Marinara Dipping Sauce (Catering) at Olive Garden is the simplest and lightest of the four catering sauce options, priced at $9.49 per container and delivering 290 calories. The fresh tomato, garlic, olive oil, and herb marinara is the same daily-made preparation used across the restaurant's pasta menu. As a dipping sauce at catering events, it serves as the standard breadstick accompaniment and a tomato-based pasta topping option for guests who prefer lighter sauces over the cheese-enriched or cream versions.
At 290 calories for the full catering container versus 1,750 for the Alfredo, the Marinara Dipping Sauce is the calorie-efficient choice for breadstick service at events. It is also the natural vegetarian and vegan-compatible sauce option — free from dairy and meat, it accommodates the widest range of dietary restrictions at a large event. For catering orders that already include a pasta station with Alfredo and meat sauce, adding a separate marinara dipping sauce specifically for breadstick dipping is a common and cost-effective supplement.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving
290Calories
17gTotal Fat
2550mgSodium
* Nutritional values are approximate and may vary. Last updated March 2026.
$9.49 per container. Same price as the Five Cheese Marinara and Meat Dipping Sauce options.
290 calories for the full container — the lightest-calorie dipping sauce option available through Olive Garden's catering menu. Per individual breadstick dip, the calorie contribution per person is very low.
Yes. The marinara sauce contains only tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and Italian herbs — no dairy, meat, or animal products. It is the most broadly compatible sauce for events with mixed dietary requirements.
The marinara is made fresh daily at each restaurant with whole tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, fresh basil, and Italian seasonings. It uses no preservatives or artificial additives, which is why it maintains the bright, fresh tomato flavor that separates it from commercial jarred alternatives.
Yes. Multiple containers can be added to a single catering order through Olive Garden's online ordering system or by calling the specific location for larger quantities.
