APPETIZER 2026

Olive Garden Spinach-Artichoke Dip

Creamy spinach-artichoke dip served with crispy flatbread crisps – about $10.99-$13.49 and 1,160 calories per order. Made for sharing.

1,160Calories
82gFat
2,930mgSodium
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What Is Spinach-Artichoke Dip?

Price, calories, nutrition & taste

The Spinach-Artichoke Dip at Olive Garden

Some appetizers disappear from your memory before the entrée even arrives. Olive Garden Spinach-Artichoke Dip is not one of them. Rich, creamy, and loaded with cheese, it is the kind of starter that instantly takes over the table because everyone wants another scoop before it is gone.

This appetizer combines spinach, artichokes, and a blend of cheeses into a hot baked dip served with flatbread crisps for dipping. The flavor sits somewhere between a classic restaurant spinach dip and a baked cheese spread. You get earthy spinach, slightly tangy artichokes, and plenty of creamy, salty richness from the cheese.

Spinach-Artichoke Dip has been a long-running menu item at Olive Garden and is considered a permanent appetizer at most locations. It is designed for sharing, making it a popular choice for groups, families, and anyone who wants something warm and comforting before the main meal arrives.

Quick Facts

At a glance

Price

Approx. $10.99-$13.49

Calories

About 1,160 calories

Serving Size

1 appetizer order

Available Since

Long-running menu item

Menu Category

Appetizer

Vegan Friendly

No

Gluten-Free

No

Available All Day

Yes

Permanent or Limited

Permanent at most locations

Ingredients

What’s inside

Made Fresh

The first thing most people notice is the cheese. It creates the creamy foundation that carries everything else. Spinach adds an earthy vegetable flavor while artichoke hearts bring a mild tanginess that prevents the dip from tasting overly heavy. The result feels richer than a standard vegetable dip but not quite as intense as a full cheese fondue. What makes this appetizer work is balance.

Without the spinach and artichokes, it would simply be melted cheese. Those vegetables add texture and contrast, helping each bite feel a little more interesting. The flatbread crisps contribute crunch and keep the dip from becoming one note.

Spinach (adds earthy flavor and color)

Artichoke Hearts (provide mild tanginess and texture)

Parmesan Cheese (adds salty, nutty flavor)

Romano Cheese (boosts sharpness and richness)

Mozzarella Cheese (creates the stretchy, creamy texture)

Cream Sauce Base (binds the ingredients together)

Seasonings and Herbs (enhance overall flavor)

Flatbread Crisps (provide crunch for dipping)

Price

What you’ll pay

Olive Garden prices vary by city, state, and restaurant location, but Spinach-Artichoke Dip usually falls into the premium appetizer category. It costs more than basic starters because it includes multiple cheeses and is designed to serve several people.

Note that prices vary by location and may have changed since this was written.

OptionApproximate Price
Regular / Standalone$10.99-$13.49
As Part of a ComboNot commonly included
In a Box or Value MealNot typically available

For groups, the value is fairly strong. A shared appetizer that feeds three or four people comfortably feels reasonable at this price point. For a solo diner, however, it is a much bigger commitment.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving

NutrientAmount (1 Serving)
CaloriesAbout 1,160
Total FatAbout 82g
Saturated FatAbout 39g
Trans Fat1g
CholesterolAbout 180mg
SodiumAbout 2,930mg
Total CarbohydratesAbout 63g
Dietary FiberAbout 8g
Total SugarsAbout 10g
ProteinAbout 42g

Compared with Fried Mozzarella , Spinach-Artichoke Dip offers more vegetables and fiber but still carries a similar level of richness. It feels slightly more balanced, though neither item would qualify as a light starter.

What Does It Taste Like?

Flavor profile

Flavor Notes

The aroma hits before the plate reaches the table. Warm cheese, baked cream sauce, and toasted bread create that unmistakable restaurant-appetizer smell that immediately gets attention. Visually, it looks thick and substantial, with browned cheese on top and crispy flatbread arranged around the dish.

The first bite is all about richness. Parmesan and Romano cheeses deliver a salty, savory punch right away. Then the spinach and artichokes show up, adding freshness and a subtle tang that keeps the dip from becoming overwhelming. Nothing here is spicy or aggressive. It leans heavily into comfort-food territory.

Texture is where this appetizer earns its place on the menu. The dip itself is smooth and creamy without feeling completely uniform. Small pieces of spinach and artichoke provide contrast. Compared with the Spinach & Artichoke Dip served at restaurants like Applebee’s, Olive Garden’s version tastes cheesier and heavier, while Applebee’s tends to emphasize the vegetables a bit more. If you enjoy rich, baked cheese appetizers, Olive Garden’s version delivers exactly what you expect.

Dietary Information

Know before you order

Multiple cheeses and other dairy ingredients are included.

Check location-specific allergen information before ordering.

Vegan

No – Contains dairy ingredients.

Vegetarian

Yes – No meat ingredients.

Gluten-Free

No – Flatbread contains wheat.

Dairy-Free

No – Multiple cheeses and other dairy ingredients are included.

Nut-Free

Generally Yes – Check location-specific allergen information before ordering.

Halal

Not Certified – Verify with the restaurant for current sourcing and preparation practices.

Kosher

Not Certified – Verify with the restaurant for current certification status.

Low Carb / Keto

Limited – Contains flatbread and a moderate amount of carbohydrates.

Low Sodium

No – Sodium content is relatively high.

Customization

Make it yours

Unlike a pasta dish where you can swap sauces and proteins, customization options for Spinach-Artichoke Dip are somewhat limited. That said, there are still a few ways to tailor the experience to your preferences. Popular customization options include:

Using the Olive Garden app makes customization easier because special requests can often be entered directly during the ordering process.

1

Ask for extra flatbread crisps if you are sharing with a larger group.

2

Request additional dipping sauces on the side, such as marinara.

3

Ask for no flatbread if you plan to share the dip with other menu items.

4

Pair it with breadsticks for a softer dipping option.

5

Order it alongside salad and use small portions of the dip as a topping.

6

Some guests enjoy scooping it onto grilled chicken or mixing small amounts into pasta dishes at the table.

Availability

2026 status

Yes, Spinach-Artichoke Dip is still available at most Olive Garden locations in 2026. It remains one of the chain’s established appetizer options and continues to appear on menus across the United States. While Olive Garden occasionally updates menu offerings, this appetizer has shown strong staying power over the years. If availability is important, the easiest way to confirm is through your local restaurant’s menu page or the Olive Garden app. If it is temporarily unavailable, Fried Mozzarella or Stuffed Ziti Fritta are the closest alternatives for guests looking for a rich, shareable starter.

Across most of the United States, Spinach-Artichoke Dip is a consistent menu item. The recipe rarely changes from one location to another, although pricing can vary by several dollars depending on local operating costs, taxes, and market conditions. In general, guests can expect a very similar experience whether they order in Florida, Texas, California, or New York.

Busy urban locations sometimes produce slightly different results than suburban restaurants. During peak lunch and dinner rushes, wait times may be longer and Olive Garden appetizers may spend a little extra time under heat lamps before reaching the table. Suburban locations often provide a slightly fresher experience simply because kitchen volume can be easier to manage. For maximum freshness, dine-in remains the best option because the dip arrives hot and the flatbread stays crisp. App ordering is convenient for pickup, while delivery through services such as DoorDash and Uber Eats can soften the flatbread during transport.

Mid-afternoon and early evening orders typically provide the most consistent quality because kitchens are active but not yet overwhelmed by peak dinner traffic.

Best Appetizer Alternatives

Worth comparing

Creamy vegetable and cheese-based appetizer designed for sharing.

Focuses on crispy fried cheese rather than a dip.

Fried Mozzarella

Crispy golden mozzarella sticks with marinara for dipping. Fried Mozzarella at $10.99-$13.99 and 860 calories is the crunchier, more handheld alternative to the spoonable spinach-artichoke dip. Pick it when your table wants finger food with a satisfying cheese pull rather than a creamy shared bowl.

Stuffed Ziti Fritta

Crispy fried pasta stuffed with cheese, served with marinara and alfredo for dipping. Stuffed Ziti Fritta brings a similar cheesy comfort but in a crispy, bite-sized form at $8.99-$10.99. A fun middle ground between a dip and a full appetizer plate.

Calamari

Lightly breaded and fried calamari with marinara and spicy ranch. Calamari at $12.29-$12.79 and 670 calories is the seafood option – lighter and less rich than the cheese-heavy dip. Choose it when you want something crispy but not weighed down by cream and cheese.

Is It Worth Ordering?

Our take

Order it if you:

Love creamy, cheese-heavy appetizers.

Are dining with friends or family and want something shareable

.Enjoy spinach and artichoke flavor without overwhelming vegetable bitterness.

Want an appetizer that feels substantial before the main course.

Skip it if you:

Are watching calories or sodium closely.

Prefer lighter starters such as soup or salad.

Need a gluten-free or vegan option.

Usually dine alone and do not want a large appetizer portion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers

How many calories are in Spinach-Artichoke Dip?

About 1,160 calories are found in a full appetizer order. Because the dish is designed for sharing, many guests divide it among several people, which significantly lowers the calories per person.

What is it made of?

It contains spinach, artichoke hearts, multiple cheeses, a creamy sauce base, seasonings, and flatbread crisps for dipping. The combination creates a rich, savory appetizer with both creamy and crunchy textures.

Is it vegan?

No, it is not vegan. The recipe contains several dairy-based cheeses and a cream-based sauce, making it unsuitable for a vegan diet.

Is it gluten-free?

No, it is not gluten-free. The flatbread crisps contain wheat, and cross-contact risks may exist in restaurant kitchens.

Is it still available in 2026?

Yes, it remains available at most Olive Garden restaurants in 2026. Checking your local menu online is the best way to confirm current availability.

How much does it cost?

About $10.99 to $13.49 at most locations. Actual prices vary by restaurant, region, and local market conditions.

Can I customize my order?

Yes, although options are somewhat limited. Guests can request extra flatbread, additional sauces, or pair the dip with other menu items for different serving styles.

Craving Spinach-Artichoke Dip?

Rich, cheesy, and built for the table – order it when you want a warm, shareable starter everyone reaches for.

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Written by
Editorial Team
Site Editors

The editorial team behind Olive Garden Menus Prices — researching menus, verifying prices across locations, and keeping every guide accurate and up to date.

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