Healthy Zuppa Toscana Recipe (Just like Olive Garden but Better!)

I’ve been determined to revamp all of my favorite recipes with healthier, all natural, anti inflammatory ingredients. And one of my all time favorite foods is Zuppa Toscana from Olive Garden.

Since it’s been relatively cold here in San Diego, I’ve been on a major soup kick. My most recent soup recipe definitely knocked it out of the park. I posted it my Instagram stories recently and got a ton of requests for the recipe, so here we are!

I primarily stick to an AIP, or auto immune paleo diet. Which is similar to paleo, but eliminates foods like peppers, night shades & soy. So if you’re doing Whole 30, Paleo or are dairy free, this is the perfect recipe for you!

Healthy Zuppa Toscana

If you’re not familiar with Zuppa Toscana, it’s a popular Italian soup, normally packed with bacon, potatoes & heavy cream. As well as kale, Italian sausage & lots of Italian spices!

It’s also one of Olive Garden’s most famous dishes! And for good reason! It’s literally one of my favorite foods, especially when I’m in the mood for something warm & cozy.

Sadly, the original recipe isn’t very healthy. Especially if you’re trying to stick to a healthier diet. On my current diet (which is more of a lifestyle), I avoid dairy, potatoes, pork and added salt.

What Makes this Healthy Zuppa Toscana Recipe so Good?

• This healthy soup is rich and creamy like traditional Zuppa Toscana but totally dairy free!
• It incorporates chicken Italian sausage & turkey bacon for flavor. You’re welcome to use pork or vegan alternatives.
• The recipe combines coconut milk, kale, sweet potatoes, making it healthy, nutritious and super filling!

I based my healthy Zuppa Toscana recipe off of a regular recipe, subbing anti-inflammatory, organic ingredients for the dairy, grains and sugar. 

I recommend buying organic, free range, non-GMO Italian sausage. Make sure you use compliant turkey bacon if you’re on a specific diet as well. It can be tricky to find turkey bacon that doesn’t have sugar in it, but Whole Foods has a few options.

Ingredients

• 1 pack of turkey bacon , cut into 1/2″ pieces
• 1 pound of chicken Italian sausage 
• 1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 sweet potatoes, diced into bite sized pieces
• 1 medium yellow onion , diced
• 3 tablespoons of minced garlic 
• 4 cups of chicken or vegetable stock
• 1 bunch of kale , stems removed chopped (about 4 cups)
• 1 can of coconut milk
• pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, cook your Italian sausage and sprinkle the crushed red pepper flakes over it. Use a spatula or a spoon to break up the pieces while it cooks. Once it’s browned and cooked through, set the meat aside.
2. Cook the bacon pieces in the same pot over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside.
3. Add the onions and garlic and cook until the onions are soft and translucent, for about 5 minutes.
4. Pour the broth into the pot with the onions and garlic and bring it to a boil (high heat).
5. Add the sweet potatoes and boil until they’re tender and slide off of a fork. This takes about 15-20 minutes.
6. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the coconut milk and the cooked sausage. Heat the ingredients through. Add the bacon and the kale into the soup and cook until the kale is softened. Add pepper to taste. Avoid adding salt if possible to reduce your sodium intake.

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