Name: Grilled Chicken Margherita Olive Garden –Best Healthy
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 4 slices fresh mozzarella; 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 2 tablespoons basil pesto; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 clove garlic, minced; Juice of 1/2 lemon; Salt and black pepper to taste; Optional: steamed zucchini or broccoli on the side

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Grilled chicken Margherita Olive Garden is one of my favorite go-to meals — simple, fresh, and full of flavor. With grilled chicken, melted mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil pesto, it’s a lighter Italian dish that doesn’t feel like a diet.

Hi, I’m Amanda. I started HealthyMealRecipe to bring back the kind of cooking I grew up with — simple, meaningful meals you can make any night of the week. Recipes like this one are what I love most: easy, healthy, and truly satisfying.

With Lina’s help, we test everything so it works for real life — no fancy steps, just food that tastes good and feels good.

A Closer Look at Grilled Chicken Margherita Olive Garden

What Is Grilled Chicken Margherita Olive Garden?

The grilled chicken Margherita Olive Garden dish is a fresh, lighter option made with grilled chicken, melted mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil pesto, and lemon garlic sauce. It’s usually served with a side of steamed veggies like zucchini.

It’s one of Olive Garden’s healthier meals — full of flavor, high in protein, and low in carbs. It’s perfect when you want something satisfying but not too heavy.

Why It’s So Popular

Inspired by Margherita pizza, this version skips the crust and swaps in juicy grilled chicken. The combo of tomato, basil, and cheese hits all the right notes — and the fact that it’s grilled makes it even better for clean eating.

At HealthyMealRecipe, it’s one of our favorite restaurant-style recipes because it’s simple, healthy, and easy to recreate at home.

Olive Garden vs homemade grilled chicken Margherita calorie comparison

Ingredients and Nutritional Breakdown

Main Ingredients Used in Grilled Chicken Margherita

The grilled chicken Margherita Olive Garden dish is built with simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s what goes into each serving:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Lean protein and the base of the dish
Fresh mozzarella cheese – Creamy texture with fewer additives than shredded
Basil pesto – Classic Italian flavor; rich and aromatic
Cherry tomatoes – Adds brightness and natural sweetness
Lemon garlic sauce – Light, citrusy, and balances the richness
Optional side – Steamed broccoli or Parmesan zucchini

All of these come together to create a flavorful, balanced plate that works well even for low-carb and keto lifestyles.

Nutritional Value: Calories, Protein, Carbs, and Fats

Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutrition per serving based on Olive Garden’s official stats and our homemade copycat version:

Nutrient	Restaurant Version	Homemade (Lighter)
Calories	~540 kcal	~400 kcal
Protein	53g	50g
Carbohydrates	8g	5g
Total Fat	30g	22g
Fiber	2g	2g
Sodium	1170mg	850mg

Note: Values may vary depending on the ingredients and preparation.

If you’re counting calories or tracking macros, this dish is a solid choice. It’s high in protein, low in carbs, and keeps you full without weighing you down.

Is Grilled Chicken Margherita Olive Garden Healthy?

A Better-for-You Option

Yes — the grilled chicken Margherita Olive Garden dish is one of the healthier choices on their menu. It’s made with lean grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil pesto — all whole, real ingredients.

You get plenty of protein without the heaviness of pasta or fried items.

Things to Watch

It does have a bit more sodium and fat due to the pesto and cheese. If you’re watching salt or calories, you can adjust:

Ask for less pesto or sauce
Swap sides (like steamed broccoli)
Try a homemade version with lighter ingredients

Overall, it’s a solid choice for a balanced, high-protein meal.

How Keto-Friendly Is Olive Garden’s Grilled Chicken Margherita?

Surprisingly Keto-Friendly

Yes — the grilled chicken Margherita Olive Garden dish works well for a keto diet. It’s low in carbs, high in protein, and has healthy fats from mozzarella and pesto.

Rough estimate per serving:

8g net carbs
50g+ protein
Good fats from cheese & pesto

Easy Keto Tweaks

Want to make it even lower in carbs?

Skip or reduce the sauce
Ask for steamed broccoli instead of any sides
Go light on the cherry tomatoes

It’s one of the few restaurant meals that fits keto without major changes.

Grilled chicken Margherita cooking steps in home kitchen

Cooking the Dish at Home: Copycat Recipe Guide

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to make a copycat grilled chicken Margherita at home — easy, fresh, and with simple prep:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 slices fresh mozzarella
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoons basil pesto
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: steamed zucchini or broccoli on the side

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken
Pound chicken breasts to even thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

2. Grill or Pan-Sear
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side or until done. Set aside.

3. Make the Garlic Lemon Drizzle
In the same pan, sauté garlic in a bit of oil for 30 seconds. Add lemon juice and a splash of water. Simmer for 1 minute, then turn off heat.

4. Build the Dish
Place cooked chicken on a baking tray. Top with mozzarella and cherry tomatoes. Broil for 2–3 minutes, just until cheese melts.

5. Add Flavor
Drizzle pesto over the top. Spoon lemon garlic sauce around the plate or over the chicken.

6. Serve It Up
Plate with a side of broccoli or zucchini. Serve hot.

This version cuts sodium, keeps the carbs low, and still brings out that signature mozzarella basil chicken flavor Olive Garden fans love.

Taste and Texture Profile

What to Expect in Every Bite

The grilled chicken Margherita Olive Garden dish tastes fresh, rich, and balanced. You get juicy grilled chicken, creamy mozzarella, sweet cherry tomatoes, and bold basil pesto — all tied together with a splash of lemon garlic sauce.

It’s flavorful without feeling heavy. Bright, herby, and comforting.

How It Feels

The texture is just right: firm chicken, soft melted cheese, and a little pop from the tomatoes. The pesto adds a smooth, savory finish.

That’s why it’s one of our favorite healthy chicken recipes — light, filling, and full of flavor.

Grilled chicken Margherita with low-carb vegetable sides

Best Sides to Pair with Grilled Chicken Margherita

Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly Sides

If you’re keeping things light or sticking to a keto diet, here are a few side options that pair perfectly with the grilled chicken Margherita Olive Garden style dish:

Steamed broccoli or zucchini – A clean, simple classic
Cauliflower mash – Creamy and satisfying, without the carbs
Garlic roasted green beans – Adds crunch and flavor
Side salad with olive oil dressing – Keeps things fresh and balanced

These options are quick to prepare and help you stay within your health goals while keeping your plate colorful.

Classic Italian Sides and Beverages

If you’re not watching carbs or just want a traditional experience, try:

Herb-roasted potatoes
Whole wheat penne tossed in olive oil
Garlic knots or crusty bread for dipping
A glass of dry white wine or sparkling water with lemon

These pair well with the creamy mozzarella and basil flavors in the dish. Just keep portions moderate if you’re watching calories.

No matter how you serve it, this dish shines best with sides that are simple, fresh, and don’t compete with its bold flavors.

Customizing the Dish for Different Diets

Vegetarian or Dairy-Free?

You can easily adjust the grilled chicken Margherita Olive Garden recipe:

Vegetarian: Swap chicken for grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu
Dairy-free: Use vegan mozzarella and dairy-free pesto — or skip cheese entirely

Same flavors, just adjusted to fit your needs.

Gluten-Free? You’re Covered

This dish is already naturally gluten-free, just avoid any bread sides and check that your pesto is wheat-free. Serve with veggies or gluten-free grains like quinoa or cauliflower rice.

Where to Order and How to Save at Olive Garden

Ordering Tips for a Healthier Meal

If you’re ordering the grilled chicken Margherita Olive Garden at the restaurant, here are a few simple tips:

Ask for extra vegetables instead of pasta or potatoes
Request light pesto or sauce on the side
Skip the breadsticks if you’re limiting carbs

These small changes keep the meal lighter without sacrificing flavor.

Save with Rewards and Deals

Want to enjoy it without overspending? Try these:

Sign up for Olive Garden’s eClub for coupons and free appetizers
Check weekday lunch specials — the same dish often costs less
Order online for pickup to avoid delivery fees
Use gift cards during promotions (they often give bonus cards)

These tips help you enjoy a healthier meal while keeping your budget on track.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is chicken Margherita Olive Garden?

It’s a grilled chicken entrée topped with fresh mozzarella, basil pesto, and cherry tomatoes, finished with a lemon garlic drizzle. Served with a side of vegetables, it’s a lighter, protein-rich choice at Olive Garden.

Is Olive Garden grilled chicken Margherita healthy?

Yes, it’s one of the healthier options on the menu. With lean protein, fresh ingredients, and no heavy pasta or cream sauces, it’s well-suited for balanced eating — especially if you swap the side for steamed veggies.

Is grilled chicken Margherita from Olive Garden keto-friendly?

Mostly, yes. It’s low in carbs and high in protein and fat — making it a solid fit for a keto lifestyle. To reduce carbs further, ask for less sauce or tomatoes and skip any side bread or pasta.

How many calories are in Olive Garden margarita chicken?

The restaurant version has about 540 calories per serving, with around 53g protein, 30g fat, and 8g carbs. A homemade version can reduce those numbers even further.

Conclusion

The grilled chicken Margherita Olive Garden dish proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. With bold Italian flavors, clean ingredients, and easy tweaks for nearly any diet, it’s a standout whether you order in or make it at home.

At HealthyMealRecipe, we love meals like this — satisfying, simple, and totally doable on a weeknight. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just yourself, this dish offers a lot of flavor without the fuss.

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Grilled Chicken Margherita Olive Garden: A Deliciously Light Italian Healthy & Quick!