Oh such dandy greens we have here my friends! Dandelion greens to be precise. I have been waiting to get my hands on some of these babies for quite some time now and I cannot be more pleased for the nutrients I shall be receiving.

What nutrients do dandelion greens provide, you may be pondering? Well, they’re filled with antioxidants (prevents cancer causing, free radical cell formation) such as Vitamin A and C, high in calcium, iron, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals (vitamin E, K, B1, B2, B6! manganese, copper). I love eating foods that contain a multitude of nutrients that our bodies crave. Who needs a pill when you can have your vitamins and minerals directly from the source?

These dandelion greens immerse themselves into my body and inject their nutrients. I feel so invigorated after a satisfying, nutrient filled green smoothie. And of course, you can too.

Another form of this dandy plant is roasted dandelion root, which has a similar taste to coffee. Along with the vitamins and minerals, it acts as a diuretic, natural laxative, and is wonderful for the digestive system as well as cleansing the liver and gallbladder. A cup of roasted dandelion root is a healthy alternative to everyday coffee indulgences.

This smoothie incorporates sweet, tart, and juicy fruits to combat the dandelion green’s slight bitterness. The banana adds a bit of creaminess for a nice and thick texture, use a frozen banana here if you’d like it a bit icy. The more the merrier for dandelion greens, but start with 1 cup and see how your taste buds are enjoyin’ themselves. I am fond of my smoothies being as natural as they can be, appreciating every taste correlating with the corresponding nutrients, but you may add in some stevia or other sweetener if your palate persists.

 Ingredients:

• 1 cup non-dairy milk (or filtered water)
• 1-2 cups dandelion greens
• 1 nectarine (or peach)
• 1 ripe banana
• 1/2-1 cup strawberries
• pinch of stevia (optional)

Preparation:

1. Put all into a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Voilà! Enjoy my fellow friends.

For more healthy vegan breakfast options, check out the following amazing recipes from One Green Planet:

• Seeds and Goji Berry Granola
• Energizing Chia Pudding
• Chocolate Chia Breakfast Pudding
• Breakfast Parfait With Oats and Blueberry Pudding
• Lemon-Coconut Breakfast bars
• Ayurvedic Oatmeal
• Baked Oatmeal with Apricot