{"id":508914,"date":"2020-04-03T07:00:38","date_gmt":"2020-04-03T11:00:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theherbalacademy.com\/?p=508914"},"modified":"2025-03-10T16:25:23","modified_gmt":"2025-03-10T20:25:23","slug":"dandelion-greens-recipes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theherbalacademy.com\/blog\/dandelion-greens-recipes\/","title":{"rendered":"Dandelion Greens: 3 Simple Recipes for Spring"},"content":{"rendered":"

As temperatures warm, snow melts, and blossoms emerge, spring cleaning seems to be on everyone\u2019s mind. While some opt for a haircut or a closet purge during this transitional time of year, others may feel compelled to lighten up on more than one level. One way is with these 3 dandelion greens recipes.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to Ayurveda, the spring season is ruled by <\/span>kapha dosha<\/span><\/i> and, thus, is an appropriate time for shedding and letting go. This is because <\/span>kapha dosha<\/span><\/i> is characterized by heavy, dense, thick, and moist qualities, so countering those qualities with light, warm, dry, bitter, and purifying foods is fitting. Also, whereas <\/span>fall<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>winter<\/span><\/a> are an excellent time to bolster one\u2019s strength, our bodies naturally gain strength during the spring and summer\u2014making spring the perfect time for cleansing foods and purifying practices.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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A Spring Superstar: Dandelion<\/h2>\n

You may be familiar with <\/span>dandelion<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Taraxacum officinale<\/span><\/i>) root as an herb with an affinity for the liver, blood, lymphatic system, and breasts (Frawley & Lad, 2001), but did you know that dandelion greens are edible and make a tasty, healthful addition to many dishes? <\/span>Dandelion greens<\/span><\/a> can be prepared as food in a number of appealing ways.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In this article, you will learn a few simple and delicious greens recipes for spring. The options are only limited by your imagination. Dandelion greens are in season and have a milder, more pleasant taste in the early spring before the plant blooms, so if you are in the mood for something clean, green, and fresh, reach for a bunch of pleasantly bitter dandelion greens.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Keeping Clean with Dandelion Greens<\/h2>\n

Both dandelion roots and leaves (greens) have a wonderful cleansing capacity. Dandelion root is particularly supportive of <\/span>liver detoxification<\/span><\/a>, whereas the leaves assist with detoxification through the kidneys (Groves, 2016). The leaves have a diuretic quality, making them particularly fitting for <\/span>kapha<\/span><\/i> season, as excess fluid and edema are common<\/span> kapha<\/span><\/i> complaints.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Not only do these greens support the body\u2019s cleansing processes, but they are quite nourishing as well, as a rich source of iron and calcium. If you are new to this plant, you will probably notice the bitter taste, signaling their function as a <\/span>digestive bitter<\/span><\/a>\u2014further support for dandelion greens\u2019 cleansing superstar status (Groves, 2016).<\/span><\/p>\n

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3 Dandy Dandelion Greens Recipes<\/h2>\n

Now let\u2019s look at some practical recipes that will help you get these nutritive greens into your body this spring!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The first recipe is for a dandelion greens pesto. This recipe is a loose recipe, meaning you can increase or decrease the various ingredients based on your preferences. I like my pesto on the oily side, but you can opt to make it thicker or accentuate certain flavors by experimenting with proportions<\/span>.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Dandelion Greens Pesto <\/h3>
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This pesto comes out bright green and has a zingy taste! Enjoy it on noodles, crackers, bread, salads, and roasted veggies.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Ingredients<\/div>
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2 cups dandelion greens, packed, chopped, and washed
\n<\/span>\u00bd cup olive oil
\n<\/span>1-2 cloves garlic
\n<\/span>1-2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds, pine nuts, or walnuts
\n<\/span>1 tablespoon nutritional yeast or parmesan cheese
\n<\/span>A squeeze of lemon juice or 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/p>\n

Directions<\/div>
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