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
1 / 35
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
Go to Recipe
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
Go to Recipe
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
Go to Recipe
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
Go to Recipe
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
Go to Recipe
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
Go to Recipe
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
Go to Recipe
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
Go to Recipe
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
Go to Recipe
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
Go to Recipe
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
Go to Recipe
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
Go to Recipe
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
Go to Recipe
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
Go to Recipe
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
Go to Recipe
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
Go to Recipe
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
Go to Recipe
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
Go to Recipe
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
Go to Recipe
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
Go to Recipe
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
Go to Recipe
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
Go to Recipe
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
Go to Recipe
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
Go to Recipe
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
Go to Recipe
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
Go to Recipe
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
Go to Recipe
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
Go to Recipe
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
Go to Recipe
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
Go to Recipe
