Olive Garden Calamari 2025 | A Crunchy, Irresistible Treat!

Have you ever craved the perfect balance of crispy, tender, and flavorful seafood? Olive Garden Calamari delivers just that—lightly breaded and expertly fried to a golden crisp, offering a delightful crunch with every bite. Served with a side of marinara and spicy ranch for an extra kick, this appetizer is a must-try for seafood lovers and casual diners alike.

Priced at $11.99, this classic Italian-inspired dish provides a satisfying start to any meal at Olive Garden. With 670 calories per serving, it offers a hearty yet shareable portion that pairs wonderfully with other menu favorites, from soup and salad to a plate of creamy pasta. Whether you’re dining with friends or family, it’s an ideal choice for kicking off a delicious Italian-American feast.

In this article, I will dive deeper into everything you need to know about Olive Garden Calamari. I will break down its nutritional facts, allergen information, and an ingredient table to help you understand what goes into this dish. I will also explore why people love it and provide a simple guide on how to recreate it at home so you can enjoy this crispy favorite anytime. Stay with us to uncover all the details!

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Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	670
Total Fat	34g
Saturated Fat	7g
Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	380mg
Sodium	1,650mg
Total Carbohydrates	58g
Dietary Fiber	3g
Sugars	7g
Protein	34g

You should also check out the Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe

Allergen Information

Olive Garden Calamari contains the following allergens:

Allergen	Present?
Gluten	✅ Yes (Breading)
Dairy	❌ No
Eggs	❌ No
Soy	❌ No
Shellfish	✅ Yes (Calamari is mollusk shellfish)
Peanuts	❌ No
Tree Nuts	❌ No
Fish	❌ No

Note: If you have a seafood allergy, avoid this dish, as calamari is a type of mollusk shellfish.

Ingredients Table

Ingredient	Purpose
Calamari Rings	Main seafood ingredient
Flour	Used for breading
Cornstarch	Helps create a crispy texture
Salt	Enhances flavor
Black Pepper	Adds seasoning
Garlic Powder	Provides a rich taste
Paprika	Adds slight smokiness and color
Egg Wash (optional)	Helps breading stick (may vary)
Vegetable Oil	Used for frying
Marinara Sauce	Classic dipping sauce
Spicy Ranch Sauce	Additional flavorful dip

Why People Loves This Item

Perfectly Crispy & Tender Texture

One of the biggest reasons people rave about this dish is the perfect balance of crunch and tenderness. The calamari is lightly breaded and fried to a golden crisp, ensuring a satisfying crunch while keeping the squid inside tender and not chewy. This contrast in texture is what makes it so enjoyable.

Flavorful Seasoning & Dipping Sauces

The breading is well-seasoned with a blend of spices, including garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika, which enhance the natural flavors of the calamari. Paired with two delicious dipping sauces—classic marinara and a zesty spicy ranch—it offers a mix of bold and tangy flavors that keep people coming back for more.

Great for Sharing

With its generous portion size, Olive Garden Calamari is perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether you’re starting a meal or just looking for a light bite to complement your favorite pasta dish, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings people together.

Restaurant-Style Quality

Many diners appreciate the restaurant-quality preparation that makes it taste fresh and high-end. The squid is cooked just right, avoiding the common problem of being rubbery, which often happens with poorly prepared calamari.

Pairs Well with Italian Cuisine

Since calamari is a popular Italian appetizer, it fits seamlessly with Olive Garden’s menu. It pairs beautifully with soups, salads, and pasta dishes, making it a versatile choice for an Italian-inspired dining experience.

Nostalgia & Tradition

For many, ordering calamari at Olive Garden is a tradition—a go-to appetizer that reminds them of past gatherings and celebrations. It’s a dish that people trust and return to because of its consistent quality and familiar taste.

How to Make Olive Garden-Style Calamari at Home

If you love Olive Garden Calamari, you can easily recreate it at home with a few simple ingredients. Follow this step-by-step recipe to get the perfect crispy, golden texture and delicious flavor.

Ingredients

For the Calamari

1 lb fresh calamari (rings and tentacles, cleaned)
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
1 egg (optional, for extra binding)
Vegetable oil (for frying)

For Serving

Marinara sauce
Spicy ranch sauce (mix ranch dressing with a dash of hot sauce)

Instructions

Prep the Calamari

Rinse the calamari under cold water and pat it dry with a paper towel.
If using whole squid, cut it into ½-inch rings and separate the tentacles.

Prepare the Breading

In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
If using an egg, beat it in a separate bowl.

Coat the Calamari

If using egg: Dip the calamari into the beaten egg first, then coat it with the flour mixture.
If skipping the egg: Toss the calamari directly in the flour mixture until evenly coated. Shake off excess flour.

Fry to Perfection

Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the calamari in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Serve & Enjoy

Serve hot with marinara sauce and spicy ranch for dipping.
Garnish with lemon wedges or fresh parsley for extra flavor.

Pro Tips for the Best Calamari

✅ Use fresh calamari for the best texture, but frozen works too—just thaw and pat it dry.
✅ Cornstarch helps make it crispier, so don’t skip it!
✅ Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying, or the oil temperature will drop, making it soggy.
✅ Serve immediately for the best crunch.

Conclusion

Olive Garden Calamari is a beloved appetizer known for its crispy texture, flavorful seasoning, and perfect pairing with marinara and spicy ranch sauces. Whether you’re enjoying it at the restaurant or making it at home, its balance of tender squid and golden, crunchy breading makes it a standout dish. With 670 calories per serving and a price of $11.99, it remains a popular choice for seafood lovers looking for a delicious start to their meal.

In this article, we explored its nutritional facts, allergen details, and ingredients, along with the reasons why people love it. We also shared a step-by-step guide to making it at home, so you can enjoy restaurant-quality calamari in your own kitchen. By following the right techniques—using fresh squid, well-seasoned breading, and proper frying methods—you can recreate this dish with ease.

Whether you prefer to dine at Olive Garden or cook from scratch, calamari remains a timeless favorite that brings people together. With its crispy coating, rich flavors, and satisfying bite, it’s no wonder why this dish continues to be a go-to appetizer. Try making it at home and enjoy the taste of Olive Garden, right from your kitchen!

FAQs

Olive Garden’s Calamari contains 670 calories per serving, making it a hearty appetizer that’s best shared.

The Tour of Italy (Chicken Parmesan, Lasagna, and Fettuccine Alfredo) is one of the unhealthiest items, with over 1,500 calories and high fat and sodium content.

Calamari is lower in fat but higher in cholesterol compared to chicken. It’s a good source of protein and minerals, but chicken (especially grilled) is generally a leaner and healthier option.

Olive Garden Calamari 2025 | A Crunchy, Irresistible Treat!

Nutritional Information

Allergen Information

Ingredients Table