Dandelion Recipes and Uses

Be sure to check out our Extended Dandelion Listening Experience with your child

The humble dandelion has numerous benefits, but is often seen as an unwanted “weed” in the traditional grassy lawn. Many people don’t know that just like other dark leafy greens, dandelions are rich in vitamins K, B2 and A. One cup of dandelion greens contains almost twice as much iron as spinach. The entire plant can be eaten, flowers, leaves, and roots!

Another perk to eating dandelions is that they are one of the most easy to identify plants for people who are not accustomed to eating wild foods. Unlike Paul in our story “Paul and the Dandelions”…you will likely know a dandelion when you see one! As with all wild foraging, the rule of thumb is that if you cannot confidently identify the plant, be sure to research or ask someone who knows.

Here are a few fun (and easy) ways you might try harvesting and using dandelions in your kitchen.

Delicious Honey & Dandelion Muffins (makes 12)

Honey Muffin Ingredients
1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1 cup unbleached spelt flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4-1/2 cup dandelion petals
1 cup milk (or milk alternative)
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup honey
1 egg

Cream Cheese Topping Ingredients:
6 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup honey
2 tsp vanilla extract
Dandelion petals (gather with your child and wash together. Have your child pull the petals off and place them in a bowl to use at the end of the recipe)

Step 1: Honey Muffins

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease with butter or a non-stick cooking spray.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and half of your dandelion petals (save the other half for the topping).

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: milk, melted butter, honey and egg.

4. Combine wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix.

5. Divide the batter evenly between the muffin cups. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then remove to a wire rack.

Step 2: Cream Cheese & Dandelion Topping

In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, heavy cream, honey, and 2 tsp of vanilla extract. Use an immersion blender or whisk until well blended and smooth.
Scoop a dollop on top each cooled muffin (or place on the side for picky eaters).
Have your child sprinkle dandelion petals on top and enjoy!

Dandelion Tea

Collect about 10 dandelions and remove the green base. The flower heads are sweeter than the stem, which can be bitter. Place dandelion flowers in a small teapot or large mug and cover with 8-12 ounces of freshly boiled water. Allow to steep 10 minutes, drain dandelions from water and enjoy!

Easy Dandelion Greens

Adding dandelions to your diet could be as simple as gathering the young greens and sprinkling them into your salad for a boost of vitamins.

You can also sauté the fresh greens in olive oil and sprinkle with salt for a more savory flavor.

Enjoy our music video for the song “Dandelion-Yellow as Gold.”