Today my fam and I celebrated my cousin’s 21st birthday, and per her request ordered in from Olive Garden.

Going vegan doesn’t have to mean skimping out meals from chain restaurants, nor does it mean you can only order the endless salad, sans dressing. TBH I rarely order salad, but I like the big chunks of veggies in the salad at Olive Garden.

For my starter, I chose the Minestrone Soup, which is free from any animal ingredients!

My entree was the Cavatappi Pasta with Spicy Marinara, and let me just be clear that there should be some sort of warning about how HOT that damn sauce is!

My favorite part of the dinner, however, was the endless amount of breadsticks, which are vegan as is!

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How to Order Vegan at Olive Garden

Vegan Olive Garden Menu Items:

• Breadstick with garlic topping (Yes! The buttery topping is vegan-friendly and dairy-free!)
• Minestrone Soup
• Salad with Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar, with NO croutons (sub oil & vinegar for their standard dressing
• Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce
  

Vegan Olive Garden Pastas:

“Create Your Own Pasta” by combining a vegan pasta, sauce, and/or broccoli.

• Angel Hair
• Fettucini
• Rigatoni
• Small Shells
• Spaghetti

Vegan Olive Garden Sauces:

• Marinara
• Tomato Sauce
• Raspberry Sauce (from dessert menu)

Vegan Olive Garden Sides:

• Seasoned Broccoli (no parmesan)
• French Fries

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What About Cross-Contamination?

As with most non-vegan establishments, Olive Garden’s cross-contamination notice states:

Because many of our recipes contain poultry, meat and fish products, our kitchens are not “animal free”. While we use safe food handling procedures, it is possible for any food item to come into contact with animal products during preparation and/or cooking process. Items cooked in our fryer present a special risk for cross-contamination with animal products, so we’ve clearly identified those for you. All menu items listed as-served, unless otherwise noted. Some menu items may not be available at all restaurants; limited time offers, regional items, or test products may not be included.

Does Olive Garden define vegan and vegetarian the way I do? – From Olive Garden’s Nutrition Page

Vegetarian is defined as not including meat, stock, gelatin, or rennet from an animal. Vegan is defined as not including animal meat, stock, gelatin, rennet, or ingredients derived from animals, including honey. While we use careful food handling procedures, it is possible for any food item to come into contact with animal products during preparation and/or cooking processes.

Let your server know if you are strictly vegan or vegetarian, or if your vegan or vegetarian requirements stem from a food allergy. Your server can alert the kitchen staff to be aware and reduce risk of cross contamination.

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Vegan & Vegetarian Guide to Olive Garden

Location: 2200 Plaza Pkwy, Modesto, CA 95350