Meghan Markle's Kale Salad Recipe Will Turn Anyone Into a Believer (2024)

Whether or not you're a fan of the royal family or not, you can't flip through a magazine today without seeing Meghan Markle. Before she was a royal, she was a food blogger who wrote about this kale salad!

I’m obsessed with all things Meghan Markle, but definitely not a fan of kale unless it’s hidden from me. Like when it’s ground up in the depths of a chocolate and peanut butter smoothie. When I found out that Meghan (I pretend we’re friends and on a first-name basis with each other) was a lifestyle blogger prior to earning her title as the duch*ess of Sussex, I had to check it out and of course, make one of her recipes!

Meghan Markle’s Aegean-Inspired Kale Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 bunches of kale
  • 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced
  • 1/2 shallot, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Greek thyme honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
  • 1/3 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
  • 1/3 cup of sliced almonds
  • 8-10 dried Turkish dates
  • 2 1/2 oz Parmesan cheese, shaved or coarsely grated

Initial Thoughts

These are not ingredients that are typically found in my pantry or refrigerator, so I was worried that A) I would have trouble locating them in the ‘burbs and B) they would be costly. However, I found out a lot of the items that I didn’t already have would be easy to use in other recipes at home, so they were worth buying. Plus, a lot of these items were at my local Aldi for a fraction of the price of another store. (Read the 5 things you should know before shopping at Aldi.)

Preparing the Salad

Like I said, I’m not kale’s number one fan. I was unsure of how I would prepare it for this salad. Not to worry, though—it was super simple! After removing the kale stems, you cut the bunches into long ribbons. In a bowl, whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, shallots, honey, salt and pepper flakes to make your dressing. You mix the kale and chopped dates into the dressing. I’m allergic to almonds, so they didn’t make it into my salad, but if you’re not allergic, Meghan suggests toasting the almonds over medium heat in a dry pan until they’re golden. Once they’re toasted, add those and the Parmesan cheese and toss the whole thing together.

Convincing Your Taste Buds

I knew it was kale, but I was really excited about the dates and I had already dipped my finger in to taste the dressing, so I knew it would be good. I told myself over and over again that it was regular salad!

Love salads, but can’t get on board with kale? Here are some other recipes you can try and serve with any meal.

The Outcome

Kale is delicious! I’m pretty positive it isn’t going to be something I eat on its own (though this kale and bacon recipe is next on my list). But this is truly a delicious salad. The dressing alone is something I’d love to keep on hand at home for more salads, no matter what leafy green I decide to serve it with.

Kale lover or not, this is a great dish to try, especially when you want to feel more like the stunning Meghan Markle!

More Yummy Kale Recipes

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Carolina Shrimp SoupFresh shrimp from the Carolina coast is one of our favorite foods. We add kale, garlic, red peppers and black-eyed peas to complete this wholesome, filling soup. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina

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Ginger-Kale SmoothiesSince I started making this green smoothie recipe for breakfast every day, I honestly feel better! Substitute any fruit and juice you like to make this recipe your own healthy blend.—Linda Green, Kilauea, Kauai, Hawaii

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Beef and Black Bean Spaghetti SquashI've been working on developing healthier recipes that still taste fabulous—and keep me satisfied. This squash tossed with beef, beans and kale has so much flavor it's easy to forget it's good for you! —Charlotte Cravins, Opelousas, Louisiana

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Taste of Home

California Burger BowlsBurgers are a weekly staple at our house year-round. Skip the fries, chips and bun—you won't need them with these loaded veggie & fruit burgers. To spice up the mayo, add 1/2 tsp. of chipotle powder. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

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Taste of Home

Hash Brown Maple Sausage CasseroleThis craveworthy casserole has a golden hash-brown crust that's topped with sausage and veggies. My favorite part is the surprise layer of gooey Gruyere. —Anuja Argade, Foster City, California

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Italian Sausage and Kale SoupThe first time I made this colorful soup, our home smelled wonderful. We knew it was a keeper to see us through cold winter days. —Sarah Stombaugh, Chicago, Illinois

In an effort to add more greens to our meals, I created this dish—and my kids eat it up. The crispy salami is the "hook." —Jennifer Mcnabb, Brentwood, Tennessee

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Italian Shredded Pork StewNeed a warm meal for a chilly night? Throw together this slow-cooked stew that’s brightened with fresh sweet potatoes, kale and Italian seasoning. The shredded pork is so tender, you’re going to want to make this dish all season long. —Robin Jungers, Campbellsport, Wisconsin

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Baby Kale Salad with Avocado-Lime DressingWe pull a bunch of ingredients from our garden when we make this baby kale salad with zucchini and sweet onion. The yogurt dressing layers on big lime flavor. —Suzanna Esther, State College, Pennsylvania

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Italian Sausage Kale SoupMy mom dehydrates the last pick of tomatoes from her garden each fall—perfect for quick soups like this one. When I have time to prepare dried beans, I do—but don't worry if you don't. Canned beans are just as good. —Lori Terry, Chicago, Illinois

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Old Bay Crispy Kale ChipsHere in East Hampton, NY, harvest time means big bunches of kale from local growers. These crunchy kale chips are delicious, super healthy and easy to make. I make them with seasoning to take the flavor up a notch. For extra zip, add a dash of cayenne pepper. —Luanne Asta, East Hampton, New York

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Taste of Home

Kale SaladI love making meals that wow everyone. The flavor and nutrition in this kale salad set it apart from other 30-minute creations. —Gina Myers, Spokane, Washington

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For another salad recipe with kale, try out this baked salad.

Steamed KaleWith this good-for-you steamed kale, it's easy to eat healthy and get out of the kitchen quick. A wonderful accompaniment to most any entree, it is packed with vitamins and is a snap to prepare. I use garlic, red pepper and balsamic vinegar for this side dish that keeps my family coming back for more! —Mary Bilyeu, Ann Arbor, Michigan

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Taste of Home

Totally scrumptious and packed with nutrition, this salad was my response to friends who asked how they could incorporate kale into their diets without sacrificing taste. It is also wonderful made with collard or mustard greens, prepared in the same fashion as the kale, or with a mix of spinach & arugula or watercress. —Elizabeth Warren, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

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Taste of Home

I was short on time but wanted to make an elegant dinner for my husband and me. That night, we ate this simple pasta starring spicy sausage and our homegrown kale. —Angela Lemoine, Howell, New Jersery

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Taste of Home

Carrot and Kale Vegetable SauteThanks to fresh veggie dishes like this one, I almost forget I'm wheat- and gluten-free. Bacon adds another layer of flavor and depth to this gorgeous side dish. —Darla Andrews, Schertz, Texas

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Taste of Home

I made a pot of this awesome soup when visiting my sister and her family. Now, I'll bring it along when I stop by or pack up a few containers for my nephew, who appreciates a home-cooked meal while he's off at college. —Tiffany Ihle, Bronx, New York

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Kale Slaw Spring SaladMy parents and in-laws are retired and like to spend winters in Florida. This tangy spring salad welcomes the snowbirds back for our Easter celebration! —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan

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Creamy Lentils with Kale Artichoke SauteI've been trying to eat more meatless meals, so I experimented with this hearty saute and served it over brown rice. It was so good that even those who aren't big fans of kale gobbled it up. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan

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Taste of Home

Parmesan Kale CasseroleI tried coming up with a creative way to use kale, and the result was a cheesy casserole. When my husband sampled it, he absolutely loved it. Bits of summer sausage add heartiness. —Diana Johnson, Auburn, Washington

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Strawberry Kale SaladThis fresh, zingy salad is super easy and tastes just like the one I get at Culver's! The sliced strawberries and fresh mint give it an extra-summery feel, and crumbled bacon and toasted almonds add the perfect amount of crunch. —Luanne Asta, Hampton Bays, New York

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Taste of Home

Shredded Kale and Brussels Sprouts SaladThis salad is a simple and delicious way to eat your superfoods! It gets even better after it sits for a while in the fridge, so I make it ahead. I use my homemade honey mustard dressing, but any type works just fine. —Alexandra Weisser, New York, New York

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Cheese Tortellini and Kale SoupA steaming bowl of this hearty soup is always a welcomed dish with both my family and neighbors. I often serve it when we get together during the cold months to watch football games. I add crusty bread, sliced cheese and grapes to round out the meal. —Marlena Liimatainen, Denton, Maryland

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Chock-full of veggies, this soup soothes both the body and the spirit. The kale is packed with nutrients, including omega-3s, and the beans add a natural creaminess. —Beth Sollars, Delray Beach, Florida

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Kale and Fennel SkilletI love to mix different vegetables together and use a variety of herbs and spices to change things up. If you can't find apple sausage for this skillet, a good mild Italian sausage would work too. —Patricia Levenson, Santa Ana, California

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Maple-Glazed Parsnips on KaleThis recipe is special to me because it allows me to use delicious farm-fresh produce in a way my family loves. —Christine Wendland, Browns Mills, New Jersey

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Garlic Tilapia with Spicy KaleWe make this main dish and side together, and adjust the heat from the red pepper flakes depending on who's at the table. —Tara Cruz, Kersey, Colorado

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I let my young son pick out seed packets and he chose kale, which grew like crazy. This hearty soup helped make good use of it and rivals the Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana. —Michelle Babbie, Malone, New York

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Spicy Sweet Potato Kale Cannellini SoupThis cross between a soup and a stew fits the meatless Monday bill quite nicely. It warms you right up, and satisfies without leaving you overstuffed.—Marybeth Mank, Mesquite, Texas

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Rainbow HashTo entice my family to eat outside their comfort zone, I use lots of color. This happy hash combines sweet potato, carrots, purple potato and kale. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

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Warm Tasty Greens with GarlicMy farm box had too many greens, so I had to use them up. This tasty idea uses kale, tomatoes and garlic in a dish that quickly disappears. —Martha Neth, Aurora, Colorado

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Meghan Markle's Kale Salad Recipe Will Turn Anyone Into a Believer (2024)

FAQs

How do you make Katie Lee kale salad? ›

Combine mayonnaise, yogurt, mustard, vinegar, honey, celery seeds, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix to blend. Put the kale, cabbage, carrots, and sunflower seeds in a large bowl and pour in the dressing. Toss to combine until everything is evenly coated, then serve or store in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.

How to make salads you want to eat? ›

How to Make a Salad You'll Actually Want to Eat
  1. 1: Think Beyond Lettuce and Greens.
  2. 2: Add Heft with Grains and Nuts.
  3. 3: Add Beans or Other Proteins.
  4. 4: Make Your Own Homemade Salad Dressing.
  5. 5: Make it a Flavor Party.
Jan 18, 2024

What is the Jennifer Aniston salad? ›

She spent the day sharing pieces of her life, including a few of her favorite meals. For lunch, she had what is now known as the Jennifer Aniston salad: bulgur wheat, cucumber, herbs, chickpeas, feta, red onion, and pistachios.

What to eat in salad for weight loss? ›

You'll find salads created with an assortment of vegetables, including mixed greens, spinach, asparagus, scallions, edamame and beets, baby kale, and cilantro. Some salads include refreshing touches of fruit, such as apples, strawberries and pineapple.

Will I lose weight if I eat salads for 30 days? ›

Whether you will lose weight or not by eating salads for 30 days is dependent on what's in your salads and how much you eat. As with any other diet, if you don't create a calorie deficit, you won't lose weight (7).

What salad stimulates appetite? ›

An appetizer salad should stimulate the appetite and have fresh, crisp ingredients such as cheese, ham, salami, shrimp, crabmeat, or vegetables lightly coated with a tangy, flavorful dressing (that will 'wake up the mouth'). Appetizer salads should be substantial, but not filling.

What is the best way to soften kale for salad? ›

How to Massage Kale. Our go-to method: Add chopped kale to a large bowl and top with lemon juice and olive oil. Use clean hands to massage for about 3 minutes to soften the leaves and infuse the leaves with the oil and lemon. A pinch of salt added near the end of massaging adds even more flavor.

What does kale salad do for your body? ›

Kale is a leafy green vegetable that provides a wide range of nutrients. Possible health benefits of kale include lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes, protecting against heart disease, and helping prevent constipation. Kale may also improve bone, skin, and hair health.

How do you make frozen hurricane Katie Lee? ›

Combine 3 cups of ice with the orange juice, white rum, grenadine, passionfruit pulp, pineapple juice and spiced or dark rum in a blender. Blend on high speed until smooth. Pour into hurricane glasses and garnish with the cherries and orange slices.

Can you eat kale raw like a salad? ›

Often labeled as a superfood, kale is one of the healthiest and most nutrient-dense foods you can eat. This leafy green comes in a variety of colors, shapes, and textures. It's often eaten raw in salads and smoothies but can also be enjoyed steamed, sautéed, boiled, or baked.

References

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