Olive Garden Side of Meatballs 2025| A flavorful delight

Olive Garden Side of Meatballs

Craving a hearty and savory treat to complement your pasta or salad at Olive Garden? What better way to elevate your meal than with a Side of Meatballs? Even If you’re in the mood for a light snack or looking for a rich, satisfying side dish, Olive Garden’s meatballs offer a flavorful and filling option. But what exactly makes these meatballs so special, and why are they a popular choice for many customers?

The Olive Garden Side of Meatballs is priced at around $3.79, making it an affordable and tasty addition to your meal. Each serving consists of three generously-sized meatballs, which are served in a rich, savory marinara sauce. With approximately 520 calories per serving, these meatballs provide a satisfying source of protein and flavor, making them an excellent choice for those who enjoy classic Italian comfort food.

In this article, I will explore everything you need to know about the Olive Garden Side of Meatballs, including its price, calories, nutritional content, and allergen information. I will also cover why so many people love these meatballs, what ingredients make them so tasty, and how you can recreate a similar version at home. So, Even If you’re a loyal fan of Olive Garden or a newcomer curious about the side dish, this article has you covered.

Price, Calories and Description

Olive Garden Side of Meatballs

Price: 3.79

Calories: 520

The Olive Garden Side of Meatballs is a classic Italian dish that has been expertly crafted to offer both flavor and comfort. These meatballs are made with a combination of ground beef, herbs, and seasonings, giving them a rich, savory flavor. They are cooked to perfection, with a slight crispy exterior and a moist, tender interior.

The meatballs are served in marinara sauce, which adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the meatballs. The sauce is made with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and spices, offering a simple but delicious accompaniment to the meatballs.

Olive Garden Side of Meatballs

Nutritional Info

NutrientAmount
Calories520 kcal
Total Fat14g
Saturated Fat5g
Trans Fat0g
Cholesterol50mg
Sodium650mg
Total Carbohydrates10g
Dietary Fiber2g
Sugars4g
Protein18g

The Side of Meatballs is rich in protein (18g per serving) and contains a moderate amount of fat (14g), with a fair amount of sodium (650mg) as well. It’s important to keep in mind that while this side dish provides a significant amount of protein, it also contains a bit of saturated fat and sodium. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you may want to balance it with a healthier main dish or adjust portion sizes accordingly.

Allergen Info

AllergenContains?
DairyYes
GlutenYes
SoyYes
EggsYes

The Side of Meatballs contains gluten from the breadcrumbs used in the meatballs, as well as dairy and eggs. This makes the dish unsuitable for those with gluten intolerance or dairy allergies. Additionally, if you have a soy allergy, it’s important to note that this dish contains soy as part of the seasonings and sauces used.

Ingredients Table

IngredientPurpose
Ground BeefMain protein source for the meatballs
BreadcrumbsHelps bind the meatballs and add texture
EggsActs as a binder and provides richness
Parmesan CheeseAdds flavor and richness to the meatballs
GarlicProvides aromatic and savory flavor
Italian HerbsAdds traditional Italian seasoning
Marinara SauceServes as the sauce for the meatballs
TomatoesMain ingredient in the marinara sauce
Olive OilUsed for cooking and adding flavor

The meatballs are made from a mix of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and eggs, while Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs provide added depth of flavor. The marinara sauce is made with tomatoes, garlic, and a blend of Italian spices, offering a delicious, tangy accompaniment to the rich, savory meatballs.

Why People Love the Side of Meatballs

Perfect Balance of Flavors

The savory meatballs paired with the tangy marinara sauce create a well-balanced and comforting flavor profile that appeals to many customers.

Versatile Side Option

Even If paired with pasta, salad, or soup, the Side of Meatballs is a versatile dish that complements almost any main course, making it an easy choice for diners who want to add a little extra to their meal.

Protein-Packed

With approximately 18g of protein per serving, these meatballs provide a substantial source of protein, making them a great addition for anyone looking to increase their protein intake.

Affordable Price

At $3.79, the Side of Meatballs offers excellent value for money, especially when considering the high-quality ingredients and portion size.

Comfort Food Classic

There’s something inherently satisfying about a plate of meatballs in marinara sauce—it’s classic comfort food that never goes out of style. Even If you’re craving a snack or a side dish, the meatballs at Olive Garden deliver exactly what you need.

How to Make Side of Meatballs at Home

If you’re craving the Olive Garden Side of Meatballs but can’t make it to the restaurant, here’s a simple recipe to recreate the dish at home:

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
  • 1/2 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and Italian herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until well combined.
  • Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
  • Cook Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. Then, transfer them to the oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until cooked through.
  • Prepare Marinara Sauce: While the meatballs are cooking, heat marinara sauce in a saucepan over low heat.
  • Combine and Serve: Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the marinara sauce and let them simmer for a few minutes. Serve hot and enjoy!

Conclusion

The Olive Garden Side of Meatballs is a popular dish that perfectly complements many of the restaurant’s meals. Even If you’re a meatball lover or simply want to add an extra touch to your meal, this savory side dish provides the right combination of flavor, texture, and satisfaction. From its rich marinara sauce to its perfectly seasoned meatballs, this dish is a true comfort food classic. Now, you can enjoy it at home with a simple recipe, or you can savor it next time you visit Olive Garden.

FAQs

Olive Garden offers sides like breadsticks, salad, soup, parmesan broccoli, mashed potatoes, meatballs, and Alfredo or marinara dipping sauces.

No, Olive Garden meatballs are not halal as they contain both beef and pork.

Yes, Olive Garden meatballs contain parmesan cheese, both in the mixture and as a topping with marinara sauce.

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