Tuesday, August 12, 2014

lunch with dandelions . . . a dandelion salad



I had lunch with dandelions today.

Dandelion greens, that is.




Have you ever seen them in your market?

I've seen them at our Farmer's Market on several occasions, and think that their deep, rich green color, length, and unique shape are quite beautiful.

I even paused and thought to myself, "Aren't dandelions weeds?" 

But when they are long and graceful, as seen at the Farmer's Market, they can be so pretty that you forget that they are the weed that you curse in your garden.

At a reasonable 99 cents for a large bouquet, I thought I would buy one and bring it home.

I wasn't sure what I was going to do with them, but I felt inspired.


~ lunch with dandelions ~


I added them to one of my sunflower bouquets.




Displayed a small bunch in one of my favorite Anthropologie mugs.




And even made a simple, light and delicious dandelion salad.




a fresh Dandelion Salad
.     .     .     .     .
bunch of dandelion leaves
bunch of romaine leaves
cherry heirloom tomatoes
shaved Parmesan
pinch of salt & pepper
.     .     .     .     .
Toss with Lemon Mustard Vinaigrette 

Enjoy!





 Lemon Mustard Vinaigrette
.     .     .     .     .
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
.     .     .     .     .
Combine all ingredients in a small jar with a tight fitting lid. 
Shake vigorously for 30 seconds until emulsified.
.     .     .     .     .
Dress your salad . . . and
Enjoy!





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26 comments:

  1. Self Sagacity12:26 PM

    Your photos are so refreshing. The salad is so yummy and healthy looking. I can't wait to try the dressing, I have all those ingredients on hand. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Simply Suzannes at Home12:33 PM

    Hi Amanda,

    Thanks for stopping by! I appreciate your kind comments.
    I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this salad. The lemon mustard vinaigrette paired well with the dandelions. It's my favorite dressing, and goes well with so many salads.
    Don't forget to add the Parmesan shavings too. They add a smooth salty bite that rounds out the salad very nicely.
    Please come by again soon.
    Have a great weekend,
    Suzanne

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous11:19 AM

    Your photos are pretty and enhance this wonderful recipe. I wonder if you would like to link this most interesting recipe up to My Meatless Mondays.

    http://sweetsav.blogspot.com/2013/08/my-meatless-mondays-marinated-tomato.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Simply Suzannes at Home1:22 PM

      Hi SweetSav!

      Thanks so much for stopping by!
      And thank you for the kind invitation to your your meatless Mondays!
      Have a beautiful week,
      Suzanne

      Delete
  4. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life5:44 AM

    Thanks for the recipe and wow, your pics are stunning. Thanks for joining Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

    ReplyDelete
  5. Simply Suzannes at Home5:35 PM

    Thanks, Marty!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Unknown7:36 PM

    this is simply beautiful!!

    Thanks for linking up

    ~Heather

    ReplyDelete
  7. Unknown1:29 PM

    This looks delicious!! Even though I know you can eat them (my grandmother cooked with them), I have always been reluctant to try them. You make them look so elegant! Thank you for linking up at Wake Up Wednesdays! Pinning!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Simply Suzannes at Home9:46 PM

      Hi Lisa,

      I'll be honest, I was a little reluctant too . . . but was pleasantly surprised when I pieced together and light and delicious salad with them.
      Yes, they are a little bitter . . . which is why I paired them with a mild green lettuce leaf, a lemon & mustard vinaigrette, and salty/creamy Parmesan shavings. The combination was perfect!
      I hope you're able to try it soon.
      Have a beautiful weekend,
      Suzanne

      Delete
  8. thepaintedapron.com5:50 PM

    What a simple and lovely salad! Nothing beats a fresh lemony vinaigrette with fresh parm shavings, yum!
    Jenna

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Simply Suzannes at Home9:46 PM

      I couldn't agree more, Jenna!
      Thanks for coming by!
      Have a beautiful weekend,
      Suzanne

      Delete
  9. Krista Aasen4:04 PM

    Wow! I have heard you can eat dandelion greens but haven't tried it! Looks amazing! Pinning, and thanks so much for sharing with us at our first mega Work it Wednesday. Pinning! Hope to see you back next week:)

    - Krista @ the happy housie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Simply Suzannes at Home5:23 PM

      Hi Krista!

      Thanks so much for coming by!
      You can eat dandelions :0) I didn't realize how many health benefits there were until I read a little research on them. They're sure healthy for you!
      Have a beautiful weekend,
      Suzanne

      Delete
  10. Betsy @ Anna Nimmity5:20 PM

    Lovely! Beautiful photos, too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Simply Suzannes at Home5:24 PM

      Thanks, Betsty!
      Come by again soon.
      Have a great weekend,
      Suzanne

      Delete
  11. Antionette Blake6:59 PM

    I'm coming to your house for dinner!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Simply Suzannes at Home3:34 PM

      Hi Antoinette!

      Dinner will be at 6. See you then ;0)
      Have a beautiful weekend,
      Suzanne

      Delete
  12. Kim 6:59 AM

    Wow, beautiful and yummy looking, who knew? I just wrote about morning glories. When I was younger my mom used to make us rip them out, because they were intrusive weeds. I guess it's all in the perspective! Your dandelions sure don't look like weeds! ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Simply Suzannes at Home3:37 PM

      Hi Kim!

      Thanks so much for coming by!
      I'll have to visit your blog and read about your ventures with Morning Glories. Yes, they're quite intrusive, but beautiful . . . especially in mid-morning light!
      My dandelion greens were also quite beautiful, and they made a delicious and unique salad too :0)
      Please come by and visit again soon!
      Have a beautiful weekend,
      Suzanne

      Delete
  13. Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson5:21 PM

    Suzanne, I know that dandelion greens are eatable, but I have never tried them. Your salad really looks light and refreshing. I have never seen them for sale here. I love the touch of green added to your sunflowers! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

    ReplyDelete
  14. Mariely Vélez1:43 PM

    I have never tried dandelions before but, this salad looks delicious!- and easy to make :) Thanks for sharing it with us at the Less Laundry, More Linking Party.

    ReplyDelete
  15. The Style Sisters6:39 PM

    Suzanne,
    I highlighted this post tonight for centerpiece Wednesday tonight :) you always have something fabulous to share!! I love it! http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/2013/09/welcome-to-centerpiece-wednesday-91.html
    Karin

    ReplyDelete
  16. DIY Vintage Chic8:43 AM

    Very interesting! Thanks for stopping by DIY Vintage Chic’s Friday’s Five Features and Fun Festivities. Don’t forget to stop back by this Friday!

    ReplyDelete
  17. normaleverydaylife7:53 AM

    How interesting! You find the neatest things at your farmer's market. The salad looks delicious! :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. Unknown3:00 AM

    Well I would never have thought of a dandelion salad. I love your creativity!

    Thanks for sharing at Marvelous Monday on Smart Party Planning :-)

    ReplyDelete
  19. Anonymous5:33 AM

    Great looking salad. Thanks for linking up to Sweet and Savoury Sunday, stop by and link up again. Have a great day!! Laura@Baking in Pyjamas

    ReplyDelete