According to nutrition professionals at the University of Michigan, the average restaurant dish contains 56% of an adult diner’s daily calorie recommendation. On certain weight-loss diets, a single meal might use up your entire daily calorie allotment! That doesn’t even cover sodium, saturated fats, or cholesterol.
Modern menus make it challenging to have a good time while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. What healthy Italian dishes can you order if you want to feel good about what you’re eating?
We’ve curated a list of ten healthy Italian dinners from Ron’s Original Bar & Grille to get you started. Keep reading to learn what to order the next time you head to your favorite Italian restaurant.
1. Brussels Salad
One of the easiest ways to enjoy a light meal at a restaurant is to take a peek at the salad menu. Luckily, you won’t find any sad, iceberg-only salads at Ron’s! We recommend the Brussels Salad, which combines big flavors and unique textures to create a sensory-filled culinary experience like no other.
We love the flash-fried Brussels sprouts and sharp, delicious Asiago cheese. The star of the show is Ron’s homemade Modena dressing. To lighten things up further, request yours on the side.
2. Steamed Clams
Healthy dining doesn’t mean you need to skip out on the full dining experience. If you want to order an appetizer or small plate, consider an order of steamed clams. This is one of the most flavorful Italian side dishes on the menu, bursting with white wine and fresh basil.
The magic is in the sauce, so this dish is traditionally served with a roll. You can cut down on calories by skipping the roll or splitting it with a stablemate. Either way, the steamed preparation keeps things light.
3. Kennett Swiss “Burger”
Grilled chicken breasts are one of the lightest and lowest calorie proteins you can order. Luckily, they’re a staple of Italian food!
At Ron’s, try the juicy, decadent Kennett Swiss “burger.” Order it with a chargrilled chicken breast and request a “protein platter” to skip the bun, which cuts calories.
4. Eggplant Piadini
Vegetarians rejoice! Eggplant is a low-calorie protein substitute, which tastes delicious served on this handmade “Italian pita.” To lighten it further (or make it vegan-friendly), ask to skip the cheese. Either way, this savory, greens-stuffed sandwich is full of farm-to-table goodness that will keep you full and content.
5. Veggie Hoagie Bowl
Did you know you can order any hoagie on Ron’s menu as a bowl? Instead of a roll, they’ll serve all the components on a bed of bright, fresh mixed greens. The veggie hoagie bowl is the lightest option, but you can’t go wrong with any of the available choices.
For example, the Italian hoagie bowl features classic Italian meats and cheese. It might fit nicely into your low-carb or ketogenic diet.
6. White Tuna Salad Wrap
Tuna is a light protein that packs a flavorful punch. Ron’s homemade tuna salad is available on your choice of organic bread, but the wrap is the lowest-calorie option. Gluten-free toast is also available for diners who may be avoiding gluten or living with an intolerance.
7. Pasta Originale
If you’ve been on a diet for a while, just hearing the word “pasta” might make you nervous. The reality is that there’s nothing wrong with pasta itself. Most of the caloric density stems from toppings, sauces, and cheese.
At Ron’s, you can order Pasta Originale and customize your pasta dish. This affords you a sense of control over what you’ll find on your plate. You can prioritize farm-fresh ingredients and light proteins.
Begin with a low-calorie pasta base, such as riced cauliflower. This is a high-volume food that will leave you feeling full and satisfied. Add a tomato-based sauce like marinara or pomodoro.
The lowest-calorie protein options include grilled chicken medallions, fresh salmon medallions, or jumbo shrimp. Choose a generous serving of your favorite vegetables to add nutrition and texture.
8. Grilled Salmon Dinner
Nutritionists call salmon a “superfood” for a reason! It contains healthy omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and natural antioxidants. At Ron’s, the salmon comes with heart-healthy brown rice and steamed broccoli, so you won’t need to make any substitutions to prioritize your health.
You won’t believe how flavorful a light and healthy meal can be until you try the citrus dill sauce.
9. Steak Protein Platter
You can enjoy an unforgettable steak dinner free from gristle and marinade at Ron’s. They only serve 100% Chester County beef. If you order yours as a protein platter, you can forego the fries, roll, and wrap and enjoy this lighter take on a protein-packed favorite.
Order a “Pizza Steak” if you want an Italian take on your steak meal. You’ll enjoy the flavors of fresh pizza sauce and mild provolone cheese. It’s one of our favorite not-so-Italian recipes on the menu.
10. Margherita Pizza
You can enjoy a healthy pizza dinner if you’re mindful of the toppings and how much you eat. At Ron’s, you can order a 10-inch, thin-crust pie, reducing the number of carbs and calories that come from the crust. Ask for Margherita pizza, and you can have a delicious, authentic Italian delicacy without worrying about your waistline.
Consider splitting your personal pizza with a friend and sharing a fresh garden or Caesar salad. The fiber in the salad will ensure you feel full and satisfied. The more colorful the meal, the better you’ll feel!
Explore Healthy Italian Dishes from Ron’s Original Bar & Grille
Going out for a delicious Italian meal doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your healthy lifestyle. Practice moderation, or choose one of the light, healthy Italian dishes on our list. When your meal is full of so many authentic flavors, you won’t miss out on a thing.
Ron’s Original Bar & Grille offers an astounding range of farm-to-table, low-carb, nitrate-free, non-GMO dishes. With so many vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, everyone can enjoy a healthy, filling meal at Ron’s. Browse our menu to find your new favorite dish.