19 Delicious Lavender Recipes, plus all about culinary lavender — where to buy it, how to cook with it, what to pair lavender with, and more! Find everything from lavender cookies to lavender lemonade in this fun culinary lavender recipe roundup!
Whether you’re a seasoned lavender user or completely new to using this enchanting culinary herb, you’re certain to find something to please your tastes in this easy and delicious recipe round-up filled with everything from lavender moon milk to savory lavender pies to lavender soda! Read on to learn more about lavender’s uses, benefits, cooking tips, plus 16 fun lavender recipes!
How to Cook with Lavender
- Firstly, you want to be certain that you purchase ‘culinary grade’ and/or organic fresh lavender or dried lavender flowers to ensure that it hasn’t been contaminated with toxic chemicals.
- The English variety of lavender is best suited for cooking with due to its sweet floral flavors. While still safe and edible, Spanish and French lavender (from Provence) are more well suited to bath and body products.
- Dried lavender is more potent in flavor than fresh lavender.
- 1 teaspoon dried lavender buds = 3 teaspoons fresh lavender buds.
- Lavender makes a suitable substitution for rosemary in many recipes.
- Whether fresh or dried, the leaves, buds, stems and flowers are all wholly edible.
- You can add fresh or dried lavender buds to dishes and enjoy whole or strain/pick out before serving.
- Infusing dishes with lavender can quickly become a bit overwhelming taste-wise, go easy and sparingly to start. You usually only need a small amount to make a big impact. It can greatly enhance dishes when used subtly. If you go overboard, a dish will taste bitter.
- Lavender adds a great pop of flavor to both sweet and savory dishes alike.
- Lavender makes a beautiful edible floral garnish when sprinkled on baked goods and salads.
Where To Buy Lavender
You can frequently find organic lavender plants at local plant nurseries (ask to ensure they haven’t been treated with chemicals).
You can find dried culinary lavender buds at stores like Whole Foods and World Market or online. Some of my favorites: Feel Good Organics, Starwest Botanicals, and Anthony’s.
You can purchase seeds and grow your own!
What Does Lavender Pair Well With?
- Lavender has strong sweet + floral tones unto itself. It pairs well with equally strong flavors.
- Lavender tastes great alongside citrus notes such as lemon juice and grapefruit.
- Lavender works well with tart notes such as berries and stone fruit.
- Lavender pairs well with other herbs such as mint, sage, rosemary, thyme, and oregano.
- Lavender is delicious paired with honey and/or vanilla.
- Lavender works well in sweet baked goods like cookie dough and cake batter, and it’s delicious whipped into frosting.
- Lavender works well in both cold and warm beverages.
- Lavender works well infused into sauces, soups and syrups.
- Lavender works well in roasted savory dishes.
- Lavender works really well in frozen treats like ice cream and popsicles.
19 Lavender Recipes
How to Make Lavender Simple Syrup
Learn how to make lavender simple syrup with just 2 ingredients—perfect for coffee, cocktails, baked goods, and more.
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Blackberry Lavender Soda – Endless Meal
Fresh blackberries simmered in culinary lavender make an aromatic syrup for this blackberry lavender soda that captures summertime in an ice-cold drink. #theendlessmeal #blackberrysoda
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Cherry Lavender Moon Milk Recipe (Vegan)
This Cherry Lavender Moon Milk recipe makes for one creamy, delicious, calming and beautiful sleepy-time beverage for those evenings when you could use a little extra support. With a healthy blend of oats, walnuts, spices, sweet cherries, and plant-based milk, this warm and cozy drink makes for one comforting vegan gluten-free night-time remedy with its roots in Ayurveda.
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Tomato Soup with Lavender – Happy Kitchen
Try this aromatic and healthy tomato soup recipe. Lavender and sage give it an unforgettable flavor. Vegan and easy to make!
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Lavender Lemonade with Vanilla
This lavender lemonade is made with lavender simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of vanilla extract for a smooth, balanced flavor. Lightly floral, bright, and refreshing, it’s a beautiful homemade lemonade perfect for warm weather.
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Lavender Tea and DIY Tea Bags from Coffee Filters – Country Hill Cottage
Learn how to make tea bags from coffee filters and fill them with aromatic lavender tea. DIY tea bags are an excellent make-ahead gift idea for all seasons.
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Four Thieves Vinegar
How to Make Four Thieves Vinegar – a tonic for home and health! Four Thieves Vinegar is an old-time concoction of vinegar, herbs and spices with a wealth of benefits and uses.
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Lavender Lemonade Popsicles – Salt and Lavender
These lavender lemonade popsicles are refreshing, fragrant, and not too sweet.
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Gluten-Free Honey Cake with Lemon and Lavender
Super easy, healthy and delicious Gluten-Free Honey Cakes with notes of lavender and lemon. These rich and decadent mini-cakes are bursting with vibrant flavors and topped with a purple glaze for that extra special touch.
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Lavender Coconut Tigernut Flour Cookies (Gluten-Free, Vegan, Paleo) – Strength and Sunshine
Sweet, nutty, & earthy, these Lavender Coconut Tigernut Flour Cookies are an alluring & delicious treat to bake! Gluten-free, vegan, paleo, & allergy-free!
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Seed Cycling Moon Milk (Lavender and Rose)
Two warm moon milks for seed cycling: a follicular phase version with pumpkin seeds, oats and lavender, and a luteal phase version with sunflower seeds and rose petals. Both start with almond milk, cinnamon and cardamom.
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Lemon Lavender Dressing – White Coat Pink Apron
Lemon Lavender Dressing is bright and citrusy with sweet, floral notes. Try this on salads, or use it as a marinade for meat or fish.
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Gluten Free Shortbread Cookies with Lavender, Ginger, Walnuts (Vegan)
Delicious gluten-free vegan lavender shortbread cookies free of refined sugar and perfect for tea time!
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Lavender Truffles – Spa Bettie
Lavender Truffles: chocolate ganache truffle infused with fragrant lavender – an easy recipe that always has impressive and tasty results!
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Lavender Blueberry Moon Milk (vegan, paleo, keto, & body ecology) – My Tiny Laguna Kitchen
Lavender Blueberry Moon Milk (vegan, paleo, keto, & body ecology) is the ideal remedy for a full moon, new moon, or just a pick up for me for any rainy day.
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Lavender Preserved Lemons – Homespun Seasonal Living
Make lavender preserved lemons for an easy and delicious way to preserve seasonal citrus for a pantry staple that adds bright and intense flavor to many savory dishes.
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Blueberry Lavender Sauce – A Virtual Vegan
Deep purple Blueberry Lavender Sauce with a sweet, floral aroma & unmistakable herbal undertones of lavender. Great with so many things!
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Lavender Date Goat Cheese Pies Vegan Gluten Free Pi Day Dessert – Spa Bettie
Lavender Date Goat Cheese Hand Pies – a uniquely sweet and savory pie. Warm or cold, serve these with a fresh salad and a crisp cool glass of pinot.
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