Choosing the right Olive Garden meal is easy when you consider the occasion, your appetite, and who you are dining with. For a quick lunch, soup, salad, and breadsticks can be a simple choice, while pasta dishes such as Fettuccine Alfredo or Chicken Parmigiana are suitable for a more filling meal. Family dinners can include larger pasta dishes, chicken, seafood, and shared sides, while a date night or celebration may be a good time to add an appetizer and dessert. If you are watching your calories, lighter options and salads can also be considered. Checking the Olive Garden menu before visiting can help you compare dishes, prices, ingredients, and portion sizes so you can choose a meal that fits your needs.