Meghan Markle’s Kale Salad Recipe Will Turn Anyone Into a Believer

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 Duchess 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.

See 12 of Meghan’s favorite American foods—including another recipe for kale.

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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Fresh 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 Smoothies

Since 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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Spicy Kale and Herb Porchetta

Serve this classic Italian specialty as a main entree or with crusty artisan bread as a sandwich. Use the liquid from the slow cooker with your favorite seasonings to make a sauce or gravy. —Sandi Sheppard, Norman, Oklahoma

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Beef and Black Bean Spaghetti Squash

I've been working on developing healthier recipes that still taste delicious—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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California Burger Bowls

Burgers 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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Hash Brown Maple Sausage Casserole

This crave-worthy 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 Soup

The 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

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Brussels Sprouts & Kale Saute

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 Stew

Need a warm, soothing meal for a blustery night? Throw together this slow-cooked stew loaded with sweet potatoes and kale. And the shredded pork is oh-so-tender! —Robin Jungers, Campbellsport, Wisconsin

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Baby Kale Salad with Avocado-Lime Dressing

We 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 Soup

My 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 Chips

Here 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 Old Bay Seasoning to give them a little zing. For spicy chips add a dash of cayenne pepper.—Luanne Asta, East Hampton, New York

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Honey Kale Currant & Almond Salad

This honey-flavored kale salad makes our taste buds tingle. It has a subtle sweetness from currants and a nutty almond crunch. Add grated Asiago and you’ve got a stellar side. —Ally Phillips, Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

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Kale Salad

I 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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Steamed Kale

You'll find a wonderful accompaniment to most any entree in this good-for-you Steamed Kale recipe, which is packed with vitamins. I use garlic, red pepper and balsamic vinegar to keep my family coming back for more! —Mary Bilyeu, Ann Arbor, Michigan

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Kale & Bacon Salad with Honey-Horseradish Vinaigrette

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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Bucatini with Sausage & Kale

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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Carrot and Kale Vegetable Saute

Thanks 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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Sausage & Kale Lentil Stew

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 Salad

My 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 Saute

I'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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Caramelized Onion, Bacon and Kale Strata

When I host my friends, this comforting strata is my go-to recipe. I created it in winter to help me get through the snowstorms and shoveling. —Linda Dalton, Stoughton, Massachusetts

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Parmesan Kale Casserole

I 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 Salad

This fresh, zingy salad is super easy and always a crowd-pleaser! 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, East Hampton, New York

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Shredded Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad

This salad is a simple and delicious way to eat your superfoods! It gets even better 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 Soup

A 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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Kale & Bean Soup

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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I love to mix different vegetables together and use unexpected herbs and spices to change things up. If you can't find apple sausage for this skillet, a good mild Italian sausage would substitute just fine. —Patricia Levenson, Santa Ana, California

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This 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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Butternut squash and kale are two of my favorite fall vegetables. Combined with cashews and feta in a puff pastry, it makes me think this could be a fall version of spanakopita! This could be served for brunch, lunch or dinner as an entree or it could be cut into smaller pieces and served as an appetizer. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

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Garlic Tilapia with Spicy Kale

We 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 a restaurant version that we love. —Michelle Babbie, Malone, New York

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Spicy Sweet Potato Kale Cannellini Soup

This 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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To 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 Garlic

My 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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The post Meghan Markle’s Kale Salad Recipe Will Turn Anyone Into a Believer appeared first on Taste of Home.

Julia K. Porter