True Food Tuscan Kale Salad Recipe

Sharing a copycat recipe for one of my favorite restaurant salads of all time: the Tuscan Kale Sald from True Food Kitchen. 

Hi friends! How are you? I hope you’re having a lovely morning so far. Today, I’m heading to F45 and the chiropractor (bless it) and then we’re meeting up with friends for pizza and bowling.

For today’s post, I wanted to share one of my all-time favorite simple salad recipes.

If you’ve ever dined at True Food Kitchen, you know the magic that happens when fresh, seasonal ingredients are combined with intentional flavors and a wellness-focused approach. It’s one of my favorite spots for a casual meal out, especially because their menu is filled with gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options that are flavorful and nutritious. They prioritize nutrient-dense produce from organic growers and it’s a frequently spot for us. One of the first dishes I ever ordered there was the True Food Kitchen Tuscan kale salad, and I’ve been hooked ever since.

This isn’t your average sad side salad. The True Food Tuscan kale salad is savory, bright, perfectly textured, and full of flavor. It hits all the right notes: bright lemon, sharp garlic, the warmth of red pepper flakes, and that nutty, umami hit from grana padano or parmigiano reggiano cheese. It’s crave-worthy and simple enough to recreate at home. Today, I wanted to share a version of the True Food Tuscan Kale Salad Recipe that you can easily whip up in your own kitchen.

True Food Tuscan Kale Salad Recipe

Let’s talk about what makes this salad so special. While many kale salads rely on heavy dressings or tons of toppings to make the leafy greens palatable, this one takes a minimalist approach that’s all about balance and technique. The secret? Letting the salad sit at room temperature after massaging the kale and dressing it with oil, lemon juice, garlic, and seasonings. This softens the kale and deepens the flavor. Add the grated cheese and bread crumbs just before serving for that perfect crunch and salty bite.

Whether you’re a seasoned kale lover or still figuring out how to make kale taste good, this recipe is a total game changer.

What Is True Food Kitchen

True Food Kitchen is a health-driven restaurant chain founded by Dr. Andrew Weil, a pioneer in integrative medicine. The first location opened in Phoenix, Arizona (yay AZ!), and they’ve since expanded across the U.S. Their philosophy is rooted in the anti-inflammatory food pyramid, featuring whole, nutrient-dense foods that support overall wellness. Every item on their menu is made from scratch using high-quality, seasonal ingredients.

Is True Food Kitchen Healthy

Absolutely. True Food Kitchen designs their menu around wholesome ingredients sourced from sustainable and organic farms whenever possible. Their meals are rich in vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains. The balance of macronutrients, vibrant produce, and minimal processed ingredients makes their meals nourishing and energizing.

If you’re ever in my neck of the woods, here are some of my favorite healthy places to eat in Tucson. (I need to update it since we FINALLY got a Flower Child!)

How To Make Tuscan Kale Salad

Recreating the True Food Tuscan kale salad at home is easier than you might think. The key is using fresh ingredients and taking a few simple prep steps to elevate the flavor and texture.

Ingredients

2 bunches of Tuscan kale (also known as lacinato kale), de-stemmed and finely chopped

3 lemons, freshly squeezed

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (this is my all-time fave)

2 cloves of garlic, grated into the olive oil

Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1/2 cup finely grated grana padano or parmigiano reggiano cheese

1/2 cup toasted whole wheat bread crumbs (or gluten-free bread crumbs)

Salt and red pepper to taste

Instructions

In a salad bowl whisk together the lemon juice, cup extra virgin olive oil, and garlic salt and red pepper flakes.

Add the chopped kale to the bowl and toss well until evenly coated. Massage the kale gently for 2–3 minutes to help break down the fibers.

Let the salad sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and soften the greens.

Just before serving, add the grated cheese and bread crumbs and toss to combine.

Taste and adjust salt and red pepper if needed. Garnish with the cheese shavings before serving.

If you love this, you might also enjoy my Italian kale salad or this post on how to make kale taste good.

This True Food Tuscan Kale Salad Recipe is light, flavorful, and easy to prep in advance. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or adding some protein to turn it into a full meal, I think you will looooooove it.

So, tell me friend: have you been to True Food? What’s your favorite menu item? I always get the tulsi tea (SO good) and will usually get the Tuscan Kale Salad with salmon. Simple and delicious. I always love their seasonal chopped salad.

xoxo

Gina