Medicinal Herbs That Taste Great In Salad

Written by
Amy Jeanroy
Amy Jeanroy is an herbalist and professional gardener with several years of experience.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Amy Jeanroy
Updated 12/16/18

With so many of us including salads in our diet, it is a no-brainer to add the medicinal benefits of herbs to the mix. Here are the top 10 herbs that bring a medicinal quality and yet still taste great. 

  • 01 of 10

    Alfalfa

    Alfalfa
    Ken Samuelsen/Stockbyte/Getty Images

    Alfalfa is all about nutrition. High in vitamins and minerals, alfalfa is a natural addition to a fantastic salad.

  • 02 of 10

    Basil

    Basil growing in terra cotta pot
    Johnnie Davis/Getty Images

    The spicy flavor or basil will taste wonderful in your salads. Medicinally, Basil is good for digestive health.

  • 03 of 10

    Borage

    Organic Borage
    Tim Graham/Contributor/Getty Images

    Not only lovely as an ornamental addition, but borage is also great for skin problems. Add the blossoms and leaves to your salads.

  • 04 of 10

    Parsley

    Parsley
    Riou/Getty Images

    Parsley is almost a no-brainer. It is a fresh tasting herb that brings the brightness and slight bitterness that salads benefit from. Parsley is also good for digestive function, so add it for taste, then enjoy the health benefit!

    Continue to 5 of 10 below.
  • 05 of 10

    Dandelion

    Dandelions
    William Van Hecke/Contributor/Getty Images

    Have you seen my list of reasons for loving dandelion? Add salad herb to the list. Dandelion is good for skin problems, and real help comes from adding it to your diet. Dandelion greens are slightly bitter, so add them with that in mind.

  • 06 of 10

    Chicory

    Close-up of chicory blooming in a park
    Kris Mugridge/EyeEm/Getty Images

    Chicory needs to have more attention! It is great for the liver and urinary tract. Chicory blossoms are lovely added to your salads.

  • 07 of 10

    Marsh mallow

    Althaea officinalis
    Aquilegia/Getty Images

    Marshmallow is such a pretty herb that it is easy to forget the medicinal qualities. Add a marshmallow to your salads for soothing intestinal issues.

  • 08 of 10

    Hollyhock

    Hollyhocks
    Jumping Rocks/UIG/Getty Images

    Hollyhock is such a stunning herb. Add the flowers to your salads and help soothe intestinal problems.

    Continue to 9 of 10 below.
  • 09 of 10

    Violets

    Violets

     Feifei Cui-Paoluzzo/Getty Images

    Violets are so delicate that most of us never notice how prolifically they grow in yards. If you feel inspired to pick them, they are certainly worth the effort. Violets support cardiovascular health and are soothing for mucous membranes. Don't forget how pretty these babies will be in your salads!

  • 10 of 10

    Plantain

    English plantain
    Maximilian Stock Ltd./Getty Images

    Plantain is good for intestinal issues. Use it sparingly in your salads for a pleasant, bitter flavor.