One of the first plants to bloom in my yard every year are my chives! With the arrival of these lovely purple pom poms, it lets us know that summer is just around the corner.

Because these beautiful and versatile plants are such early risers, they show up just in time for Father’s Day—or maybe your first ladies’ cocktail hour on the patio!

Chives are a staple in my kitchen, but did you know that the purple flowers are edible too? Beyond tossing them in a salad, you can fry them up for a fun and delicious appetizer: Fried Chive Blossoms!

This recipe is as simple as it is impressive. You’ll turn garden-fresh chive flowers into crispy little bites served with a zesty lemon mayo dip. Perfect for entertaining—or just because.

Ready to impress? Follow these simple steps…

🌿 Step 1: Snip & Prep the Blossoms

Start with 24 fresh chive blossoms
Trim off the purple flowers
Save the green stems for garnish
Rinse gently and pat dry thoroughly
(Dry flowers help the batter stick and prevent splatter!)

🥣 Step 2: Make the Batter

In a mixing bowl, stir together:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1½ cups club soda
Zest of one lemon
½ tsp sea salt

The batter should be smooth and the consistency of a thin pancake batter.

🔥 Step 3: Heat the Oil

Use a wok or deep heavy-bottomed pan
Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil to 375°F
Work in batches (about ¼ of the blossoms at a time)

🍽 Step 4: Fry the Blossoms

Dip blossoms into the batter, coating well
Gently place them into hot oil
Fry for about 2 minutes, turning for even cooking
Remove when lightly golden brown
Drain on paper towels
While hot, sprinkle with Maldon Flaky Sea Salt

Repeat with remaining blossoms until all are golden and crisp.

🍋 Step 5: Mix the Lemon Mayo Dip

In a small bowl, combine:

⅓ cup Hellmann’s mayonnaise
Juice from ½ a lemon

Top with the reserved chive stems, finely chopped, for a pretty (and tasty) garnish.

🌸 Why You’ll Love Fried Chive Blossoms

A fun and unexpected way to use chive flowers
Comes together quickly—prep and fry in under 20 minutes
Great for spring & summer entertaining
Light, crispy, and perfectly dippable
Looks elegant, but is incredibly easy

Bonus: After trimming chives in late spring, they bloom again mid-summer—so you’ll have another chance to make this seasonal treat!

A Simple Summer Showstopper

Fried Chive Blossoms are one of those appetizers that feel extra special—but come together with just a few ingredients and steps. They’re ideal for Father’s Day, garden parties, or a laid-back patio happy hour.

Crispy, golden, and bursting with fresh flavor, they’re sure to become your new favorite way to welcome summer!