Dandelion & Berry Summer Salad
Although many view it as an annoying yard weed, Dandelion is actually a major superfood! It contains vitamin A, B6, C, E, L, and iron, calcium, folate, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, niacin, potassium, riboflavin, and thiamin. Packed with antioxidants, Dandelion can help lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and support the immune system.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine dandelion is referred to as 'Pu Gong Ying’ and is considered to be energetically bitter, drying, and cooling. It's often used to support digestive, liver, and urinary health.
It's quite bitter, but the sweet taste of the berries in this salad complement it perfectly. I hope you enjoy this delicious, refreshing, and nutritious summer salad!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups dandelion leaves, coarsely chopped
- 3 cups baby spinach (or any of your favorite greens)
- 1 lb fresh strawberries, sliced in fourths
- 5 oz crumbled feta cheese *optional
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 3/4 cup pecans
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 Tbsp dijon mustard
- 1 Tbsp honey
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
Make the balsamic dressing: Add vinegar to a small saucepan, bring to a boil over medium heat and allow to boil until reduced by half, about 3 minutes.
Pour into a jar or bowl, add olive oil, dijon mustard, honey and whisk to blend while seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Thin with a little water or lemon juice, if desired.
Toss the salad: Toss together the dandelion leaves, greens, strawberries, red onion, feta*, and pecans.
Drizzle about 1/3 of the dressing over salad, then plate and drizzle remaining dressing over individual portions and top with remaining half of the feta.
Enjoy! Store any remaining dressing in a salad container to freshen up any left-overs.
Want to switch it up? Try with another type of berry, apples, or pear! Don't like pecans? Try Walnuts or Cashews!
Adapted from The Complete Leafy Greens Cookbook & Cooking Classy.