From weed to feast: the surprising delights of dandelion salad

It can be found virtually everywhere and is often dismissed as a mere weed. However, instead of ignoring it, I gather its leaves into a basket and transform them into a delightful salad that my entire family savours.

Dandelion, also known as the common dandelion, is not just a resilient weed but also a wonderful gift from nature. It has played a role in traditional medicine for ages—making dandelion syrup was a well-known practice when it first appeared in meadows and gardens across the country. Moreover, it can be enjoyed in other forms. A fresh, crunchy salad made from dandelions can perfectly complement meals during the spring and summer.

Young dandelion leaves are ideal for creating tasty and nutritious salads in the early spring, before the plant flowers. Their mildly bitter flavour pairs exceptionally well with various ingredients and can be an alternative to the more common arugula.

Although it's often regarded as an unwelcome intruder in gardens in Poland, in countries like Greece, Italy, and France, dandelion is considered a cherished component of a healthy diet. It’s about time it found its way onto our plates. Dandelion leaves contain vitamins A, B, C, E, and K and minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, and manganese. They are also a source of fibre, inulin, organic acids, and bitter compounds, offering numerous health benefits.

When harvesting dandelions, be sure to choose areas far from roads and pollutants.

Ingredients:

• 2 handfuls of dandelion leaves,
• 2 tomatoes,
• 1 cucumber,
• 125g of mozzarella,
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil,
• 1-2 teaspoons of Herbes de Provence,
• salt and pepper to taste,
• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.

How to prepare:

1. Sort through the dandelion leaves thoroughly, removing any impurities.
2. Wash the leaves carefully and soak them in cold, salted water for about 25 minutes to lessen the bitterness.
3. After soaking, drain the leaves, dry them, and tear them into smaller pieces.
4. Cube the tomatoes and cucumber.
5. Break the mozzarella into small pieces.
6. Combine olive oil, dried Herbes de Provence, salt, pepper, and apple cider vinegar in a bowl.
7. Mix all the salad ingredients together and top with the prepared dressing.

Your simple dandelion salad is now ready to be enjoyed. Bon appétit!