This post is part of Food Renegade’s Fight Back Fridays food carnival. Click here to learn more about sustainable eating and living.

This salad is a quintessential bone-building meal! Dandelion leaves contain more calcium and iron than spinach and anchovy fillets – with the bones – are also a fantastic source of calcium. The anchovy and balsamic pair well with the bitter nature of dandelion greens rendering this salad a tasty addition to a crisp spring evening. Sweet peppers add additional texture and color.  Serves 4.

1 large bunch Dandelion Leaves, or
4 Wild Dandelion Plants *
1 small red or yellow sweet pepper
6 Anchovy Filets
3 Cloves Garlic, peeled
1/4 c extra virgin Olive Oil
3 tb Balsamic Vinegar
Ground Black Pepper
optional: 1/2 avocado, diced or 1/4 cup toasted walnuts

Instructions
Wash dandelion leaves thoroughly and remove any bits of dirt, root or damaged leaves. Dry. Trim large leaves into 2″ long slivers; leave smaller ones whole. Blend anchovy filets with garlic, olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Toss leaves with dressing, then divide among 4 plates. Top with black pepper and serve at room temperature, preferably al fresco in the garden.

*Note: Be sure plants gathered from the wild haven’t been sprayed or treated with chemicals. If you aren’t sure, don’t use them.

Source: San Francisco Chronicle