Dandelion Salad is a fresh, vibrant dish that combines foraged greens with bold flavors for a nutritious and refreshing experience. Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, this salad offers a slightly bitter, peppery taste balanced by a zesty dressing, sweet accents, and crunchy textures. It’s perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or a healthy addition to any meal.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
fresh dandelion greensolive oillemon juicehoneyDijon mustardgarlic clovesalt and black peppercherry tomatoessliced red oniontoasted nuts (walnuts or almonds)crumbled feta cheese (optional)
directions
Rinse the dandelion greens thoroughly under cold water and pat dry. Trim any tough stems and chop into bite-sized pieces.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
Place the dandelion greens in a large salad bowl.
Add halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and toasted nuts.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat.
Top with crumbled feta cheese if using, and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 2–4 people.Preparation time: 10 minutesTotal time: 10 minutes
Variations
Add sliced avocado for creaminess and extra nutrients.
Include crispy bacon bits for a savory twist.
Use apple cider vinegar instead of lemon juice for a tangier profile.
Swap feta for goat cheese or omit entirely for a vegan option.
Mix in arugula or spinach for a milder green base.
storage/reheating
Store undressed dandelion greens in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Once dressed, the salad is best enjoyed immediately, as the greens wilt quickly.
FAQs
Are dandelion greens safe to eat?
Yes, they are safe and highly nutritious. Just be sure to forage from areas free of pesticides or pollution.
What do dandelion greens taste like?
They have a slightly bitter, peppery flavor similar to arugula or chicory.
Can I use store-bought dandelion greens?
Absolutely. Many grocery stores and health food stores carry them, especially in spring.
How do I reduce the bitterness?
Soak the greens in cold salted water for 10–15 minutes before using, or pair with a sweet dressing.
Can I cook dandelion greens instead?
Yes, they can be sautéed or steamed, but this recipe focuses on their raw, crisp texture.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free as long as all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Conclusion
Delicious and Nutritious Dandelion Salad is a simple yet powerful way to enjoy nature’s bounty on your plate. With its fresh greens, zesty dressing, and customizable add-ins, this salad makes a healthy and flavorful choice any time of year. Give it a try and bring a touch of wild freshness to your table.
PrintDelicious and Nutritious Dandelion Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Bake/No Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This fresh and vibrant dandelion salad is packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor. The slightly bitter greens pair beautifully with a tangy vinaigrette, sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, and crunchy nuts. It’s a perfect side or light lunch that celebrates simple, whole ingredients.
Ingredients
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4 cups dandelion greens, washed and chopped
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 avocado, diced
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1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
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1/4 cup walnuts or almonds, chopped
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
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In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette.
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In a large bowl, combine the dandelion greens, cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion, and nuts.
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Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
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Serve immediately for the freshest taste.
Notes
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If the dandelion greens are too bitter for your taste, blanch them in hot water for 1–2 minutes, then rinse with cold water before using.
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Add grilled chicken or tofu for extra protein.
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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