Solvent-dispersible magnetite particles (Fe₃O₄) functionalized with dopamine (DA) and N,N-dimethylglycine (DMG) were successfully prepared by a one-pot synthesis method with environment-friendly materials. Then Pd⁰ nanoparticles were anchored onto the functionalized Fe₃O₄. The prepared materials were thoroughly characterized by TEM, XRD, XPS, FT-IR and VSM. The resultant magnetically recoverable Pd catalyst exhibited excellent catalytic activity for the C–C coupling reaction. In addition, this catalyst revealed high efficiency and stability during recycling stages. This work should be useful for the development and application of a magnetically recoverable Pd catalyst on the basis of green chemistry principles.