Old Fashioned Dandelion Salad
A tangy and savory salad featuring fresh dandelion greens, crispy bacon, and a sweet-sour dressing, perfect for springtime gatherings and garden bounty celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and pick over the dandelion greens thoroughly to remove any sand.
- Dry the greens on paper towels, tear into pieces, and chill.
- Fry the bacon until crisp, then pour off all but 2 tablespoons of fat and drain on paper towels.
- Add sugar, flour, and salt to the bacon fat.
- Cook and stir the mixture for 3 minutes.
- Add vinegar and water, then bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Add chopped onion and the greens to the dressing.
- Toss well to coat thoroughly; cover and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the dandelions wilt.
- Serve garnished with the bacon pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
For a milder flavor, you can mix dandelion greens with spinach or arugula. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon with smoked tempeh or omit it entirely. Consider adding a sprinkle of nuts or seeds for extra crunch. If you find the dressing too tangy, balance it with a touch more sugar or a drizzle of honey.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dandelion salad as a hearty side dish alongside grilled pork tenderloin or as part of a brunch spread. It complements rich meats beautifully, making it an excellent pairing for recipes like Cranberry Onion Pork Roast. A crusty bread or a light soup would also round out the meal nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover dandelion salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking. However, the salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the greens can become soggy when reheated.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Dandelion Salad contains roughly 151 calories, with 6g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (12% of the Daily Value), and protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2034mg per serving (88% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other greens instead of dandelion greens?
Yes, you can substitute dandelion greens with other bitter greens such as chicory or mustard greens. However, keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly. Mixing in milder greens like spinach can also help balance the bitterness.
How can I make this salad gluten-free?
To make this salad gluten-free, simply omit the flour from the dressing. You can thicken the dressing with cornstarch or tapioca starch instead, if desired. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What can I do with any extra dressing?
Extra dressing can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It works great as a topping for other salads, drizzled over roasted vegetables, or even as a marinade for meats. Just give it a good shake before using.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).