Food Pairing with Green Juice and Dandelion Greens with Hot Oil Dressing

Food pairing with juices is one of the wonderful essences of being a foodie that I enjoy the most. Lately, I’ve been feeling a little run-down from working so hard and neglecting the basics of nurturing my body from the inside out. When that happens, I always return to foods that restore and revive me.

One of my favorites over the years has been dandelion greens with hot oil dressing. Yes — the same dandelion you probably pull out of your flower bed or lawn. This little herb (or “weed”) is loaded with nutrition: high in protein, potassium, calcium, sodium, and vitamin A. Every time I eat it, I feel replenished and revitalized.

It’s important to use baby dandelion greens because they’re less bitter. And the hot, sweet vinaigrette balances that bitterness perfectly.

kale, apple, lemon juice

Why I Love This Pairing

For me, food pairing with juice is about balance — the right flavors coming together to make a meal memorable.

This dandelion salad works beautifully with both green and fruit-based juices. Two of my favorite pairings are:

• Tasty Juice (kale, apple, lemon): Sweet, tart, and green all at once, with the apple softening the kale’s robust flavor.

• Pineapple, Coconut & Basil Juice: A tropical blend that complements the bitterness of the dandelion greens while adding antioxidant and digestive benefits.

Of course, you can create your version of juice to enjoy with this salad, that’s the fun of it.

  Dandelion Salad Ingredients

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced lengthwise

1/3 cup sliced almonds (1 ounce)

1/2 cup golden raisins

2 tablespoons Sherry vinegar

1/2 teaspoon sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 pound tender young dandelion greens, any tough stems discarded

Preparation

Heat oil in a 10-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat until hot but not smoking, then cook garlic and almonds, stirring frequently, until pale golden, about 2 minutes. Add raisins and cook, stirring, until garlic is golden, and raisins are plumped, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and add vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper, stirring until combined.

Pour hot dressing over dandelion greens in a bowl, tossing with tongs to coat. 

Epicurious Recipe

Enjoy!!!