Grilled Chicken Margherita Olive Garden

Grilled Chicken Margherita Olive Garden is an excellent choice if you’re craving a deliciously balanced meal that’s both protein-packed and light on carbs, the . It’s become a popular menu item for health-conscious diners and those who want the comfort of Italian flavors without the heaviness of pasta.

Let’s uncover everything you need to know about this flavorful entrée — from the price and nutrition facts to whether it’s gluten-free, and even a homemade recipe alternative.

Grilled Chicken Margherita Olive Garden

This blog will explore the key aspects that make the Grilled Chicken Margherita stand out.

What Is Grilled Chicken Margherita at Olive Garden Made Of?

Olive Garden Grilled Chicken Margherita Nutrition

The Grilled Chicken Margherita is one of Olive Garden’s healthier entrée choices, ideal for those seeking a low-carb, high-protein meal. Here’s the full nutritional profile per serving

Nutritional Information

Grilled Chicken Margherita Olive Garden Calories

The Grilled Chicken Margherita at Olive Garden is a delicious and wholesome entrée that combines flavor with nutrition. With only 540 calories per serving, it’s one of the healthier options on the menu. This dish features juicy grilled chicken breasts topped with fresh tomatoes, melted mozzarella, basil pesto, and a drizzle of lemon garlic sauce, making it both light and satisfying. It’s also a great choice for those following a low-carb or high-protein diet, offering an impressive 52 grams of protein and just 8 grams of carbohydrates. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Whether you’re watching your calorie intake or simply looking for a flavorful and balanced meal, the Grilled Chicken Margherita from Olive Garden is a smart and tasty option

Grilled Chicken Margherita Allergen Information | Olive Garden Menu

The Grilled Chicken Margherita at Olive Garden is a popular entrée loved for its fresh flavors and healthy profile, but if you have food allergies, it’s important to know what it contains.

✅ Gluten-Free
– Naturally gluten-free when ordered as-is
– Prepared in a shared kitchen; cross-contact possible

🥛 Contains Dairy (Milk)
– Mozzarella cheese and pesto both contain milk
– Ask for cheese or pesto on the side for a lower-dairy version

🚫 Does NOT Contain:

• ❌ Eggs
• ❌ Peanuts
• ❌ Tree Nuts (though pesto may contain pine nuts—verify locally)
• ❌ Shellfish
• ❌ Fish
• ❌ Soy
• ❌ Wheat

⚠️ Pesto Ingredients May Vary by Location
– Some recipes include nuts (pine nuts or walnuts)
– Always double-check with your server or local allergen sheet

ℹ️ Cross-Contact Warning
– Although ingredients may be allergen-free, Olive Garden kitchens are shared environments
– Those with severe allergies should exercise caution

Is Grilled Chicken Margherita at Olive Garden a healthy choice?

Absolutely — it’s one of the most macro-balanced meals you can order at Olive Garden. It’s:

• High in lean protein
• Low in carbs
• Free from gluten
• Rich in flavor without being overly processed

If you’re on a weight loss plan, gluten-free diet, or even doing intermittent fasting, this is a great meal to break your fast with — offering muscle-supporting protein and healthy fats to keep you full.

Pro Tip for Healthier Eating at Olive Garden:

To make it even leaner:

• Ask for light cheese or pesto on the side
• Pair with steamed vegetables instead of a starchy side
• Skip the breadsticks if you’re watching carbs

Grilled Chicken Margherita Olive Garden Picture-Perfect Plating

This entrée doesn’t just taste good — it looks stunning. With a contrast of white mozzarella, red tomatoes, and green pesto, it’s a picture-perfect dish you’ll want to snap before you eat.

Whether you’re a food blogger, Instagram foodie, or just want a restaurant-style meal at home, the dish brings visual appeal alongside flavor.

Olive Garden Grilled Chicken Margherita Recipe

Craving this dish but can’t make it to a restaurant? No worries! Here’s a simplified chicken scampi Olive Garden recipe you can try at home. If you’re a fan of Olive Garden’s Grilled Chicken Margherita but want to recreate it at home using simple, wholesome ingredients, you’re in the right place. This copycat recipe is packed with protein, bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavor, and perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.

Whether you’re trying to save money, control your ingredients, or just love cooking, this easy recipe brings the restaurant-quality dish right to your kitchen. Best of all? It’s gluten-free, low-carb, and loaded with nutrients!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To capture the authentic taste of the Grilled Chicken Margherita from Olive Garden, gather these fresh, simple ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup shredded fresh mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• Olive oil – for grilling
• Salt, pepper, garlic powder – to season the chicken
• Fresh basil leaves – for a fragrant and colorful garnish

1. Prep & Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

2. Grill to Perfection

Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush lightly with olive oil.
Grill the chicken breasts for about 5–7 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C).

3. Add Toppings

In the final 2 minutes of cooking, top each breast with:

• A layer of shredded mozzarella
• A handful of halved cherry tomatoes

Cover with a lid or foil briefly to let the cheese melt beautifully.

4. Finish with Flavor

Drizzle each breast with 1 tablespoon of basil pesto, letting the herbs and garlic infuse the dish with rich aroma and flavor.

5. Garnish & Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a bright, herbaceous finish. Serve immediately, with a side of grilled vegetables, mashed cauliflower, or a crisp salad.

These ingredients combine to deliver a rich, savory, and slightly tangy flavor profile — making it a fan-favorite dish on the Olive Garden menu.

This homemade Grilled Chicken Margherita recipe lets you enjoy the restaurant favorite in a healthier, more customizable way. With juicy chicken, creamy mozzarella, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil pesto, it’s a satisfying dish that feels indulgent—without the guilt.

Try it for your next dinner and impress your family with a restaurant-style meal at home!

⭐ Quick Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 1 entrée
• Calories per Serving: Approx. 550–670 kcal
• Gluten-Free: ✅ Yes (naturally gluten-free when prepared as-is)
• Aggregate Rating: ★★★★★ (4.9/5 from over 1,300 Olive Garden customers)

The Grilled Chicken Margherita at Olive Garden is a high-protein, low-carb entrée made with grilled chicken breasts topped with fresh mozzarella cheese, roasted cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of basil pesto. It’s finished with fresh basil for a burst of flavor, making it one of the most balanced and nutrient-rich options on the Olive Garden menu.

Enjoy!

Grilled Chicken Margherita is considered one of Olive Garden’s healthiest and tastiest non-pasta dishes. It’s ideal for those following low-carb, keto, or gluten-free diets, and consistently earns high marks for its flavor balance, freshness, and visual appeal.

Ready to impress your guests and your taste buds? Get your skillet sizzling!

Frequently Asked Questions