Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Ingredients & Recipe Facts

Olive Garden's minestrone soup contains tomatoes, onions, carrots, celery, cabbage, zucchini, green beans, potatoes, cannellini beans, kidney beans, small pasta, extra virgin olive oil, and a blend of herbs including basil and oregano. The soup is vegetarian-friendly and features a rich tomato broth base with a signature blend of Italian seasonings. This information is based on Olive Garden's official ingredient disclosure and nutritional data.

For decades, Olive Garden's minestrone soup has been a beloved menu staple that consistently ranks among the restaurant's most popular appetizers. Understanding exactly what goes into this flavorful Italian classic helps diners make informed choices whether they're dining in, ordering takeout, or attempting to recreate the dish at home.

What Makes Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Unique

Unlike traditional minestrone recipes that vary by region in Italy, Olive Garden maintains a consistent recipe across all locations. The restaurant's version stands out for its balanced vegetable-to-broth ratio and distinctive herb profile. While authentic Italian minestrone often includes rice or barley, Olive Garden's recipe features small pasta shapes that hold their texture well even when the soup sits for a short time.

Detailed Ingredient Analysis

Olive Garden's minestrone soup contains a carefully selected combination of fresh and canned ingredients that create its signature taste:

Ingredient Category	Specific Components	Notes
Vegetables	Tomatoes, onions, carrots, celery, cabbage, zucchini, green beans, potatoes	Fresh vegetables form the soup's foundation
Beans	Cannellini beans, kidney beans	Provide protein and texture
Pasta	Small pasta shapes	Typically ditalini or similar small tube pasta
Seasonings	Extra virgin olive oil, basil, oregano, garlic, salt, pepper	Signature herb blend creates distinctive flavor
Liquid Base	Tomato broth	Rich tomato foundation without meat stock

Nutritional Profile and Dietary Information

According to Olive Garden's published nutritional information, a standard cup (8 fl oz) serving of minestrone soup contains approximately:

• Calories: 110
• Total Fat: 3.5g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 960mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 18g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 4g

The soup qualifies as vegetarian and contains no animal products in its standard preparation. However, customers with specific dietary restrictions should note that Olive Garden prepares all menu items in shared kitchen spaces, which may result in cross-contamination with allergens.

How Olive Garden Serves Minestrone Soup

At Olive Garden restaurants, minestrone soup appears on the menu as part of their famous "Never Ending Pasta Bowl" promotion and as a standalone appetizer. The soup typically arrives in a wide-rimmed bowl with a side of freshly baked breadsticks. Many locations offer the soup with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top, though this comes at an additional charge.

Creating an Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Copycat Recipe

While Olive Garden keeps its exact recipe proprietary, home cooks have developed remarkably accurate approximations. This copycat olive garden minestrone soup recipe captures the essence of the restaurant version:

Homemade Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe

Makes 6 servings | Preparation: 20 minutes | Cooking: 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 small head cabbage, cored and thinly sliced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
• 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• ½ cup small pasta (ditalini or elbow macaroni)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until vegetables soften, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add cabbage, zucchini, green beans, and potato. Simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Stir in both types of beans, pasta, basil, and oregano. Continue simmering until pasta is tender, about 10-12 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot with fresh parsley garnish and crusty bread on the side.

Seasonal Variations and Regional Differences

While Olive Garden maintains recipe consistency across locations, minor variations may occur based on seasonal vegetable availability. Some regions might feature slightly different vegetable proportions based on local preferences. The restaurant occasionally introduces limited-time variations during special promotions, but the core recipe remains unchanged.

Why Olive Garden's Minestrone Soup Appeals to So Many Diners

The enduring popularity of olive garden minestrone soup vegetarian option stems from its balanced flavor profile that satisfies multiple taste preferences. The soup delivers savory depth from the vegetable broth, subtle sweetness from the tomatoes, and earthy notes from the herb blend. Its hearty vegetable content makes it satisfying without being heavy, while the moderate sodium level enhances flavor without overwhelming the palate.

Is Olive Garden minestrone soup vegetarian?

Yes, Olive Garden's minestrone soup is vegetarian-friendly. The standard recipe contains no meat products or animal-derived ingredients. However, it's prepared in a kitchen that handles meat products, so cross-contamination may occur.

How many calories are in Olive Garden minestrone soup?

A standard cup (8 fl oz) serving of Olive Garden minestrone soup contains approximately 110 calories. This information comes from Olive Garden's published nutritional data.

What pasta is used in Olive Garden minestrone soup?

Olive Garden minestrone soup contains small pasta shapes, typically ditalini or a similar small tube pasta. The pasta is cooked directly in the soup, which helps thicken the broth slightly and provides a satisfying texture.

Does Olive Garden minestrone soup contain gluten?

Yes, Olive Garden minestrone soup contains gluten because it includes wheat-based pasta. Customers with gluten sensitivities should avoid this soup or ask about potential modifications, though cross-contamination with gluten is likely in the preparation area.

Can I get Olive Garden minestrone soup without cabbage?

While Olive Garden's standard minestrone soup recipe includes cabbage, you can request modifications when ordering. However, removing cabbage will alter the soup's flavor profile and texture, as cabbage contributes significantly to the soup's characteristic taste and heartiness.