There’s just something extra cozy about a big bowl of soup on a cool fall day. Truthfully, I love soup all year long, but it is especially delicious and soul-satisfying in the fall and winter. This healthy zuppa toscana is a brilliant way to enjoy a creamy, dairy-free soup as we transition into fall.
Inspired By A Restaurant Favorite
This recipe was created and inspired by the Olive Garden favorite. I mean what’s not to love, it’s the perfect soup to dip those tasty garlic breadsticks in. Really, don’t pretend like you never did it! And if you really haven’t, while your health is probably better for it, you definitely missed out! It was a tasty combo and one that was a go-to for the lunch soup and salad combo. That said, I think we can probably all agree that a healthier and Paleo version is a great way to recreate this gem. And Justin was kind enough to make it with cauliflower rather than potatoes, so I can enjoy it too! I love potatoes and while they are definitely Paleo approved, I don’t tolerate them well. Our healthy zuppa toscana is Paleo, Whole30 compliant, potato-free and dairy-free.
Dairy-Free + Delicious
Sometimes we miss dairy. It’s true. However, we’ve found lots of ways to achieve the creamy goodness without the added dairy. In this healthy zuppa toscana we used coconut milk, which we’ve found to be a great substitute for dairy in lots of recipes. Coconut milk is thick and super creamy like whole milk, and when combined with other spices and garlic like we’ve done in this recipe, you can’t even really taste the coconut flavor. We also love that ditching the dairy allows us to make this soup Whole30 compliant.
A Little Bit Smoky, Spicy And Filled With Textures
I love the flavors of this soup! They’re just so balanced and hearty, and the textures are equally amazing. I love the ground Italian sausage, cauliflower and wilted kale. Add a little bacon, and life is pretty much complete. It’s smoky, a little spicy and creamy good! Our healthy zuppa toscana is really just packed with goodness, and a total comfort food recipe.
Your Turn To Make Our Healthy Zuppa Toscana
Get ready to feel completely cozy with this healthy zuppa toscana! It’s soul-satisfying and dang tasty! Let us know how it goes by leaving a comment below. Also, take a photo and tag us on Instagram @realsimplegood, so we can check it out!
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Healthy Zuppa Toscana (Paleo, Whole30 + Keto)
Ingredients
- 6 pieces bacon, diced
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into small florets
- 4 cups kale, chopped
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Dice bacon and chop onion and garlic.
- In a large stock pot or Dutch Oven over medium heat, add bacon and Italian sausage to cook. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and developing crispy bits, about 10-12 minutes.
- While the meat is cooking, prepare cauliflower and kale as noted.
- Once the meat is browned, add in the onion and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Then, add in the garlic and Italian seasoning and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Add the chicken broth and cauliflower. Bring to a boil. Then, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove cover and add the kale and coconut milk. Simmer an additional 5 minutes until the kale is wilted.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
We enjoyed another pot of this delicious soup. Made some changes this time due to ingredients to use up. I had leftover Alfredo sauce and no coconut milk; and way too much kale with no planned use. Solution? Add it to the zuppa! Your recipes are so user friendly. I can make a few adjustments and change ingredients depending on my pantry with great results.
Happy to hear that Sandra, thanks for the review!
Oh my another winner! Thank you! I like having cauliflower rather than potatoes as it is easier for me to digest. Maybe one day I’ll make it with potatoes to please my husband. 😄
LOVE, LOVE THIS RECIPE !!! EASY…WARM AND SUPER NUTRITIOUS!!
So happy you loved this one! Thanks so much for coming back to leave a review. 🙂
This recipe was soooooo delish! My family loved it and it was so filling and tasty! I will be making this again soon!! Yummy!!
I’m not going to lie, I was a little nervous to try this. I love my potatoes! I steered off the recipe a bit by using spinach instead of kale but this was a keeper! A great warm-your-belly soup with great flavor. ❤️
Happy to hear that you enjoyed it! Thank you for taking the time to come back and leave a review 🙂
This is one of my go-to soups. So simple, healthy, and delicious!
This is one of my top favorite recipes and it makes lots of leftovers! Highly recommend!
Amazing! We love hearing that you enjoy it as much as we do. Thanks so much for coming back to leave your rating/review. We really appreciate it! 🙂
Delicious! Satisfied my craving for a hearty tasty cream soup without the dairy overload feeling. My family loved it!
Glad you enjoyed the recipe! We appreciate you coming back to leave a rating and review 🙂
One of my favorite recipes!
We’re so glad to hear that! Thanks so much for giving our recipe a try and for coming back to leave a review. We really appreciate it!
This soup was quick, easy and delicious!!
A family favorite, Great recipe!
Thank you Katie, glad you and the family enjoy this one :).
Super easy and relatively quick—just under an hour from start to table. I did need to add salt for my taste, but this was a hit with the whole family. Bonus: leftovers!!! I have a feeling this is a soup that tastes even better the next day, which is awesome because the weather just keeps getting colder! #snowdak Thanks for the great recipe—definitely going in our family cookbook!
Thank you for the great review Rochelle! It makes my day to hear that this one will go in your family cookbook.
Recently transitioning back/tightening up clean eating….. so very excited to try this recipe as my husband loves Zuppa Toscana (Costco version).
Possibly silly question as I was hoping to add this in rotation for his workweek. How long does it keep in the fridge/or does it taste odd (due to coconut milk) when reheated?
Thank you!!
Hi Tiffany. This is great for leftovers and reheats well. It will easily last for 4-5 days in the fridge.