Best (and Worst) Italian Appetizers

August 01, 2010
Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
Find our picks for healthy choices and splurge-only starters at Italian restaurants.
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Healthy Italian Appetizers and Splurge-Only Choices

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
Whether you're at an Italian-American chain or an authentic trattoria, we've compared various typical starters you'd find on the menu. From bruschetta and shrimp scampi to anchovies and giardiniera, here are a few picks and pans on the antipasti list.
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Healthy Choice: Tomato-Topped Bruschetta

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor

The only problem here is it's so easy to take one more from the plate. Here's the math: One large or two small slices have about 130 calories and 300mg sodium.

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Splurge Choice: Shrimp Scampi

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor

As served in many chains, this dish can be an oily, garlicky, admittedly delicious indulgence. Even a small serving can have 250 calories and 700mg sodium—before you mop up all that sauce.

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Healthy Choice: Olives

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
Low in sodium they're not. But the variety of textures and flavors means a few will keep you satisfied while you're awaiting your entrée. Along with good-for-you fats, five medium olives have 50 calories and 288mg sodium.

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Splurge Choice: Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
Loaded with cream, cheese, and salt, so even a shared portion of this chain menu mainstay moves you into entrée territory: 385 calories, 6.5g saturated fat, and 580mg sodium.

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Healthy Choice: Caesar Salad

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
Depends on portion and dressing, of course. Lightly dressed (as here), it can have just 260 calories. Slathered with oil, cheese, and anchovies, it can run up the fat and sodium meter. Follow with a light entrée, such as simple grilled fish.
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Splurge Choice: Fried Calamari

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
The problem here is restraint: You're served a mountain, and it's hard to stop after a few pieces. Even if you do stop, you'll consume about 240 calories and 720mg sodium.

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Healthy Choice: Caprese Salad

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
Mild mozzarella is the perfect counterpoint to bright tomatoes in this traditional salad. Splitting a portion gives you a satisfying 165 calories and 275mg sodium.

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Splurge Choice: Salumi

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
House-cured meats are ultratrendy, complex, and delicious, but a modest 1-ounce portion of dry salami or soppressatta contains 120 calories and 540mg sodium. Best cut thin and savored.
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Healthy Choice: Prosciutto

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
The best, sweetest varieties of Italian prosciutto are not overly salty. The key is the perfect thin cut. Have two or three slices for just 25 calories and a smidge more than 200mg sodium.

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Splurge Choice: Anchovies

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
Watch for these briny treats on bruschetta, flatbreads, and other starters: Good fats, but four anchovies (about 0.5 ounce) eat up 25 percent of your day's sodium allowance.

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Healthy Choice: Giardiniera

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
Practically free! Two tablespoons of this spicy, crunchy pickled snack have just 5 calories and a welcome 41mg of sodium.
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Splurge Choice: Fried Polenta and Marinara

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
Crispy, corny, good. But a few polenta sticks and sauce rack up 240 calories and 510mg sodium.
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