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Most chain restaurants have unhealthy options cluttering their menus. This makes it really hard to eat out when you’re trying to make health conscious decisions. You tend to skip out on your favorite places to eat because it’s easier and less stressful to make food at home than to rip apart a whole menu. We totally understand! That’s why we did some digging to find out the healthier options at Olive Garden. That way you could enjoy eating out without feeling guilty later.
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1. Garden Primavera Pasta
One upside to eating at Olive Garden is they have the option to swap out white pasta for whole grain pasta. Registered dietitian, Rachael Hartley’s favorite dish is the Garden Primavera because it is packed with zucchini, red bell peppers, and tomatoes. Since the portions are usually large, she has a side of house salad and saves half of the pasta for lunch the next day. What’s better than getting two meals in one?
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2. Minestrone Soup
Minestrone soup is a popular choice, especially among nutritionists. Rachel Meltzer Warren, RDN, says “I'd have the Minestrone Soup because it has a ton of vegetables as well as northern beans to provide some plant-based protein. If you stick with one serving of salad, one breadstick, and the soup, you can get out of there for just under 400 calories — pretty impressive for a restaurant meal.” Sounds like she really enjoys her meal at Olive Garden!
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3. Herb-Grilled Salmon
When registered dietitian, Alicia Anskis, is out to eat at Olive Garden she orders the Herb-Grilled Salmon. “Salmon is a great source of protein, which helps to keep me full and satisfied, and is rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. The side of nutrient-packed broccoli is the perfect complement, plus at 460 calories for the meal, I have room for one of their signature breadsticks! But I would leave it at just one — anything labeled as ‘endless’ is a code word for ‘overeating,’” says Anskis. This is a full and delicious meal!
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4. House Salad
Multiple nutritionists mentioned Olive Garden’s famous house salad. They all agreed that the house salad alone isn’t a satisfying meal but it makes an irresistible side. Go ahead and pair it with any of the entrees mentioned, the Garden Primavera Pasta, Minestrone Soup, or Herb-Grilled Salmon. You won’t regret it!
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For more food tips, check out The One Thing You Should Never Order At Olive Garden, According To An Employee and The One Thing You Should Never Say When Ordering Food At McDonald's, According to An Employee.
[Photo: Shutterstock]
