Nasturtium Flower Salad

The Vibrant and Edible Nasturtium

Nasturtium is a beautiful wildflower that is not only edible but also makes a lovely decorative addition to salads.

If you're unsure about which natural plants are safe to eat, check out this Edible Wild Plants and Flowers resource—you'll be amazed at how many options exist! Living close to nature allows you to attune yourself to its rhythmic cycles, naturally leading to a healthier lifestyle. Try mixing nasturtium flowers with arugula (rocket) leaves, toss in your favorite dressing, and enjoy a light, vibrant salad.

We all love exotic colors in food—they captivate and entice us. Nasturtium flower salads add a brilliant burst of color, instantly elevating any dish. Around the world, many chefs use these edible flowers to create stunning, artful presentations. Even wedding cakes are now adorned with nasturtiums, transforming them into breathtaking, edible masterpieces. The flowers and leaves have a mild, pleasant flavor, making them a delightful addition to soups and green salads.

Nasturtium has a delicate, piquant taste, with a mustard-like aroma that lightly tingles the palate. For a time, these flowers were known as "Indian cresses" due to their flavor resemblance to watercress. As the Spaniards explored and introduced the Americas to the rest of the world—once referred to as "The Indies"—nasturtiums became widely known.

A Plant Found Across the World

Nasturtiums grow abundantly in Africa, Europe, North and South America, and Asia—thriving in the most unexpected places, even around homes. Their vibrant yellow-orange blossoms offer a mild flavor, while the rounded leaves of the common nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) have a slightly pungent, peppery taste.