10 Ways to Enjoy Dandelion Greens

Some people think they're weeds. Others think they're the universal sign of spring. But those with ingenuity see a sustainable food source! If you haven't guessed what we're talking about yet, it's dandelions!

Those bright yellow dandelion blooms can be used in everything from dandelion wine and tea to cookies and honey. But the part of the plant we're talking about today is the greens! Like other leafy greens, dandelion greens can be added to salads, lightly sauteed as a side dish, or added to pasta and stir fry. They add a big boost of Vitamin A & K to your diet and have a pleasant yet bitter taste.

Read on to discover some of our favorite ways to use this unconventional, super sustainable green in your kitchen!

Sauteed Dandelion Greens

We'll start with the most foolproof way to enjoy dandelion greens: sauteed!

Simply cut off the tough stems, cook the greens in boiling salt water, drain the water, and sautee the greens with garlic, salt, olive oil, and garlic cloves.

Serve your sauteed greens warm with oven-roasted chicken and potatoes!

Find the full recipe at Epicurious

Pasta with Dandelion Greens, Garlic & Pine Nuts

A mild pasta with a hint of bitterness, this recipe features a handful of simple pantry ingredients.

Garlic and pine nuts are toasted up until golden before being sauteed with dandelion greens, vinegar, and salt and pepper.

Toss in some pasta, freshly grated parmesan, and you've got a seasonal dish perfect for a busy weeknight.

Find the full recipe at Fine Cooking

Pizza Bianca with Dandelion Greens

Simple and delicious, this light and airy pizza features garlic, green onions, dandelion greens, and arugula.

With a simple 'sauce' of Fromage blanc, lemon zest, and pepper and just a simple sprinkling of cheese, this pizza lets the spring veggies do the talking.

Make this recipe even easier and pick up some of our housemade pizza dough to get a head-start on the crust!

Find the full recipe at Sunset Magazine

Dandelion Tart

If you're ever unsure of what to do with a whole lot of greens, turn them into a tart!

In this recipe from The New York Times, dandelion greens are combined with mushrooms, garlic, and gruyere cheese to create a rich and creamy tart that's perfect for brunch.

If you want to do some of the prep work ahead of time, you can blanch and prepare the dandelion greens up to 3 days in advance and keep them fresh in the refrigerator.

Find the full recipe at NYT Cooking

Dandelion Pumpkin Seed Pesto

While pesto is traditionally made with basil and pine nuts, this foraged riff on the popular sauce has a balanced sweet, nutty, slightly bitter flavor that's quite unique.

Pumpkin seeds are slightly roasted till fragrant before being combined in a food processor with garlic, dandelion greens, and lemon juice. Everything is blitzed together before olive oil is poured in to thin the mixture out.

Store your pesto in a jar in the fridge and add to everything from pasta and sandwiches to toast and eggs!

Find the full recipe at The Kitchn

Dandelion Greens & Beans Skillet

A side dish fit for backyard summer barbecues, this dandelion greens and beans skillet comes together quickly with just a few ingredients.

Simply put, onions are sauteed before being combined with herbs, spices, and dandelion greens. It's all steamed up until tender before beans are added and cooked until warmed through.

Finish it off with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar with the bitter greens.

Find the full recipe at Running to the Kitchen

Sautéed Dandelion Greens with Eggs

Looking for a healthy seasonal breakfast? Try out this simple sauteed recipe featuring dandelion greens and eggs!

Chopped dandelion greens are blanched before being sauteed with leeks until wilted. Eggs are then cracked on top and cooked to your preference.

Finish it all off with a sprinkle of feta for a contrasting salty flavor.

Find the full recipe at A Beautiful Plate

Dandelion Greens Sauté with Bacon & Raisins

Bitter greens take on a sweet and salty flavor with this sauteed recipe featuring bacon and raisins!

Dandelion greens are blanched before being tossed with olive oil, sauteed red onions, and crispy bacon, and raisin bits.

Serve your sautee alongside your favorite protein and rice or potatoes.

Find the full recipe at Savory Spin