Fireweed leaf salad with vinaigrette
Fireweed leaf salad with vinaigrette is a fresh, vibrant salad made from the tender, young leaves of the fireweed plant (Epilobium angustifolium), dressed in a simple oil-and-vinegar-based vinaigrette. The dish is foraged from wild, often post-fire landscapes in Northern Hemisphere regions like North America, Europe, and Asia, and is celebrated for its earthy, slightly peppery flavor.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This salad is low in calories, carbohydrates, and fat, with a modest amount of protein and a good boost of dietary fiber. It is a nutrient-dense food, providing significant amounts of vitamins A and C, as well as minerals like iron and calcium, with a typical serving containing roughly 40-60 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 45 kcal |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbs | 6 g |
| Fat | 2 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 1.5 g |
| Sodium | 10 mg |
| Vitamin A | 2500 IU (50% DV) |
| Vitamin C | 40 mg (67% DV) |
| Vitamin K | 50 µg (42% DV) |
| Calcium | 80 mg (8% DV) |
| Iron | 1.5 mg (8% DV) |
| Potassium | 350 mg (10% DV) |
| Magnesium | 20 mg (5% DV) |
| Manganese | 0.4 mg (17% DV) |
Per 1 cup (56 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, fireweed is known as a pioneer species that first colonizes land after a fire or disturbance, making it a symbol of resilience and renewal in many northern communities. Nutritionally, its leaves are exceptionally high in vitamin C and contain unique antioxidants like flavonoids, which have been studied for their potential health benefits.
