Dandelions arrive in my yard during the summer months, a little later than they appear in areas with milder climates. Their fringed yellow heads speak of warmth and sunshine and remind me that soon other wildflowers will appear, and the bees will surely follow. Though dandelions attract pollinators like bees, we dig them up to make more room for native wildflowers. I reserve the tender greens for salads while saving the soft yellow blossoms for sweet fritters.

When foraging for wild dandelion greens, take care to source them from areas you know’ to be free from pesticides, such as your own yard, and avoid dandelions growing near waterways, in public parks, or near the roadside, as they may contain chemical residue.

4 medium nectarines, pitted and quartered
1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
8 oz. bacon, chopped
1 small red onion, minced
1 tsp. brown mustard seeds
1/4 C. red wine vinegar
6 C. loosely packed dandelion greens, rinsed well and trimmed of tough stems

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Arrange the nectarines in an 8-inch square baking dish and roast them for 15 to 20 minutes, turning once, until they release their juice and begin to caramelize around the edges. Remove them from the oven and let them cool while you prepare the rest of the salad. Line a plate with a paper towel or clean kitchen towel. Warm the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, drop in the bacon, and fry until it crisps and renders its fat, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the bacon from the pan with a slotted spoon and let it drain on the lined plate. Stir the onion into the bacon fat and fry it over medium heat for 3 minutes, or until soft and translucent. Stir in the mustard seeds and sauté for 1 minute. Remove the skillet from the heat and whisk in the vinegar to make the vinaigrette. Arrange the dandelion greens on a serving plate and place the nectarines on top. Top with the crisped bacon and dress with the warm vinaigrette. Serve immediately.