If there’s one thing that instantly elevates a salad from meh to memorable, it’s this: perfectly dry leaves.
And no, you don’t need a fancy salad spinner or a cupboard full of gadgets to get there. You just need a kitchen towel, a little patience — and a lesson from Alice Waters.
The iconic chef recently delighted viewers with her beautifully simple salad-drying method in With Love, Meghan — and it’s exactly the kind of quiet kitchen wisdom that made Meghan Markle visibly light up.
Because when Alice Waters speaks about food, people listen. Even duchesses.
Who Is Alice Waters — and Why She Matters
Alice Waters isn’t just a chef. She’s a philosophy.
As the founder of Chez Panisse, she helped shape the modern farm-to-table movement long before it became fashionable, viral, or hashtag-ready. Her cooking has always been about respecting ingredients, choosing what’s in season, and doing as little as possible — but doing it well.
Her food doesn’t shout. It whispers. And that’s precisely its power.
Why Meghan Was Clearly Smitten
In With Love, Meghan, the connection feels natural. Meghan has long spoken about her love for intentional living, mindful cooking, and the joy of everyday rituals — values that sit right at the heart of Alice Waters’ kitchen.
When Alice demonstrates her salad trick, it’s not framed as a “hack” or a shortcut. It’s a gentle reminder that care is an ingredient. Meghan’s reaction says it all: this isn’t about impressing guests. It’s about honoring the food in front of you.
Sometimes, that’s the most luxurious thing of all.
The Alice Waters Kitchen Philosophy (In a Nutshell)
Alice Waters’ approach can be summed up simply:
- Start with the best ingredients you can find
- Don’t overwork them
- Let their natural flavor shine
Her kitchen isn’t about speed or spectacle. It’s about rhythm. Washing, drying, tasting, adjusting. Nothing rushed. Nothing wasted.
Which brings us — quite perfectly — to the salad.
Alice Waters’ Salad-Drying Trick (No Spinner Required)
This method looks almost too simple to be special. And yet, once you try it, it’s hard to go back.
Here’s how she does it:
- Wash your salad leaves thoroughly, removing any grit or soil.
- Lay a clean kitchen towel flat on your counter or table.
- Spread the damp leaves evenly across the towel.
- Roll everything up gently, forming a loose but secure bundle — like a soft salad burrito.
- Hold both ends and give it a gentle shake or swing, letting the towel absorb the excess moisture.
- Unroll, and voilà: perfectly dry, vibrant leaves, ready for dressing.
No soggy salads. No watered-down vinaigrettes. Just crisp, happy greens.
Why This Little Trick Makes Such a Big Difference
Dry leaves cling to dressing instead of repelling it.
Flavors stay sharp. Textures stay lively. And suddenly, the simplest salad feels intentional — even elegant.
It’s a small moment of care that transforms the whole dish. And that’s very much the Alice Waters way.
