The other day I looked out my kitchen window and noticed the dandelions blooming. At first I thought “great, time to figure out how to get a mower”. But for some reason a memory came to me of years ago frying dandelion flower buds in butter and them tasting like mushrooms. I had also made salads with the leaves back then.
So I began to research and found many uses for dandelion. I also found that they are a super-food packed with many vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Seeing them in this way changed my attitude very quickly about them from being a nuisance to being a free healthy food and I was actually excited about them!
This was 4 days ago and every day I’ve tried something new that includes dandelions that I plan to share with you, each one in a different post. The first day I made a delicious salad (that I plan to make again today for my lunch). This is how I made it.
I went out with a medium sized mixing bowl and collected flowers and leaves that were in good shape. Note: before doing this, research dandelion so you know you are harvesting the right plant). I brought them in and covered the leaves and flowers with water to wash them off, then strained into a strainer and dried off as well as possible. This is when I ate a flower and was delighted! It was slightly sweet and crunchy and yesterday I learned that the flowers concentrate Vitamin D from the sun so can be a great emotional boost. I can say that I did feel an emotional boost when I ate them, but not sure if it was from the Vitamin D, or the fact that I had this amazing organic super food growing all over the yard for free! Especially at a time when I have decided I do not want to support industrial produce industries anymore.
So after I dried the bowl, leaves and flowers, I put the leaves and flowers back into the bowl. I added some of my candied walnuts, black olives and diced avocado. Then I made a salad dressing by putting 1 part red wine vinegar (I used 1/4 cup), 1 part olive oil (I used 1/4 cup), 2 Tbsp Feta cheese, 1/4 tsp rosemary, 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning and a little salt & pepper into a glass jar. I put the lid on to shake the ingredients into a delicious dressing that I poured onto the salad. This salad is the best salad I’ve had in a long time. The taste, knowing how nutritious it is, picking it fresh and that a lot of it is growing out in my yard for free!
Do you make things to eat with dandelion or a different salad variation? If so, please share! I love all comments!
~ Monica
P.S. “When life gives you dandelions, make a salad!” By Anne from 3-legged Tables: Reframing our Beautiful Chaos:
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The salad sounds delicious, I’m also very curious about the frying thing. I had no idea they could tase like mushrooms.
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It was very delicious! It was years ago that I read the dandelion flower buds fried in butter tasted like mushrooms, so I tried it and it did. I will be trying it again soon. I’ve also seen the flowers dipped in batter and deep fried, jam made from the flowers and many other uses. Whenever I try something I’m going to try and write about it.
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Yum. Dandelion on a stick sounds like fair food!
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hahahahaha 😉
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Your dandelion photo is nice. I am worried we have different dandelions here. But it is intriguing. I loved the Dutch bunny and sunflowers. The creation of warm and lovely objects is definitely your mé·tier.
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The photo isn’t mine – it’s a free photo from WordPress. I’m not sure what dandelions are in other places but the botanical name is Leontodon taraxacum. Maybe that will help you identify if you’re interested. Thank-you so much for the compliment on Dutch bunny and sunflowers. I love color and whimsy 🙂
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Have you tried dandelion tea? It’s not that bad. I would trade snow for dandelions any day! Dandelions are pretty imo. A lot of people call them weeds but I don’t see them as weeds.
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Hi Hilary. I did try dandelion tea the other night for health benefits. In a big glass jar I added dandelion leaves and 2 mint tea bags (to improve the taste) to steep in boiled water, then I put it in the fridge and had it iced, sweetened with honey later. I wouldn’t choose to drink it for the taste, but will drink it for the health benefits. 🙂
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That’s such a great idea! 😃 When I tried the dandelion tea, I didn’t add any sweetness to it and it tasted rather bitter. I drank it for the health benefits too, but the flavor was palatable for the most part. I have yet to make homemade dandelion tea – the tea I had was store bought! 😂
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Dandelions look good. Never thought of them as nuisance. Now enlightened with the knowledge about their health benefits, I will try growing dandelions instead.. 😛
Thank you Madam for sharing the recipe.. 😊 Stay safe and wish you a Happy Easter.. 😊
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You are so welcome. Thank-you for visiting!! Happy Easter and stay safe back! 🙂
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Thank you Madam.. 🙂 And you are welcome as well.. 🙂
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This salad was so delicious!!! You inspire me.
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I’m so glad you liked it!!! <3<3<3
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The buds, sauteed in butter, taste like mushroom, Monica? Well, this calls for more investigation for sure. Sauteed mushrooms are about as close as food gets to being perfect, and now you tell us about another member of the pantheon?
I always figured dandelions’ bitter taste was the price we paid for the awesome health benefits, but now you reveal a workaround? Well, I’ll be…
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It’s been a long time, but that’s what I remember. I am going to try it again as soon as I can find enough buds to saute!
If you get the leaves when they’re young and before summer, they aren’t as bitter 🙂
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Thanks for the tip, Monica!
Most dandelions around here sprout in lawns that were treated with pesticides at one point or another. From what I understand, that deposits toxic traces in the leaves, even many years later.
Best to get mine at the local market. That is, when they’re available, and we have freedom of movement again.
Just thought of something though – what if I take a dandelion that’s gone to seed and distribute them in a pot with fresh potting soil? I mean, yes, “Look at that idiot, growing dandelions.”
Sure, but an idiot that’s going to enjoy cooking the buds!
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Good point to avoid dandelions that have been sprayed with pesticides, and why not grow your own? Wonderful idea!!
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Yum!! I have dandelions in my yard already too. I am looking forward to harvest right after the snow melts. Thanks for the recipes!! “When life gives you dandelions, make a salad!” 😉
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Love that – when life gives you dandelions, make a salad!!! That’s great!! 🙂
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Add it to your post as a P.S. :))
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I just added it as a P.S. and credited you. THANK-YOU for the great idea!!
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😃
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