7 Best Substitutes For Dandelion Greens

Have you ever tried using dandelion greens in your cooking? They have a distinct taste and are packed with health benefits. But what if you can’t find them at your local market or simply don’t like the taste? Don’t worry, there are plenty of other greens out there that you can use instead.

In this article, we’ll explore some delicious substitutes for dandelion greens that will add both flavor and nutrition to your meals. Whether you’re a salad lover or looking to get more greens into your diet, we’ve got you covered. So let’s get started!

What Do Dandelion Greens Taste Like? 

Dandelion greens have a slightly bitter and peppery taste that can be described as tangy or earthy. The younger leaves tend to be less bitter and have a more delicate flavor, while the older leaves can be quite bitter.

That’s why you’ll find that combining dandelion greens with dairy products such as cheese, bread, and milk will lessen its bitterness. And the same with protein such as pork and bacon to highlight its earthy flavor. The best way to cook dandelion greens is by sautéing or braising them with flavorful spices and ingredients. 

Some people also find them slightly sweet or nutty. Overall, the taste of dandelion greens can be an acquired taste for some, but they can add a unique flavor to salads and other dishes when combined with other ingredients.

Recommended Substitute For Dandelion Greens 

So, what can I use instead of dandelion greens? Let’s have a look at these dandelion green substitutes:

1. Mustard greens

Mustard greens are the best alternative to dandelion greens that you can find in the market. As mustard greens are well-known for having a peppery, bitter flavor from wasabi and mustard, they become an effective dandelion greens substitution with a similar flavor. 

Mustard green’s bitterness will slowly die out when cooked, so it will be an acceptable option for those who cannot stand the pungent smell of mustard. That’s the reason why mustard green can be used as a substitute for brown mustard as well.

Although mustard can be slightly spicier than dandelion greens, it can be a great ingredient in your recipe. You will probably enjoy this dish even more as mustard greens help stimulate the taste buds.

Besides flavor, mustard green also has a fibrous texture with dark green, so you can use this similarity and substitute for dandelions green in color and texture. 

2. Arugula

Because of the similarities between arugula vs dandelion, people usually wonder: “Are arugula and dandelion greens the same?” 

Well, the answer is no. Arugula and dandelions are different, but arugula is a good alternative to dandelion greens. With a slightly bitter and nutty taste in flavor that is highly recommended to substitute for green pepper, arugula can replace dandelion greens in salads, soup, or in any recipe that requires dandelion green’s pungency. 

If we compare the bitter level between these two, arugula is less bitter. Thus, you can use some arugula for cooking to bring down the spice. 

One thing you must remember about arugula is that it is a fragile veggie. If your recipe calls for cooked arugula, make sure to include it in the final cooking step. Leaving arugula in high heat for too long will break its texture and lose its flavor. 

3. Watercresses

If you are looking for a substitute for dandelion greens to serve raw, watercresses are the best choice to go for. You can easily find these greens in your local markets and replace raw dandelion greens. Watercresses can pose a similar taste to dandelion greens to your dishes with a slight bitterness and earthiness. 

You can cook watercresses as well, but remember not to put them in high temperatures for a long time. For a fast yet delicate garnish, you can saute watercress with basic seasonings like salt, pepper, cumin for a few minutes in olive oil. When you see the leaves shrink, turn off the heat, or else high heat will make the watercress too watery. 

4. Baby spinach

If you want to cut the bitterness of dandelion greens completely from your dish but still maintain the green texture, go for the simple and sweet baby spinach. With no earthy flavor, you can substitute dandelion greens with mild green spinach to keep the nutrients while reducing the bitterness you don’t fancy. 

Compared to dandelion greens, baby spinach is much easier to find. But in case you cannot find fresh baby spinach, you can also substitute frozen spinach for fresh ones. 

Either your recipe calls for raw or cooked dandelion greens, baby spinach can pull off any mission. You can serve raw baby spinach after washing it thoroughly with water and salt. For cooked spinach, toss them in a pan with oil and green peppers to make its flavor reflect dandelions green quite a bit.

5. Curly endive

As we have mentioned before, curly endive is quite similar to dandelion greens, so if you can find endive in the salad section, it’s a lucky day! With tender bitterness and mild earthiness, curly endive can be an excellent dandelion green in cooked recipes, especially with grilled or roasted dishes. When purchasing curly endive in the market, look for bright green ones with many inner leaves as they are less bitter. 

Curly endives are handy to replace dandelion greens in versatile recipes. Substitute dandelion greens with curly endive in a 1:1 ratio and rock your dishes!

6. Radicchio

You may be surprised when we add radicchio as a replacement for dandelion greens, as these two leaves look nothing alike. But that factor is what makes radicchio a fun dandelion greens alternative. 

Although bearing no similarities in texture to each other, radicchio and dandelion greens have the same flavor profile of being bitter, spicy, and nutty. 

So if you want to bring some color into your recipe, consider using radicchio instead of dandelion greens, as the flavor remains the same. Add coleslaw to the radicchio, and you have a splendidly healthy dish to serve you and your family!

7. Kale

Last but not least, one of the dandelion greens alternatives is kale. Kale is bitter and peppery like dandelion greens, making it a great company to accompany recipes requiring dandelion. Although kale is not common in some places, it is fresh, healthy, and versatile in any cooking recipe. 

You can eat kale raw and cooked to replace dandelion greens, but remember that raw kale can be too pungent for your dishes. It’s best to cook raw with seasonings and substitute them in the dandelion greens recipe to have the best result. 

How To Choose A Dandelion Greens Substitute?

Although there are many dandelion greens substitutes, as we have listed above, how can you know the best dandelion greens substitute for choosing? Let’s have a look at these flavor factors:

If you want to keep the bitterness, earthy and nutty flavor profile of dandelion greens, you should select mustard greens, endive, radicchio, and kale. These pungent natural greens will reflect the same flavor as dandelion greens in one way or another. Whether an alternative can work effectively in your recipe relies on how you cook it and how well you combine it with other ingredients.

If you want to cut down the bitterness, consider picking arugula or baby spinach, as they have a lightweight-to-not bitter flavor. It would help if you used these veggies for anyone who doesn’t like the earthy taste of dandelion greens. Or, if you would like to experience the bitterness gradually, grab some watercress and use it in your dishes for a gentle, mild spice.