What are the health benefits of dandelions? How do I forage them? Plus, 24 AMAZING gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan dandelion recipes incorporating dandelion roots, flowers, and leaves! Everything from dandelion coffee to dandelion greens to dandelion cupcakes — this healthy, springtime round-up has got it all!
Dandelion Recipes
In case you haven’t heard, that common bright yellow flower you often see popping up come springtime is FULL of incredible health benefits and nutrients. And we’re here to show you that what some people consider a pesky weed, is actually a beautiful vibrant plant ready to transform your health and please your palate with these super special and delicious dandelion recipes!
Notes + Tips for Foraging Dandelions:
Forage dandelions in locations where you are certain they haven’t been sprayed with toxic herbicides. Unfortunately, many consider this amazing plant an unwanted weed and it is commonly sprayed with all sorts of things! Gather from your own property or a friend's or family member’s property where you are certain this isn’t the case.
Few plants mimic the visual qualities of dandelions, and it is one of the more easily and safely identifiable foraged plants, but if you are uncertain, consult a plant guidebook, or a local herbalist. One thing that sets dandelion apart from some of its mimickers is its sturdy green base right below the yellow flower head.
Every part of a dandelion (Taraxacum officinale ) is edible! Harvest the roots, leaves, and flowers, and try out some of the delicious recipes below!
To harvest the roots: Use a knife or small shovel or spade to gently cut a circle into the ground around a dandelion ensuring you are able to safely and easily pull the roots (and the entire plant out of the ground).
To harvest the leaves: Use a knife to slice the stem just about one inch above the roots. Pinch each leaf off individually.
To harvest the flowers: Use a sharp knife to slice the yellow flower tops off.
To clean dandelions: Place any harvested flowers, leaves, roots, or whole plants into a bowl or sink full of water. Gently swish around to release the debris. Place on a dry tea towel to dry before using.
Dandelion Health Benefits + Nutritional Information
Dandelions contain a hearty amount of:
- potassium
- antioxidants
- calcium
- inulin
- iron
- magnesium
- vitamin C
- vitamin K
- vitamin B6
- vitamin A
Dandelions are:
- a natural diuretic
- an appetite stimulant
- anti-inflammatory
- liver detoxifying
- alkaline in nature
- immune system supporting
- anti-microbial
- blood-building
Dandelions have been shown to be an effective natural treatment for:
- high blood pressure
- skin disorders such as acne, psoriasis, eczema
- diabetes
- nausea, loss of appetite
- bone loss
- anemia
24 Recipes With Dandelions
Spring Garlic Mustard & Dandelion Green Vegan Frittatas
from Very Vegan Val
How to Make Delicious Dandelion Leaf Pesto
from Learning and Yearning
Dandelion Green Recipe and Cooking Dandelion Greens
from Confessions of an Overworked Mom
Mint Cacao Adaptogenic Freezer Candy (Raw, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Sugar-Free)
from MOON and spoon and yum
Dandelion Salad with Balsamic Pepper Strawberries
from The Flying Couponer
Dandelion Honey - a Fabulous Vegan Alternative to Honey
from Tin and Thyme
Coffee Substitute--rich, delicious, & good for you!
from Whole New Mom
Dandelion Root Latte with Turmeric and Ginger
from The Conscious Dietitian
Sweet Potato Patties with Dandelion Greens
from Dish 'n' the Kitchen
I SO hope you enjoyed learning more about dandelions, their health benefits, how to forage them, and these 24 amazing dandelion recipes! If you found this post beneficial, I would truly appreciate you sharing it on social media! Your support means the world. xo
24 Dandelion Recipes + Dandelion Bars & More!
Ingredients
Chocolate Base
- 1 cup raw walnuts
- 1 cup golden raisins
- 2 tablespoons cacao powder
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or any sweetener of choice
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt or pink salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Beet Dandelion Filling
- 1/2 cup coconut flour
- 1/2 cup raw seeds unsalted of choice, I like to use a sunflower/pumpkin blend
- 1/2 cup full fat coconut milk
- 2 whole freshly foraged dandelions
- 5 tablespoons maple syrup or any liquid sweetener of choice
- 1/4 cup beet powder
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt or pink salt
Instructions
- Line an 8 x 8 baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a high-speed blender or food processor add all chocolate base ingredients. Blend until mostly smooth.
- Press chocolate base into your prepared baking pan until you have an even layer. Place into the freezer while you complete the next step.
- To your high-speed food processor or blender add beet filling ingredients and blend until fluffy and smooth.
- Remove pan from freezer and spread beet filling until the chocolate base is evenly covered.
- Place into the freezer for at least 3 hours before slicing and serving. Keep stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one month.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition
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Iris says
I never knew these little flowers had so many healthy properties. Thank you so much for the information and the recipes. Keep them coming.
Jess says
I had no idea how beneficial dandelions were and all the uses for them. I learned so much by reading through your post!
Sara Welch says
What a great round up of fun and healthy recipes! Excited to give these a try; they all look too good to pass up, indeed!
Heather Johnson says
i've had dandelion wine but really had no idea you could eat them! so fun and interesting - i'll be trying a few of these this summer!
Alina says
I never thought of using dandelion in cooking, except for the jams. Thanks for sharing, awesome ideas!
Anjali says
I had no idea there were so many ways to use dandelions and that you could literally just pick them out of your own yard! These recipes all look so delicious - I can't wait to try them! I might have to start with the dandelion root latte - yum!
Moksha Essentials says
Love this stuff ! As I was working on getting more things about this, the article has helped me to solve various clarifications. Thanks for the great content.
Organic Worth says
Come across your site I just amazed to read the recipes. I'm pretty sure all of the recipes will be delicious.
Kristen Wood says
That means a ton! Thank you. 🙂
Moksha Essentials says
I never get bored while reading your article because, they are becomes a more and more interesting from the starting lines until the end. Continue to share useful resources over these blogs...
Rhonda says
Thank you! I have been collecting a little dandelion. I use the root in my tea. I enjoy learning more for ourselves and our generations to follow. ❤️