Last Updated on January 29, 2023 by Lauren Beck
When it comes to dining out, those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease may find it difficult to find options that fit their dietary needs. Olive Garden, a popular chain restaurant known for its Italian-American cuisine, offers a gluten-free menu for customers with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
In this article, we’ll explore the gluten-free options available at Olive Garden, including menu items and precautions the restaurant takes to minimize the risk of cross-contamination. We’ll also discuss the difference between a gluten-free and gluten-sensitive menu, and address frequently asked questions such as whether Olive Garden cooks gluten-free pasta separately and whether their meat sauce is gluten-free.
So, if you’re wondering “Does Olive Garden have a gluten-free menu?”, the answer is yes, they do!
8 Gluten Free Options at Olive Garden
- Gluten-Free Rotini Pasta with Meat Sauce – This dish features gluten-free rotini pasta tossed with a hearty meat sauce made with ground beef, onion, and garlic.
- Gluten-Free Chicken Parmigiana – This dish features a breaded and fried chicken breast topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, served over a bed of gluten-free spaghetti.
- Gluten-Free Shrimp Scampi – This dish features sautéed shrimp in a garlic butter sauce served over a bed of gluten-free fettuccine pasta.
- Gluten-Free Grilled Chicken – A simple but satisfying option, this dish features a grilled chicken breast seasoned with Olive Garden’s signature herbs and spices.
- Gluten-Free Minestrone Soup – A hearty and flavorful soup made with a medley of vegetables, beans, and gluten-free pasta.
- Gluten-Free Steak Toscano – A tender sirloin steak topped with garlic butter and sun-dried tomatoes, served with a side of gluten-free fettuccine pasta.
- Gluten-Free Tiramisu – A classic Italian dessert made with layers of ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, and espresso, all gluten-free.
- Gluten-Free Chocolate Mousse Cake – A rich and decadent chocolate cake made with gluten-free ingredients, perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth.
Eating Gluten Free at the Olive Garden
When ordering at Olive Garden, it’s important to let your server know that you’re following a gluten-free diet. They will be able to assist you in finding menu items that are safe for you to eat and can also inform the kitchen staff to take extra precautions to avoid cross-contamination.
Buying Guide
When you are looking for gluten-free options at Olive Garden, you should look for the gluten-free icon on the menu. This icon indicates that the menu item is gluten-free, and it can be found on the main menu and on the dessert menu.
What’s The Difference Between A Gluten-Free and Gluten-Sensitive Menu?
A gluten-free menu is designed for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. These menu items are made with ingredients that do not contain gluten, and the kitchen staff takes extra precautions to avoid cross-contamination. A gluten-sensitive menu, on the other hand, is for people who may have a mild gluten intolerance or who are choosing to avoid gluten for other reasons. These menu items may contain trace amounts of gluten.
Is Olive Garden Safe for People with Celiac Disease?
Olive Garden takes the safety of its gluten-free menu items very seriously. They have a gluten-free menu that is made with ingredients that do not contain gluten, and the kitchen staff takes extra precautions to avoid cross-contamination. However, it is always important to inform your server of your dietary needs to ensure your food is prepared safely.
If I am Sensitive to Trace Amounts of Gluten Can I Eat At Olive Garden?
If you are sensitive to trace amounts of gluten, it’s important to inform your server of your dietary needs. They will be able to assist you in finding menu items that are safe for you to eat and can also inform the kitchen staff to take extra precautions to avoid cross-contamination. Olive Garden does not certify any menu items as gluten-free, but they do take steps to minimize the risk of cross-contamination in their kitchen.
Does Olive Garden Cook Gluten Free Pasta Separate from Regular Pasta?
Olive Garden takes steps to minimize the risk of cross-contamination when preparing gluten-free pasta. They have separate pots, tongs, and cutting boards for gluten-free pasta to prevent contamination with regular pasta. However, they cook the pasta in the same water, so there may be trace amounts of gluten present.
How Much Risk of Cross Contamination is There At Olive Garden?
Olive Garden takes steps to minimize the risk of cross-contamination, but there may still be a risk of cross-contamination due to the shared kitchen environment. If you have celiac disease or a severe gluten intolerance, it’s important to inform your server of your dietary needs and ask about the specific steps that the kitchen staff takes to prevent cross-contamination. It’s also important to note that while Olive Garden’s gluten-free menu items are made with ingredients that do not contain gluten, they are not certified gluten-free.
What Brand is Olive Garden Gluten Free Pasta?
Olive Garden uses Barilla Gluten Free pasta for their gluten-free menu options. Barilla is a well-known brand that specializes in gluten-free pasta, and their products are made with a blend of corn and rice flour.
Is Meat Sauce At Olive Garden Gluten Free?
Olive Garden’s meat sauce is not gluten-free. It contains wheat flour as an ingredient, and cross-contamination may occur during the preparation process. However, there are gluten-free options such as marinara sauce available.
Does Olive Garden Have Separate Fryers?
Olive Garden does not have separate fryers for gluten-free menu items. However, they do take steps to minimize the risk of cross-contamination by using separate utensils and oil for gluten-free menu items.
Can Celiacs Use Olive Oil?
Celiacs can safely use olive oil, as it is a naturally gluten-free product [1]. However, it’s important to check the label to ensure that the olive oil has not been processed in a facility that also processes gluten-containing products.
Conclusion
Olive Garden offers a gluten-free menu for customers with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. They take steps to minimize the risk of cross-contamination, but it’s important to inform your server of your dietary needs and ask about specific precautions that the kitchen staff takes. Additionally, while Olive Garden’s gluten-free menu items are made with ingredients that do not contain gluten, they are not certified gluten-free. It’s always best to speak with the server and kitchen staff about gluten-free options and cross-contamination procedures.
Reference:
- https://www.verywellfit.com/is-olive-oil-gluten-free-learn-when-to-trust-olive-oil-4169769
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