Nasturtium Salad

This nasturtium salad uses both nasturtium leaves and flowers, along with arugula, strawberries, and a quick vinaigrette. Make it for a quick and easy summer salad!

This spring, as I watched my tiny seeds sprout into green seedlings-- there was one seedling in particular that I watched for in anticipation.

Excitedly.

Impatiently.

And soon enough-- there they were-- nasturtium seedlings.

The leaves appeared first, and then finally the flowers appeared and began to bloom.

Why was I so excited?

Because I knew that this edible flower would be one of my first garden harvests.

And soon-- I could make nasturtium salad after nasturtium salad.

Want more BACKYARD FORAGING ideas? Learn how to make mint tea, slow cooker crabapple butter, citronella plant simple syrup, pine needle tea, and honeysuckle simple syrup.

Where Can I Buy Nasturtium for a Nasturtium Salad?

Last year, I looked unsuccessfully for nasturtium flowers in every plant nursery I could find.

They weren't there.

You might find them in a nursery near you, or possibly at a farmer's market-- but here's what I suggest.

Buy nasturtium seeds.

They're easy to find, and easy to grow. You can even buy nasturtium seeds online.

How to Grow Nasturtium Flowers from Seed

Before you plant nasturtium seeds, you can help the seeds along by scarification-- scratching the seeds a little before planting.

I ran this microplane zester lightly over my seeds, but you can also use sandpaper or a file.

It helps open up the tough outer shell so that water can reach the inside of the seed.

You can help them along even more by soaking the seeds briefly in water, but I definitely skipped that step because we get so much rain.

Next, place your seeds in well-draining soil, keep them watered, and voilà!-- before you know it, little nasturtium leaves will be popping up!

What Does Nasturtium Taste Like?

Nasturtium has a sharp, peppery flavor.

It reminds me of a tender bitter green.

How to Make Nasturtium Salad

For this nasturtium salad, pair the nasturtium with arugula-- another peppery, bitter green.

Then, to balance the bitterness-- add a little sweetness with strawberries, acidity with the vinaigrette, and fatty richness with sesame seeds.

What Else Can I Make Besides Nasturtium Salad?

Nasturtium can grow quickly, so if you want even more recipe ideas, check out these pickled nasturtium pods and nasturtium pesto from Garden Betty.

And don't forget to use your beautiful home-grown nasturtium blooms as a lovely summer garnish for desserts or drinks!