There’s nothing quite like the fresh, vibrant taste of wild garlic to celebrate spring’s arrival! Whether you’re whipping up quick weeknight dinners or exploring seasonal favorites, these 20 flavorful recipes will inspire your kitchen adventures. From comforting pastas to zesty pestos, get ready to fall in love with this versatile green. Dive in and discover your new go-to dishes!
Wild Garlic and Mushroom Risotto
Vividly earthy and comforting, this risotto showcases wild garlic’s pungent charm. Its creamy texture balances the meaty mushrooms perfectly. You’ll want seconds before finishing first.
Ingredients
Arborio rice – 1 ½ cups
Chicken broth – 4 cups
Wild garlic – 1 cup chopped
Cremini mushrooms – 8 oz sliced
Yellow onion – 1 medium diced
Dry white wine – ½ cup
Parmesan cheese – ¾ cup grated
Unsalted butter – 3 tbsp
Olive oil – 2 tbsp
Salt – 1 tsp
Black pepper – ½ tsp
Instructions
1. Heat chicken broth in a saucepan until simmering, then reduce heat to low.
2. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
3. Add diced onion and cook for 4 minutes until translucent.
4. Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 6 minutes until browned.
5. Stir in Arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes until edges turn translucent.
6. Pour in white wine and cook until fully absorbed, about 2 minutes.
7. Add ½ cup warm broth and stir constantly until liquid is absorbed.
8. Continue adding broth ½ cup at a time, stirring after each addition until absorbed.
9. Repeat until rice is al dente and creamy, about 18-20 minutes total.
10. Stir in chopped wild garlic and cook for 1 minute until wilted.
11. Remove from heat and stir in butter and Parmesan cheese.
12. Season with salt and black pepper, stirring to combine.
Zesty with garlic and rich from mushrooms, this risotto stays wonderfully creamy. The rice maintains a slight bite against the tender vegetables. Try topping with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil for serving.
Wild Garlic Butter Roasted Chicken
Roast chicken gets a vibrant spring upgrade with wild garlic butter. This simple preparation lets the herbaceous flavors shine through crispy skin. Ready in about an hour, it’s perfect for weeknights or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
Whole chicken – 4 lb
Unsalted butter – ½ cup
Wild garlic – ¼ cup
Salt – 1 tbsp
Black pepper – 1 tsp
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Pat chicken completely dry with paper towels.
3. Combine softened butter, chopped wild garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
4. Carefully loosen skin over breast and thighs with your fingers.
5. Spread half the butter mixture evenly under the skin.
6. Rub remaining butter mixture over the entire exterior.
7. Truss chicken legs with kitchen twine.
8. Place chicken breast-side up in a cast iron skillet.
9. Roast for 50-60 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the thigh.
10. Let rest for 15 minutes before carving.
Moist, tender meat contrasts beautifully with crackling-crisp skin infused with garlicky butter. The wild garlic provides a milder, fresher flavor than traditional roasted garlic. Serve sliced over roasted potatoes to catch the flavorful pan juices.
Wild Garlic Bread with Parmesan
Ready to transform basic bread into something extraordinary? Rustic wild garlic bread with parmesan delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. This savory loaf comes together quickly for impressive results.
Ingredients
Flour – 3 cups
Active dry yeast – 2¼ tsp
Sugar – 1 tsp
Salt – 1 tsp
Warm water – 1¼ cups
Wild garlic – ½ cup
Parmesan cheese – ¾ cup
Olive oil – 2 tbsp
Instructions
1. Combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
2. Gradually pour in warm water while stirring with a wooden spoon.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
5. Punch down the risen dough and knead in finely chopped wild garlic and grated parmesan cheese.
6. Shape the dough into a round loaf and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Brush the loaf surface with olive oil using a pastry brush.
8. Let the shaped dough rise for 30 minutes until puffy.
9. Preheat your oven to 375°F during the final 15 minutes of rising.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
11. Transfer the baked bread to a wire rack and let cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
Just baked, this bread boasts a crisp golden crust that gives way to a tender, aromatic crumb. Juicy pockets of wild garlic mingle with salty parmesan throughout each slice. Serve warm with olive oil for dipping or alongside soups for maximum comfort.
Wild Garlic and Goat Cheese Tart
Tender wild garlic and creamy goat cheese create a perfect spring tart. This savory pastry comes together quickly with minimal ingredients. Serve it warm for the best flavor experience.
Ingredients
Puff pastry – 1 sheet
Wild garlic – 2 cups
Goat cheese – 8 oz
Eggs – 2
Heavy cream – ½ cup
Salt – ½ tsp
Black pepper – ¼ tsp
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Roll the puff pastry into a 9-inch tart pan.
3. Prick the pastry base thoroughly with a fork to prevent bubbling.
4. Chop the wild garlic into ½-inch pieces.
5. Crumble the goat cheese evenly over the pastry.
6. Whisk the eggs and heavy cream together until smooth.
7. Stir salt and black pepper into the egg mixture.
8. Pour the egg mixture over the cheese and garlic.
9. Bake at 400°F for 25 minutes until the filling is set.
10. Check for golden brown edges and a firm center before removing.
11. Let the tart rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Excellent flaky pastry contrasts with the creamy, herb-filled interior. Earthy wild garlic balances the tangy goat cheese perfectly. Enjoy it with a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Wild Garlic and Spinach Stuffed Shells
Dive into these cheesy stuffed shells that come together with minimal effort. Wild garlic adds a subtle kick while spinach keeps things fresh. This comforting dish delivers big flavor with straightforward preparation.
Ingredients
Jumbo pasta shells – 24 shells
Ricotta cheese – 2 cups
Wild garlic – ½ cup chopped
Spinach – 2 cups chopped
Mozzarella cheese – 1 cup shredded
Parmesan cheese – ½ cup grated
Egg – 1
Marinara sauce – 3 cups
Salt – 1 tsp
Black pepper – ½ tsp
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
3. Add jumbo pasta shells and cook for 9 minutes until al dente.
4. Drain shells and arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped wild garlic, and chopped spinach.
6. Add shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and 1 egg to the cheese mixture.
7. Season with 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper.
8. Mix all ingredients until fully incorporated, being careful not to overmix to maintain texture.
9. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
10. Fill each cooked pasta shell with approximately 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture.
11. Arrange stuffed shells in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
12. Pour remaining 2 cups of marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.
13. Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese over the top if desired for extra browning.
14. Cover baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
15. Bake covered at 375°F for 25 minutes.
16. Remove foil and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
17. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow filling to set.
Just out of the oven, these shells offer a perfect contrast between the tender pasta and creamy, textured filling. The wild garlic provides a gentle garlicky note that complements the rich cheeses without overwhelming. For a fresh twist, serve alongside a crisp arugula salad to cut through the richness.
Wild Garlic and Bacon Quiche
Hitting that perfect balance between rustic and refined, this quiche delivers savory satisfaction in every bite. Wild garlic’s subtle kick pairs beautifully with smoky bacon in a buttery crust. It’s equally impressive for brunch or a simple weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pie crust – 1
Bacon – 6 slices
Eggs – 4
Heavy cream – 1 cup
Wild garlic – ½ cup
Salt – ½ tsp
Black pepper – ¼ tsp
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Roll pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish.
3. Prick crust bottom with a fork 10 times.
4. Bake crust for 10 minutes.
5. Chop bacon into ½-inch pieces.
6. Cook bacon in skillet over medium heat for 8 minutes until crispy.
7. Drain bacon on paper towels.
8. Whisk eggs in bowl until fully combined.
9. Add heavy cream to eggs.
10. Whisk mixture for 1 minute until smooth.
11. Chop wild garlic finely.
12. Stir wild garlic into egg mixture.
13. Add salt and black pepper.
14. Stir bacon into filling.
15. Pour filling into pre-baked crust.
16. Bake quiche at 375°F for 35 minutes.
17. Check that center is set with slight jiggle.
18. Cool quiche on rack for 15 minutes.
19. Slice into 6 wedges.
20. Serve warm or at room temperature. Makeshift elegance shines through the creamy custard contrasting with crispy bacon bits. The wild garlic adds a gentle onion-like flavor that permeates each slice. Try serving it with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Wild Garlic Olive Oil Dip
Just discovered this vibrant dip that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Juicy wild garlic and quality olive oil create a fresh, pungent base perfect for crusty bread or vegetable crudités. You’ll want to make this weekly once you taste how effortlessly it comes together.
Ingredients
Wild garlic – 1 cup
Extra virgin olive oil – ½ cup
Lemon juice – 2 tbsp
Salt – ½ tsp
Instructions
1. Wash the wild garlic thoroughly and pat completely dry with paper towels to prevent a watery dip.
2. Roughly chop the wild garlic leaves and stems into 1-inch pieces.
3. Combine the chopped wild garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt in a food processor.
4. Pulse the mixture 8-10 times until the garlic is finely chopped but not pureed, maintaining some texture.
5. Scrape down the sides of the food processor with a spatula to ensure even mixing.
6. Process for another 15 seconds until the ingredients are well combined but still slightly chunky.
7. Taste the dip and adjust seasoning if needed, though avoid over-salting initially.
8. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and let it rest at room temperature for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
9. Drizzle with an additional tablespoon of olive oil just before serving for enhanced richness and presentation.
Velvety yet textured, this dip delivers a bold garlic punch balanced by the fruity olive oil notes. The vibrant green color makes it visually striking when served alongside grilled meats or as a sandwich spread. Try it smeared on crostini topped with cherry tomatoes for an instant appetizer upgrade.
Wild Garlic and Herb Focaccia
Ditch the complicated bread recipes—this wild garlic focaccia comes together with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Perfect for beginners, it requires just a few ingredients and delivers that signature chewy texture with aromatic herb notes. You’ll have fresh bread ready in under two hours.
Ingredients
Bread flour – 3 cups
Warm water – 1¼ cups
Active dry yeast – 2¼ tsp
Olive oil – ¼ cup
Salt – 1 tsp
Wild garlic – ½ cup chopped
Instructions
1. Combine warm water (110°F), yeast, and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large bowl.
2. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
3. Add bread flour and salt to the bowl.
4. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
5. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
6. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a damp cloth.
7. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
8. Press the dough into a 9×13 inch oiled baking pan.
9. Dimple the dough surface deeply with your fingertips.
10. Drizzle remaining olive oil over the dough.
11. Sprinkle chopped wild garlic evenly across the surface.
12. Let the focaccia rise for 20 minutes until puffy.
13. Bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
14. Transfer to a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Use your fingertips to create deep dimples—this helps the oil pool and creates that classic focaccia texture. Undeniably satisfying, this focaccia boasts a crisp golden crust with a soft, airy interior. The wild garlic infuses every bite with gentle garlicky notes without overpowering. Serve it warm with olive oil for dipping, or use it as a base for sandwiches and bruschetta.
Wild Garlic and Ricotta Gnocchi
Let’s get straight to it: this wild garlic and ricotta gnocchi is a springtime dream. Light, fluffy, and bursting with fresh flavor, it comes together fast. You’ll be eating in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Whole milk ricotta – 1 cup
All-purpose flour – ¾ cup
Wild garlic – ¼ cup, finely chopped
Egg – 1 large
Salt – ½ tsp
Butter – 2 tbsp
Black pepper – ¼ tsp
Instructions
1. Place the ricotta in a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl and let it drain for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the drained ricotta, flour, wild garlic, egg, and salt.
3. Mix with a fork until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Tip: Don’t overmix, or the gnocchi will become tough.
4. Lightly flour a clean work surface and turn the dough out onto it.
5. Gently knead the dough 4-5 times until it just comes together.
6. Divide the dough into 4 equal portions.
7. Roll each portion into a ¾-inch thick rope on the floured surface.
8. Cut each rope into 1-inch pieces with a sharp knife.
9. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
10. Drop the gnocchi into the boiling water in batches to avoid crowding.
11. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface.
12. Remove the gnocchi with a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate. Tip: Avoid overcooking, as they will become mushy.
13. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it foams and turns lightly golden.
14. Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and toss to coat in the butter.
15. Cook for 1-2 minutes, shaking the pan, until the gnocchi are lightly golden in spots.
16. Season with black pepper and serve immediately. Tip: For extra flavor, finish with a squeeze of lemon juice or grated Parmesan.
A final note: These gnocchi are tender and pillowy, with a subtle garlicky kick from the wild garlic. The browned butter adds a nutty richness that complements the fresh cheese. Try serving them topped with a fried egg for a simple, satisfying meal.
Wild Garlic and Tomato Bruschetta
A vibrant spring twist on the classic Italian appetizer, this wild garlic bruschetta bursts with fresh flavors. Always use the freshest ingredients you can find for maximum impact. This recipe comes together in under 15 minutes for quick entertaining.
Ingredients
Baguette – 1 loaf
Olive oil – 3 tbsp
Cherry tomatoes – 2 cups
Wild garlic leaves – 1 cup
Salt – ½ tsp
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Slice the baguette into ½-inch thick pieces on a diagonal.
3. Brush both sides of each bread slice with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
4. Arrange bread slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.
5. Toast in the oven for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
6. While bread toasts, halve the cherry tomatoes and place in a medium bowl.
7. Chop the wild garlic leaves into thin ribbons.
8. Add the chopped wild garlic to the tomatoes in the bowl.
9. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the tomato mixture.
10. Sprinkle the salt evenly over the ingredients.
11. Gently toss everything together until well combined.
12. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
13. Spoon the tomato and wild garlic mixture generously onto each toasted bread slice.
14. Serve immediately while the bread is still warm and crisp. Let the bruschetta shine as a colorful starter that wakes up the palate. The crisp bread provides perfect texture contrast against the juicy tomatoes and tender garlic leaves. Layer these on a wooden board for rustic presentation, or top with shaved Parmesan for extra depth.
Wild Garlic and White Bean Stew
Mild spring days call for simple, satisfying meals that come together with minimal fuss. This wild garlic and white bean stew delivers earthy flavors and creamy texture in under an hour. You’ll need just a handful of ingredients for a nourishing bowl that feels both rustic and refined.
Ingredients
– Olive oil – 2 tbsp
– Yellow onion – 1 medium, diced
– Garlic cloves – 3, minced
– Wild garlic leaves – 2 cups, chopped
– Canned white beans – 2 (15 oz) cans, drained and rinsed
– Vegetable broth – 4 cups
– Salt – 1 tsp
– Black pepper – ½ tsp
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Add diced onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
4. Add chopped wild garlic leaves and cook for 2 minutes until wilted.
5. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil over high heat.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes to develop flavors.
7. Stir in drained white beans, salt, and black pepper.
8. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until beans are heated through and broth has slightly thickened.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Each spoonful offers tender beans in a savory broth with the fresh, garlicky punch of wild greens. Enjoy it ladled over thick slices of crusty bread or with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat. Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors continue to meld.
Wild Garlic and Cheddar Scones
Perfect for spring mornings, these savory scones bake up golden and fragrant. Packed with wild garlic and sharp cheddar, they come together quickly with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
- Flour – 2 cups
- Baking powder – 1 tbsp
- Salt – 1 tsp
- Butter – ½ cup
- Heavy cream – ¾ cup
- Wild garlic – ½ cup
- Cheddar cheese – 1 cup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
- Cut cold butter into small cubes.
- Work butter into flour mixture using your fingertips until pea-sized crumbs form. Tip: Keep butter cold for flaky layers.
- Stir in chopped wild garlic and shredded cheddar.
- Pour in heavy cream.
- Mix gently with a fork until just combined. Tip: Do not overmix to avoid tough scones.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface.
- Pat into a 1-inch thick circle.
- Cut into 8 wedges with a sharp knife.
- Arrange wedges 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheet.
- Brush tops with extra heavy cream.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown. Tip: Check at 15 minutes—scones are done when bottoms sound hollow when tapped.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool for 5 minutes.
Rich and crumbly, these scones boast a tender interior with pockets of melted cheese. Serve warm with soft butter or alongside a bowl of tomato soup for a cozy meal.
Wild Garlic and Asparagus Stir-Fry
Dive into this vibrant spring stir-fry that comes together in minutes. Fresh wild garlic and crisp asparagus create a dish bursting with seasonal flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something healthy and fast.
Ingredients
Wild garlic – 2 cups
Asparagus – 1 lb
Olive oil – 2 tbsp
Soy sauce – 1 tbsp
Red pepper flakes – ½ tsp
Salt – ½ tsp
Instructions
1. Wash asparagus and trim off tough ends by snapping them where they naturally break.
2. Cut asparagus into 2-inch pieces on the diagonal for faster cooking.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 1 minute).
4. Add asparagus pieces and stir-fry for 4 minutes until bright green but still crisp.
5. Add wild garlic and continue stir-frying for 1 minute until just wilted.
6. Sprinkle salt and red pepper flakes evenly over the vegetables.
7. Pour soy sauce around the edges of the pan to caramelize slightly.
8. Stir-fry everything together for 30 seconds until well combined.
9. Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking.
Crisp-tender asparagus provides satisfying crunch against the silky wild garlic leaves. The soy sauce adds umami depth while red pepper flakes bring subtle heat. Serve over quinoa or toss with pasta for a complete meal.
