This Tuscan kale salad recipe is just like what you’ll find at North Italia. Topped with delicious charred grapes, breadcrumbs, crispy prosciutto, and a lemon parmesan vinaigrette, this salad doesn’t get much better!

After eating the Tuscan kale salad at North Italia, I searched high and low for the recipe online. When I found Kendall Hughes’s blog post with her version of the copycat recipe, I was THRILLED. After making a few tweaks to the recipe to make it my own, I want to share it with all of you!

What is North Italia?

North Italia restaurant is a contemporary Italian restaurant chain that always hits home for me. They are known for their handmade pizza and pastas. However, one of my favorite things at North Italia are the salads, especially the Tuscan kale salad.

What is Tuscan kale?

Tuscan kale, which is also known as “Lacinato kale” or “dinosaur kale,” has a slightly darker color than regular kale. The leaves are slightly thinner and curlier, and it’s very popular in Italian dishes.

What ingredients are in North Italia’s Tuscan Kale Salad? 

This salad comes together with fresh ingredients and the perfect mix of sweet and salty flavor profiles! To make the kale salad you need the following: 

• Fresh chopped kale, finely diced with kale stems removed – this helps tenderize the raw kale! 
• 1-2 cups charred red grapes (simply heat them in a skillet with some extra virgin olive oil for a few minutes)
• 1-2 small apples, peeled and diced
• 1 cup fresh bread crumbs
• freshly grated parmesan- you could also use pecorino cheese! 
• Optional- crispy prosciutto or crispy pancetta 

Like most salads, the dressing is what takes this one over the top! To make it you need the following ingredients:

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 tsp finely chopped garlic
• 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
• juice of 1-2 lemons – about 3-4 tablespoons of lemon juice 
• salt and black pepper to taste – red pepper flakes would also be delicious in this! 

What should I serve with North Italia’s Tuscan kale salad?

If you plan on making this salad for yourself, here are some recommendations for dishes that would pair beautifully with it:

• Salmon- You can never go wrong with crispy, delicious salmon as a protein topper for any salad. I have a recipe for the best salmon I’ve ever had here.
• Pasta- Try this as a side with my Baked Ziti!
• Buttermilk brined chicken- I can never get enough of this chicken recipe.
• Any Italian dish- What pairs great with an Italian salad? More Italian food, of course! From the best spaghetti sauce ever to lasagna in spaghetti squash boats, the options are endless.

How to Make North Italia’s Tuscan Kale Salad:

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North Italia's Tuscan Kale Salad (Copycat Recipe)

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Ingredients

• KALE SALAD
• Fresh kale, finely diced with stems removed
• 1-2 cups charred red grapes (simply heat them in a skillet with some extra virgin olive oil for a few minutes)
• 1-2 small apples, peeled and diced
• 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan
• PARMESAN VINAIGRETTE
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 tsp finely chopped garlic
• 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
• juice of 1-2 lemons

Nutrition Information

Yield 8 Serving Size 1
Amount Per Serving Calories 215Total Fat 11gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 5mgSodium 286mgCarbohydrates 26gFiber 3gSugar 12gProtein 5g