Edible flowers can add a splash of color and class to dishes both savory and sweet.  They look pretty as a garnish or can be used as an integral ingredient in many a recipe.  As well, by adding flowers to your meal, you are also adding bonus nutrients.

Roses, lavender, squash flowers, pansies, and violets are some of the most commonly used edible flowers.  Rose petals and pansies are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties while Lavender is said to have a calming effect on the body and is good for the skin.

Create some photograph-worthy plates with these delightful OGP recipes that feature some of the prettiest, tastiest and healthiest blooms.

1.  Okra and Corn Stuffed Squash Blossoms

Source: Okra and Corn Stuffed Squash Blossoms/One Green Planet

These blossoms come from a summer squash or zucchini plant.  Be sure to pick the male flowers, and leave the female flowers to become your beautiful squash.  Alena Grahn‘s recipe for Okra and Corn Stuffed Squash Blossoms also has dill, garlic, and asparagus making it a perfect starter for a summer meal.

2.  Roasted Cauliflower with Black Lentils and Dried Flowers

Source: Roasted Cauliflower with Black Lentils and Dried Flowers/One Green Planet

Judy Moosmueller tosses cauliflower florets in olive oil and a dried flower blend, made up of rose, marigold and cornflower, before roasting everything together in the oven.  Roasted Cauliflower with Black Lentils and Dried Flowers gains a little extra protein from the lentils and will make an excellent side dish.

3.  Blackberry Lavender Ice Cream

Source: Blackberry Lavender Ice Cream/One Green Planet

The zing of the blackberries and lemon is complemented by the calming lavender in this stunning Blackberry Lavender Ice Cream by Melissa Haithcock.  The gorgeous color and cool flavors are perfect for a summer’s day.  This ice cream is easy to make but will certainly impress those you share it with (if you ever do).

4.  Indian Milkshake: Cardamom, Rosewater and Sweet Cherry Lassi

Source: Indian Milkshake: Cardamom, Rosewater and Sweet Cherry Lassi/One Green Planet

Lassi is an Indian drink traditionally made with yogurt.  This Cardamom, Rosewater and Sweet Cherry Lassi by Claire Ragozzino is a delicious vegan version that uses coconut yogurt instead.  A splash of rosewater helps to make this drink refreshing and cooling.  Garnish with pretty rose petals.

5.  Pansy Shortbread

Source: Pansy Shortbread/One Green Planet

This Pansy Shortbread by Gabrielle St. Claire has to be the prettiest biscuit around.  These cookies are elegant and delicious yet so simple to make. With just five ingredients, you can whip up a batch of shortbread that is buttery and crisp.  Adorn your shortbread with pansies once out of the oven.

6.  Lemon Basil Cashew Cream Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms

Source:  Lemon Basil Cashew Cream Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms/One Green Planet

This is another amazing version of the stuffed squash blossom.  Lemon Basil Cashew Cream Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms by Koko Brill will definitely wow your dinner guests.  FIlled with lemon and basil cashew cream and deep-fried until they golden brown, these little zucchini blossoms make an excellent appetizer that is super easy to prepare.

7.  Rose Petal, Cashew and Olive Oil Granola

Source: Rose Petal, Cashew and Olive Oil Granola/One Green Planet

If you want to treat yourself to a fancy breakfast, look no further than Sarah Gory‘s recipe for Rose Petal, Cashew and Olive Oil Granola.  Made with rosewater and rose petals, this granola is a feast for the eyes and tastes amazing atop your favorite vegan yogurt or drowned in ice-cold plant-based milk.

8.  Spring Salad with Carrots, Beets and Flowers

Source:  Spring Salad with Carrots, Beets and Flowers/One Green Planet

This is such a vibrant salad with all the colors of spring.  Lilia Jankowska‘s Spring Salad with Carrots, Beets and Flowers is a mix of fresh veggies and a host of edible flowers, such as marigolds, daisies, and pansies.  However, you can play here with other edible flowers, such as nasturtium, violets, and dandelion.

9.  Strawberry Rose and Berry Lavender Tarts

Source: Strawberry Rose and Berry Lavender Tarts/One Green Planet

Two floral fancies for the price of one.  Here, Maria Koutsogiannis shows you how to make two different tart fillings using edible flowers—Strawberry Rose and Lavender Tarts.  Each tart has a base made from coconut, cacao and dates and a smooth and creamy coconut filling.

10.  Marzipan Maca Hibiscus Cups

Source: Marzipan Maca Hibiscus Cups/One Green Planet

These Marzipan Maca Hibiscus Cups by Stephanie McKinnie are very simple to make but look rich and divine.  The marzipan is made with blanched almonds and coconut sugar and has a dose of maca thrown in to give you an energy boost.  Dust these pretty cups with dried hibiscus flower powder to make a picture-perfect dessert.

Have a go at including some edible flowers in your creations.  You can make meals that are extra pretty, extra nutritious and will wow your friends.

Learn How to Cook Plant-Based Meals at Home!

Reducing your meat intake and eating more plant-based foods is known to help with chronic inflammation, heart health, mental wellbeing, fitness goals, nutritional needs, allergies, gut health, and more! Dairy consumption also has been linked to many health problems, including acne, hormonal imbalance, cancer, prostate cancer and has many side effects.

For those of you interested in eating more plant-based, we highly recommend downloading the Food Monster App — with over 15,000 delicious recipes it is the largest plant-based recipe resource to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy! And, while you are at it, we encourage you to also learn about the environmental and health benefits of a plant-based diet.

Here are some great resources to get you started:

• Weekly Vegan Meal Plans
• Plant-Based Health Resources
• Plant-Based Food & Recipes
• Plant-Based Nutrition Resources
• The Ultimate Guide to Plant-Based Nutrition
• Budget-Friendly Plant-Based Recipes
• High Protein Plant-Based Recipes
• Plant-Based Meal Prep

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