{Spring} Dandelion Salad

Years ago, it’s not something I ever thought that I would be serving at our dinner table …
but people grow and change and learn to appreciate different things…
and so, here I am, serving wild dandelion leaf salad, which we gathered together this afternoon, to my family tonight.

Topped with diced tomatoes, carrots, pine nuts and balsamic vinegar, it truly was a treat. And frugal. 🙂 I like that.

{Some of the girls did not agree, but they managed to eat it anyways.
They are not fond of spinach, either, and I would say that this salad mildly tasted like said greens.}

In fact, most of the meal we enjoyed tonight (with the exception of the fresh vegetables – as it is only early spring in Ontario –  and the rice)
was grown and raised here on our little tiny piece of land. The chicken, tomatoes, onions, peppers, greens …  There is a nice feeling indeed to realize that…

We’re planting seeds and turning soil, getting things ready for spring planting in our family garden.
I think we are bit behind, as I see the farmers around us already planting potatoes.
It is on my mind to get things into the ground, but I must wait patiently for a few tasks to be done ahead of time …
so I have planted more seeds inside, placing them along the kitchen window to see what will grow.

So far, my herbal medicine garden is growing well in their tiny little pots.
I am excited to plant them outdoors once it is truly warm enough. We had to dig out our flower garden on thes ide of the house this spring due to septic issues,
so I am almost starting from scratch in the particular garden. Thankfully, I do believe my lavender survived, along with my sage.
And of course, hoping the mint survived as it seems to survive most hardships.

A note about eating dandelion leaves …. if you feel so inclined…

You will want to harvest the fresh, spring leaves – don’t anticipate eating the older dandelions that already have flowers as they are much more bitter.
Dandelions can prevent disease, it is anti oxidant and a great source of fibre.
The leaves contain vitamin A, which is good for your skin and eye sight.
Dandelions are a good source of potassium, calcium, manganese (required for building healthy bones structure), iron and magnesium.

 That’s a lot of goodness in a simple “weed”.