I had the opportunity to taste test items off of Olive Garden’s new menu. All opinions {and shameless selfies} expressed are my own.
Whether you’ve fallen in love with their breadsticks or the house salad, Olive Garden provides a home-taste comfort and offers a wide variety of delicious menu items to sweep you away to Italy without ever leaving the states. So when I had the opportunity to try out their new menu additions, I knew I had to jump at it!
With an extensive menu, they have something for everyone. From pasta to lighter fare dishes, Olive Garden’s menu serves even the most experienced palette. You’re taste buds will thank you!
The first round of dishes were the appetizers and small plates.
1. Crispy Risotto Bites- A Sicilian favorite! A bite-sized blend of Italian cheeses and rice, lightly fried and served in marinara sauce. These were one of my favorites – light, airy, and fried deliciousness!
2. Polenta Shrimp alla Greca – Inspired by Italy’s southern coast. Sautéed shrimp served on creamy polenta and topped with a fresh blend of olives, capers and tomato sauce. The sauce provided a rich tomato flavor and is the perfect option to share on a date or with friends.
3. Spicy Calabrian Wings – the spicy Calabrian wings were HOT! If you like it spicy, this is the way to go. Served with a gorgonzola cream dipping sauce to cool you off.
4. Parmesan Olive Fritta with a Citrus Aioli – A bite-sized blend of olives and Italian cheeses, rolled together and lightly fried. Served with your choice of a citrus aioli or gorgonzola cream dipping sauce. Even though I don’t love olives, I actually really loved this small plate! Full flavor with a great dipping sauce, this shareable dish is a win.
When the entrees rolled around, they almost had to roll us out already from all the great food, but we pushed forward and tried some of these mouth-watering dishes.
{from the bottom left and counter-clockwise}
Bucatini with Spicy Diavolo and Shrimp – WOW! Spicy is the name of the game and if you love it, you’ll like this dish served with fresh shrimp and bucatini pasta.
Smashed Chicken Meatball Sandwich – Focaccia bun with roasted bell peppers and mozzarella. Served in a spicy diavolo tomato sauce. This was my favorite of the items below actually. Served with parmesan garlic fries – this lunch menu item is soft, flavorful and covered in mozzarella.
Wild Berry Layer Cake – light, tart and creamy – I love this break from my traditional chocolate favorite.
Chicken Abruzzi – at only 575 calories for this whole dish, this light and flavorful chicken platter will fill you up without adding to your waist line.
Large Paccheri with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato served with Chicken Meatballs and grated cheese – you can easily share this with your dinner partner and still find yourself satiated and enjoying more salad and breadsticks.
Not to mention the service is out of this world and the servers loved to get in on the fun!
What Olive Garden menu are you excited to try?
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Oh yum! I want to try it ALL!
Yummy! I’m getting hungry!