Maggiano’s is an Italian-American restaurant chain known for its generous portions of pasta, pizza, and other classic Italian-American fare. While the food may be delicious, it’s not always the healthiest option. For those looking to make healthier choices at Maggiano’s, there are some good options available. The key is sticking to dishes made with vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains while avoiding creamy sauces and fried foods. Here’s an overview of some of the healthiest entrée choices at Maggiano’s.
Salads and Soups
In general, salads and soups are a good bet for lighter, healthier options at most restaurants. Maggiano’s offers a variety of salad options including classic Caesar, Italian chopped, and Mediterranean salads. Opt for a salad with grilled chicken or salmon to add some protein. Load up on veggies and ask for dressing on the side. The minestrone soup is loaded with vegetables, beans, and pasta in a vegetable broth. The pasta e fagioli is another lighter option made with beans, vegetables, and small pasta. Both make a good starter for a lighter meal.
Seafood Main Dishes
Maggiano’s has several healthier seafood options that are high in protein and low in saturated fat. The grilled salmon is a simple preparationserved with broccoli and roasted potatoes. The pesce alla griglia features grilled scallops, shrimp, and Chilean sea bass served over pasta and vegetables. Both dishes provide lean protein as well as vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. Just ask for the sauce on the side when ordering a seafood dish over pasta.
Chicken Main Dishes
Chicken breast is a lean protein option, and Maggiano’s serves several healthier chicken dishes. The tuscan chicken is a grilled chicken breast topped with vegetables in a light lemon sauce over pasta. The chicken balsamico consists of chicken breast cooked in a balsamic vinegar sauce with mushrooms, onions, and tomatoes served over grilled vegetables. Both provide a good source of protein along with antioxidants and fiber from the veggies.
Vegetarian Main Dishes
Maggiano’s offers a few robust vegetarian options as well. The garden fresh vegetable lasagne consists of grilled vegetables, spinach, and ricotta cheese layered with pasta sheets. The spinach and artichoke fritta is a crispy risotto cake made with spinach, artichokes, roasted peppers, and part-skim mozzarella. Both dishes are packed with nutrients from all the vegetables. The cheese adds protein, calcium, and flavor.
Tips for Ordering
Here are some tips for making the healthiest choices when dining at Maggiano’s:
- Start with minestrone or pasta e fagioli soup or a salad with dressing on the side.
- Avoid appetizers like fried calamari or bruschetta as they are higher in calories.
- Choose grilled, roasted, or steamed protein like salmon, shrimp, or chicken breast.
- Ask for any creamy sauces or dressings on the side.
- Opt for dishes with lots of vegetables like the vegetable lasagne.
- Request whole wheat pasta or brown rice for grain bowls or sides.
- Share or take leftovers home since portions are large.
Being mindful about selections and portions is key to creating a healthy meal at Maggiano’s. Focus on lean proteins, produce, and whole grains while limiting creamy sauces, cheese, and fried foods. Taking home leftovers ensures you get two healthy meals out of one larger dining out portion.
Nutrition Information
To get a better idea of the healthiest options at Maggiano’s, here is the nutrition information for some of the dishes mentioned above:
Salads and Soups
| Dish | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Italian Chopped Salad with Chicken | 490 | 15 | 36 | 44 |
| Mediterranean Salad with Salmon | 500 | 28 | 25 | 40 |
| Minestrone Soup | 260 | 8 | 36 | 14 |
| Pasta e Fagioli | 310 | 8 | 48 | 20 |
Seafood Main Dishes
| Dish | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grilled Salmon | 590 | 32 | 48 | 47 |
| Pesce Alla Griglia | 550 | 18 | 48 | 60 |
Chicken Main Dishes
| Dish | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuscan Chicken | 710 | 25 | 57 | 62 |
| Chicken Balsamico | 650 | 25 | 45 | 60 |
Vegetarian Main Dishes
| Dish | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garden Vegetable Lasagna | 700 | 25 | 84 | 36 |
| Spinach & Artichoke Fritta | 670 | 35 | 51 | 35 |
As you can see from the nutrition information, dishes like salads, grilled salmon, and vegetable-based options tend to be lower in calories, fat, and carbs than some of Maggiano’s classic pasta and meat dishes. Choosing these lighter options can help you enjoy Italian flavor while maintaining a healthy diet.
Healthier Side Dishes
Don’t forget that side dish selections can also make a meal healthier or more indulgent. Here are some tips for healthy side picks:
- Opt for steamed broccoli instead of cheesy baked spinach.
- Choose a side salad with vinaigrette rather than caesar salad with dressing.
- Pick roasted vegetables over fried zucchini sticks.
- Go for whole wheat pasta or brown rice instead of white pasta.
Choosing plant-based sides with lean proteins is an easy way to boost nutrition in your meal. Share rich sides like cheesy garlic bread for the table.
Healthy Dessert Options
Dessert doesn’t have to derail your healthy meal if you choose wisely. Here are some lighter desserts at Maggiano’s to consider:
- Fresh fruit – opt for a bowl of fresh melon, berries, pineapple, or citrus.
- Sorbet – try a refreshing scoop of fruit sorbet.
- Angel Hair Sundae – angel hair pasta with strawberries in a sweet lemon cream is a lighter option.
- Crème Brulee – a small portion of this classic custard makes a decadent treat.
Best bets are fresh fruit or sorbet, but the others can hit the sweet spot after a lighter meal. Share a dessert to keep portions in check.
Healthy Cooking Methods
In addition to choosing healthier dishes, it also helps to opt for the healthiest cooking methods whenever possible. At Maggiano’s, request these preparation methods:
- Grilled instead of fried
- Baked, broiled, roasted, or poached instead of fried
- Steamed or sautéed veggies with little or no added fat
- Low-fat sauces on the side
- Whole wheat pasta or brown rice
- Olive oil instead of butter for sautéing
Choosing cooking methods that use less added fat and calories while retaining more nutrients results in a healthier overall meal.
Healthy Beverage Options
Don’t forget to choose a healthy beverage to complement your meal. Water is always the healthiest option, but if you want something more, opt for:
- Unsweetened iced tea
- Seltzer or club soda with a splash of juice
- Wine spritzer – wine mixed with seltzer
- Light beer or a glass of red wine
Avoid sugary sodas, juices, mixed drinks with heavy syrups, or multiple cocktails to limit calories. Enjoy a glass of wine or beer, but stick to one serving.
Conclusion
While Italian fare is not always associated with healthy eating, Maggiano’s does offer menu options that can satisfy without overdoing it on calories or fat. Focus on dishes with lean proteins like salmon, shrimp, or chicken breast. Load up on vegetable dishes like salads and sides. Ask for whole wheat pasta or brown rice instead of white refined carbs. Stick to cooking methods that use less added fat like grilling, roasting, poaching or steaming. Watch portions carefully and take leftovers home for another meal. Finally, skip sugary beverages and enjoy a glass of wine or water instead. With planning and mindful choices, you can enjoy great Italian flavor while still maintaining overall healthy eating.
