasta dishes by substituting the pasta with a low-carb alternative like steamed broccoli.

• Order Salad Smartly: Always ask for the Famous House Salad without croutons to significantly reduce the carb count.

• Avoid Standard Soups: The standard soups like Minestrone, Zuppa Toscana, and Pasta e Fagioli are not low-carb friendly and are best avoided.

• Choose Low-Carb Sides: Opt for sides like steamed broccoli or Parmesan Crusted Zucchini instead of fries or other starchy sides.

• Watch Your Sauces: While Alfredo sauce is surprisingly low-carb, marinara can add more carbs. Request sauces on the side to control your intake.

• Skip the Breadsticks: To stay on track, politely decline the complimentary breadsticks as they are high in carbohydrates.

Navigating the Olive Garden Menu for Low-Carb Options

Eating at an Italian restaurant like Olive Garden while sticking to a low-carb diet can be challenging due to the prevalence of pasta and breadsticks. However, you can find satisfying, low-carb options by strategically ordering grilled proteins and vegetable-based substitutions. To explore some specific low-carb options and how to customize your meal, see {Link: BdSN https://www.bdsn.de/keto-at-olive-garden/}.

Conclusion

Enjoying a low-carb meal at Olive Garden is achievable with thoughtful choices. The plain grilled chicken breast is the item with the fewest carbohydrates, making it an excellent foundation for a customized meal. By opting for grilled proteins and steamed vegetables and avoiding high-carb items like pasta, breadsticks, and croutons, you can have a satisfying dining experience that aligns with a low-carb diet.

References

• Hip2Keto, 'Keto Dining at Olive Garden: Yes, It's Possible and Delicious!', October 11, 2023, hip2keto.com
• WebMD, 'How to Eat Keto at Olive Garden', February 23, 2024, webmd.com
• Facebook, 'What are safe low carb options to eat at Olive Garden?', September 27, 2024, facebook.com
• Ketogenic.com, 'Staying Keto at Olive Garden: Tough, But Not Impossible', August 31, 2021, ketogenic.com
• WebMD, 'How to Eat Keto at Olive Garden', February 23, 2024, webmd.com
• FatSecret, 'Calories in Olive Garden Salad without Croutons', August 05, 2025, fatsecret.com
• Hip2Keto, 'Keto Dining at Olive Garden: Yes, It's Possible and Delicious!', October 11, 2023, hip2keto.com
• Natural Force, 'Keto at Olive Garden: A Step-by-Step Guide to Ordering Low Carb', December 27, 2024, naturalforce.com
• BdSN, 'Keto at Olive Garden - BdSN', April 03, 2024, bdsn.de
• Eat This Much, 'Olive Garden Grilled Chicken Margherita', eatthismuch.com
• Hip2Keto, 'Keto Dining at Olive Garden: Yes, It's Possible and Delicious!', October 11, 2023, hip2keto.com
• BdSN, 'Keto at Olive Garden - BdSN', April 03, 2024, bdsn.de

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Olive Garden have any keto-friendly meals?

Yes, Olive Garden has several keto-friendly options, especially when customized. Focus on grilled meats like chicken, steak, or salmon with a side of steamed broccoli or a salad without croutons.

How can I order the salad with the lowest carbs?

To get the lowest carbs on the Famous House Salad, order it without croutons. With the standard Italian dressing, it contains about 5g of net carbs per serving. For even fewer carbs, ask for oil and vinegar as your dressing.

Can I have pasta alternatives at Olive Garden?

While Olive Garden does not offer pasta alternatives like zucchini noodles on all menus, you can always request a side of steamed broccoli to use as a base for your main entree instead of traditional pasta.

What is the carb count for Olive Garden's grilled chicken breast?

A plain grilled chicken breast at Olive Garden contains less than 1g of total carbohydrates, making it one of the absolute lowest-carb items available.

Is the Alfredo sauce at Olive Garden low-carb?

Yes, the Alfredo sauce is relatively low in carbs, with approximately 5g per serving. It is an excellent sauce option to pair with a grilled protein and steamed broccoli.

What low-carb side dishes are available at Olive Garden?

Besides steamed broccoli, other low-carb side options include a House Salad (without croutons) and Parmesan Crusted Zucchini. It's best to stick to vegetable-based sides.

Are the Olive Garden soups low in carbs?

No, most of the popular Olive Garden soups, including Zuppa Toscana and Pasta e Fagioli, are not low in carbs due to ingredients like potatoes, beans, and pasta.