Italian Cuisine
There are many kidney-friendly options when it comes to Italian cuisine. However, be mindful of high-sodium foods such as garlic bread, soups and breaded items.
Healthier Choices
Shrimp scampi, chicken marsala, veal or chicken piccata, pasta with meatballs, pasta primavera with white sauce, and grilled fish or beef
Bruschetta
Marinara, pomodoro, arrabbiata red clam sauces if not on a low-potassium diet
Grilled, steamed, poached or baked protein (fish, seafood, chicken or veal) with pasta
Salad with dressing on the side
Plain Italian or sourdough bread with balsamic vinegar and olive oil for dipping instead of garlic-buttered or cheese-topped breads
Pasta with chicken or seafood and vegetables that are included in your meal plan
Clam sauce, wine sauce, pesto and lemon or piccata sauce - Lower potassium choices compared to red and white sauce
Linguini or capellini pasta, especially if you choose a red or white sauce, as these types of pasta do not hold as much sauce as other noodles
Ravioli filled with meat or vegetables instead of cheese
Mussels, clams or other shellfish steamed or with pasta and Italian bread
Herbs and garlic to provide lots of flavor without added sodium or fat
Calamari appetizer with lemon instead of red sauce
Tiramisu, small serving of gelato or Italian ice for dessert (TIP: Count gelato or Italian ice as fluids if restricted)
Choose Sparingly
Antipasta that include high-sodium items such as olives, cured meats, cheese and pickled vegetables
Capreses salad
Focaccia, garlic rolls and garlic bread are a source of hidden sodium
Cheese bread
Marinara, pomodoro, arrabbiata or red clam sauces - Order on the side and use only 1/4 to 1/2 cup if potassium is limited
Minestrone, Italian Wedding, pasta fagioli, gazpacho and other soups - May be high in sodium, phosphorus or potassium
Pizza or calzone with ham, pepperoni, prosciutto, sausage or salami
Breaded, fried dishes such as mozzarella sticks and fried ravioli
Parmigiana dishes with tomato sauce and cheese
Dishes with sausage, alfredo or carbonara sauce, or excessive amounts of cheese
Cheese stuffed pastas such as ravioli, manicotti, tortellini, cannelloni, agnolotti and shells
Baked pastas with excessive cheese and tomato sauce such as lasagna, baked ziti
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