Recipe by Parrot Head Mama Fell in love with this after a friend and I had dinner at O.G., searched for the recipe and found it at Copykat Creations. Top Review by Smarahcakes This sangria was a fantastic hit at my 4th party. The only thing I changed was the fruit.A few years ago, Italian restaurants may have elicited thoughts of paintings of cheese surrounding you—staring at you—and meat-sauce leaking from the pipes above you, with enough prosciutto-scented candles burning to set off the Alfredo-sprinkler system. But that’s just not the case anymore. Today, as more and more people are embracing a compassionate lifestyle than ever before, many Italian restaurants are adding lots of yummy vegan options to the menu! When you’re here, you can still be vegan. This is everything you’ll ever need to know about how to order vegan at Olive Garden:Yes, the salad at Olive Garden is vegan, but the croutons and dressing it comes with aren’t—and honestly, people in Italy don’t even know wtf “Italian dressing” is.

So keep it authentic and animal-free by holding the croutons and topping your salad with oil and vinegar instead. best red wine under 5 dollarsThe best things in life are free and vegan. best white wine for xmas dinnerCase in point: OLIVE GARDEN’S BREADSTICKS (the garlic topping is made with soy, not dairy foods). top wine brands canadaVeganize the Bruschetta Caprese by requesting it without cheese. best italian red wine brandIf history teaches us anything, it’s that people are more receptive to info when it (sort of) rhymes, so tell everyone at your table that bruschetta is betta without mozzarella.best pure red wine

Olive Garden’s minestrone soup is vegan at all locations now! So you can get the soup, salad, and breadsticks combo like you were born to do.best wine crystal glasses Get stoked for artichoke. The Artichoke Fritti can easily be made vegan by holding the cheese and aioli sauce. If you want a dipping sauce, just ask for a side of the kids’ tomato sauce.It’s like I always say—the hardest part about being vegan is choosing which type of pasta to order at Olive Garden. There are SO many options. With capellini, cavatappi, fettuccine, gluten-free rotini, rigatoni, spaghetti, tri-colored vegetable penne, whole-wheat linguine, and ziti to choose from, it can be very difficult to decide. I find that if you listen really closely, your heart will tell you.The marinara sauce is the only vegan option, so you get a breather after making the difficult decision about which kind of pasta to get. The Garden Primavera comes with basil garlic marinara (not vegan) and a blend of fresh veggies, so all you gotta do is swap the sauce for the kids’ tomato sauce and ask your server for NO CHEESE, PLEASE—and voilà.

Olive Garden doesn’t carry any vegan dessert options, but you can easily swing by your local grocery store for some vegan ice cream on your way home. I find that eating vegan ice cream is the most efficient way to satisfy your sweet tooth, help animals, and save the planet—not too shabby for a dessert.Sports fans gear up for March Madness, and for wine fans, let’s celebrate Moscato Madness – if anyone needs a reason for more Moscato this Spring. Robyn Albert has tasted dozens of Moscatos as Olive Garden’s resident Italian wine connoisseur including everything from Pink Moscatos to Moscatos mixed with beer (which might sound strange, but achieves a taste similar to cider!). There are two new cocktails at Olive Garden for Spring 2017! I have images but no recipes ! So disappointing, I know but these cocktails are pretty simple. I would suggest 1 part of all ingredients except the Moscato, which would be 2 parts. Visit Olive Garden to try these two new cocktails or try the new Moscato Tasting option which is well worth the time to taste a variety of Moscato wines.

Black Cherry Moscato : A sparkling blend of Primo Amore Moscato, Caravella Limoncello, black cherry and ginger beer. Green Apple Moscato Sangria:A blend of chilled Moscato, granny smith green apple and a splash of pineapple juice. (Use slices of Granny Smith apples, a 3/4 full glass of Moscato and a splash of chilled pineapple juice.) Robyn Albert’s list of 10 key tasting tips and information for you! 1) Moscato is made from the Muscat grape, which is one of the oldest grape families in the world. 2)The home of Moscato is the Piedmont region of Italy. 3)Moscatos from Northern Italy taste different to those in the South. (Pear and apple are popular flavors from the North, while melon and citrus are popular in the South). 4)The base flavor for Moscato is peach, and other popular flavors include Apricot, Peach, Nectarine, Lemon and Orange. 5)The aromas of Moscato include Honeysuckle, Vanilla, Rose, Jasmine, Caramel and Orange Blossom. 6)Most Moscato wines are sparkling, which have about half of the bubbles as a glass of champagne.

(To sound like a Moscato pro, refer to your sparkling as a “Frizzante”). 7)Sliced apples are the best choice to complement a Moscato tasting; they sensitize your palate, so you can taste more components of the flavor. 8)Moscato-fy your classic wine & cheese pairings: the sweet wine pairs best with firm cheeses made from Cow’s Milk. (The high-fat content in these cheeses pairs well with the acidity of the wine). 9)Beyond Italia: Asian food — like Thai, Szechuan, and Vietnamese — are becoming popular cuisines because the sweetness helps “cool” hot foods. 10)If you’re sipping your Moscato over dessert, make it Tiramisu for the perfect after-dinner pairing. The combo of Moscato and Tiramisu create a third flavor, which will taste delightful on your palate. Find these great Moscato cocktails and other Italian treats at Olive Garden Restaurants! Thanks to Robyn Albert for her great Moscato Tasting Tips! DEALS and STEALS(Affiliate Links) I am required to tell you that I am an “affiliate” with these brands.