Is the Olive Garden 2 for $25 deal still available in 2026?

The 2 for $25 deal is periodically available at participating Olive Garden locations in 2026. It is not always running year-round. Always confirm with your local restaurant before visiting.

What entrees are included in the Olive Garden 2 for $25 deal?

Eligible entrees typically include Fettuccine Alfredo, Five Cheese Ziti al Forno, Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Lasagna Classico, Chicken Parmigiana, Chicken Alfredo, Seafood Alfredo, Shrimp Scampi, and Smoked Mozzarella Chicken.

Does the Olive Garden 2 for $25 deal include drinks?

No. Beverages including soft drinks, iced tea, wine, and cocktails are charged separately. Budget an additional $4-$12 per person for drinks.

Can I use the 2 for $25 deal for takeout or delivery?

Some locations allow takeout with the 2 for $25 bundle, but unlimited soup, salad, and breadstick refills typically only apply for dine-in. Check with your specific location before ordering.

How much should I tip on the Olive Garden 2 for $25 deal?

Tip based on the full value of the meal (approximately $55-$75), not the $25 promotional price. A standard 18-20% tip works out to roughly $10-$15.

Is the 2 for $25 the same as the Never-Ending Pasta Bowl?

No. The Never-Ending Pasta Bowl offers unlimited pasta for one person at approximately $13.99. The 2 for $25 is a set three-course meal for two people at a fixed $25 price.

Olive Garden Grilled Chicken Margherita: Price, Calories

If you are searching for a lighter option on the Olive Garden classic entrées menu, the Olive Garden grilled chicken Margherita is one of the best picks on the entire lineup. It combines juicy grilled chicken breasts with fresh tomatoes, melted mozzarella, basil pesto, and a bright lemon-garlic sauce, all served alongside Parmesan-garlic broccoli.

This guide covers everything you need to know about Grilled Chicken Margherita, including its current price, full nutrition breakdown, what comes on the plate, whether it fits a keto or gluten-free diet, and a simple homemade recipe you can make in your own kitchen.

What Is Olive Garden Grilled Chicken Margherita?

Olive Garden Grilled Chicken Margherita is an Italian-inspired entrée built around the classic margherita combination of tomato, mozzarella, and basil, applied to grilled chicken instead of pizza dough. Two grilled chicken breasts are topped with fresh tomatoes, sliced mozzarella cheese, house-made basil pesto, and a lemon garlic sauce made with butter, garlic, and lemon juice.

The dish sits in the Classic Entrées section of the menu and is often recommended to guests who want a full Italian dinner without the heavy cream sauces found in pasta dishes like Chicken Alfredo or Five Cheese Ziti al Forno.

Olive Garden Grilled Chicken Margherita Price

How much is Olive Garden Grilled Chicken Margherita?

The current dinner price is $20.29 per plate. Lunch portions, where available, typically run lower, closer to $15 to $17, since they come with a smaller side.

Keep in mind that pricing at Olive Garden is not identical everywhere. Location, state, and even whether you order for lunch or dinner can shift the final total by a dollar or two. For a full breakdown of every entrée price on the menu, check the complete Olive Garden menu with prices for the latest 2026 numbers.

Item	Price	Calories
Grilled Chicken Margherita (Dinner)	$20.29	650 cal
Grilled Chicken Margherita (Lunch, where offered)	Approx. $15 to $17	Approx. 380 to 470 cal

Olive Garden Grilled Chicken Margherita Calories and Nutrition

How many calories are in Olive Garden Grilled Chicken Margherita?

A full dinner serving contains 650 calories, making it one of the lighter full entrées on the menu, behind only the Herb Grilled Salmon in the Classic Entrées lineup.

Here is the full nutrition breakdown for one serving:

Calories: 650
Total Fat: 39g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 185mg
Sodium: 2,120mg
Total Carbohydrates: 15g
Dietary Fiber: 5g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 65g

The protein content is notably high thanks to the two grilled chicken breasts and mozzarella cheese, while the carbohydrate count stays low since the dish skips pasta entirely. If sodium intake is a concern, ask your server for the lemon garlic sauce and pesto on the side so you can control how much is added.

What Comes With Olive Garden Grilled Chicken Margherita?

The entrée is served with:

Two grilled chicken breasts, marinated and grilled to order
Fresh tomatoes, usually halved grape or cherry tomatoes
Sliced mozzarella cheese, melted over the warm chicken
Basil pesto made with fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, pine nuts, and parmesan or romano cheese
A lemon garlic sauce made from butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and chicken broth
A side of Parmesan garlic broccoli

You can request substitutions for the side, such as mashed potatoes, plain broccoli, or a side of pasta, though some swaps may include an additional charge.

Every entrée at Olive Garden also comes with the choice to add the signature house salad and warm breadsticks, or a cup of soup for a more complete meal. Compare this with other lighter dishes on the Olive Garden gluten sensitive menu if you are building a lower-carb order.

Is Olive Garden Grilled Chicken Margherita Healthy?

Compared to the cream-based pasta entrées on the menu, yes, it is one of the more balanced choices. At 650 calories with 65 grams of protein, it delivers a solid protein to calorie ratio, and the basil pesto contributes healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts rather than heavy cream or butter.

The main nutritional trade off is sodium, which sits at 2,120 mg, a large share of the recommended daily limit. If you are watching sodium closely, asking for the sauce on the side and skipping the bread basket can meaningfully reduce your total intake for the meal.

Is Olive Garden Chicken Margherita keto or gluten-free?

Is Olive Garden chicken margherita keto?

With 15 g of total carbohydrates and 5 g of fiber, the net carb count lands around 10 g, which fits comfortably within most keto meal plans, especially if you swap the broccoli side for a lower-carb vegetable option.

Is chicken margherita gluten-free?

The core components, grilled chicken, mozzarella, tomatoes, and pesto, do not contain gluten. However, the pesto and broccoli preparation may involve shared kitchen equipment, so guests with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity should always notify their server before ordering.

For a full list of verified gluten-friendly dishes, see the Olive Garden sides and sauces menu for safe pairing options.

How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Margherita at Home (Copycat Recipe)

Craving grilled chicken Margherita but do not want to wait for a table? This homemade version recreates the flavor of the restaurant dish using simple, fresh ingredients.

Ingredients (serves 2):

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
4 to 6 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
3 tablespoons basil pesto
2 tablespoons butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
Juice of half a lemon
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions:

Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, then season both sides with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Grill the chicken over medium-high heat for about 6 to 7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
During the last two minutes of cooking, top each breast with mozzarella slices and cover the grill or pan so the cheese melts fully.
While the chicken rests, melt the butter in a small pan over low heat, add the minced garlic, and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the lemon juice to finish the lemon-garlic sauce.
Plate the chicken, spoon a layer of basil pesto over the melted mozzarella, then top with fresh cherry tomatoes.
Drizzle the warm lemon garlic sauce over the top and finish with fresh basil leaves.
Serve alongside steamed broccoli or a side of parmesan garlic broccoli for a true restaurant style plate.

This homemade chicken margherita comes together in under 30 minutes and gives you full control over the sodium and portion size, something that is harder to manage when dining out.

FAQ: Olive Garden Grilled Chicken Margherita

Does Olive Garden still have Grilled Chicken Margherita on the menu?

Yes, it remains a permanent part of the Classic Entrées section as of 2026, priced at $20.29.

What cheese does Olive Garden use on Chicken Margherita?

Olive Garden uses sliced fresh mozzarella cheese, melted directly over the grilled chicken breasts.

What sauce is on Olive Garden Chicken Margherita?

The dish is finished with a lemon garlic sauce made from butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and chicken broth, along with a layer of basil pesto.

What pesto does Olive Garden use?

Olive Garden’s basil pesto is made from fresh basil, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, pine nuts, and Parmesan or Romano cheese.

How many calories does chicken Margherita have compared to other entrées?

At 650 calories, it is lower than most pasta-based entrées, which commonly range from 900 to over 1,400 calories per serving.

Conclusion

Olive Garden Grilled Chicken Margherita stands out as one of the better choices for guests who want an Italian style dinner without the heavier cream sauces found elsewhere on the menu.

At $20.29 for 650 calories and 65 grams of protein, it offers a fair trade of flavor, portion size, and nutrition. Whether you order it on your next visit or recreate it at home with this copycat recipe, it is a dish worth adding to your rotation.

Ready to plan your next visit? Browse the Olive Garden family style meals guide if you are feeding a group, or check the Olive Garden desserts menu to finish your meal on a sweet note.

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Maria Conti

Maria Conti is a food writer and casual dining enthusiast who has spent over a decade tracking restaurant deals, menu changes, and value offers across the U.S. She has dined at Olive Garden locations in more than a dozen states and covers Italian-American restaurant chains for readers who want accurate, up-to-date menu information without the guesswork. Maria believes great food shouldn't require a big budget and the Olive Garden 2 for $25 deal is proof of that.