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Does it seem strange to eat flowers? They’re beautiful and fragile and seem almost sacred. But they’re also delicious. When our CSA had edible flowers as an option this week, my heart leapt. And this simple, delicious, edible bouquet was the result.
Butter lettuce is the perfect companion to delicate, edible flowers. It’s delicate too, and lets the flower flavor shine. The basil and chives marry with Dijon mustard and honey to coat the lettuce and add a tinge of sweetness and tang. The chèvre works well, but so would other cheeses: pecorino, feta, Manchego. And other nuts and seeds would be delicious: pistachios, almonds, sunflower seeds, pepitas.
What are your thoughts on edible flowers? Any favorites or recipes that you love to make with them?
Spring Bouquet Salad with Basil-Chive Vinaigrette, Chèvre, and Pine Nuts
Ingredients
For the basil-chive vinaigrette:
- 1/2 cup fresh basil chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh chives chopped
- 1/4 cup Champagne vinegar
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Combine all vinaigrette ingredients in a blender except for the olive oil; puree. With blender running, slowly add olive oil. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. (You’ll have vinaigrette left over for another use.)
- Place lettuce in a large serving bowl. Drizzle with 1/4 cup or more vinaigrette; toss to coat. Sprinkle with pine nuts and crumbled chèvre. Arrange flowers on top and serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Nasturtiums are just lovely, aren’t they? So spicy and brisk. This salad looks wonderful.
Wow, look at those gorgeous flowers! I can’t believe you can eat them. I think I’d be a little afraid of biting into them, too!
Even though I know I like them, I still hesitate (just a little) when I’m scooping a bite. 🙂 Honestly Nasturtium and chive flowers are my favorite, but it’s a bit early here for those…
Lovely! Great pics too. I think using them to decorate a cake would be great and if you’re up to it, you could make a clear sugar glaze for the flowers.
That’s a great idea…
That plate looks stunning! I love the beauty of the flowers-they put a smile on every face 🙂
Thanks Lorraine – so much more fun to eat pretty things.
I love to use flowers in a salad too and this recipe is so good: chevre and pine nuts … delicious !!!
I bet there are beautiful edible flowers growing at Podere Vignali!