Mushroom salad

Grilled Mushroom Salad - a simple and delicious recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Number of servings: 4

The history of mushroom salad is lost in the mists of time, with roots in diverse culinary traditions. This salad is a perfect choice for warm summer days, but can be enjoyed at any time of the year. Mushrooms, rich in nutrients and with an intense flavor, can be prepared in numerous ways, and grilling them gives a special aroma that will add extra flavor to your meal. Additionally, this recipe is ideal for those who want to prepare a quick yet healthy dish.

Necessary ingredients:
- 250 g mushrooms (choose fresh mushrooms such as champignon or porcini for a special taste)
- 4 ripe tomatoes (Roma tomatoes are excellent due to their texture)
- 1 onion (you can use red onion for a color contrast and extra sweetness)
- 3 cloves of garlic (fresh, not dried, for a more intense flavor)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (opt for extra virgin olive oil for a richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon honey (for a sweet note that balances the acidity)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed is always best)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (for a fresh and aromatic finish)

Step 1: Preparing the mushrooms
Start by cleaning the mushrooms. Use a small knife to remove the skin from their surface. While many chefs recommend not washing mushrooms, it’s your choice – if you prefer, you can rinse them lightly under cold running water, but make sure to dry them well to avoid diluting the flavor. After cleaning, slice the mushrooms thinly for even cooking.

Step 2: Grilling
Preheat the grill or stovetop to medium-high heat. Place the mushroom slices on the grill and let them brown for 2-3 minutes until they start to turn slightly golden. Flip them and let them cook on the other side as well. They should be cooked but not overdone, to maintain a crunchy texture.

Step 3: Preparing the vegetables
Meanwhile, wash the tomatoes well and cut them into slices or cubes, as preferred. Carefully arrange them on a large platter. Peel the onion and slice it into thin strips (or julienne). The red onion will add a note of sweetness, but you can also use white onion if you prefer a milder taste.

Step 4: Assembling the salad
Once the mushrooms are ready, transfer them to a large bowl. Add the sliced onion over the tomatoes and mushrooms. Now it’s time to prepare the dressing.

Step 5: Preparing the dressing
In a small bowl, combine the crushed garlic (made into a paste with a knife or garlic press), olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Mix well until you achieve a smooth sauce. This dressing will add a note of flavor and perfectly complement the grilled mushrooms.

Step 6: Finalizing the salad
Pour the dressing over the vegetable and mushroom mixture, then sprinkle the chopped fresh dill on top. Gently mix to ensure an even distribution of flavors.

Serving:
Grilled mushroom salad is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it as an appetizer or as a side dish alongside grilled meat, fish, or even with cheeses for an appetizer platter. It’s an excellent choice for a summer meal or a family dinner.

Useful tips:
- If you want to add extra flavor, you can sprinkle some grated parmesan on top before serving.
- Experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or portobello, to bring a different taste to your salad.
- This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Nutritional information:
This salad is not only tasty but also healthy. Mushrooms are rich in B vitamins, and tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. In total, a serving of grilled mushroom salad has approximately 150 calories, making it a perfect choice for a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use canned mushrooms?
It is preferable to use fresh mushrooms to maintain texture and flavor. If you use canned mushrooms, make sure to drain them well.

2. Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
Of course! Cucumbers, peppers, or even grilled zucchini would add a note of freshness and variety.

3. What drinks pair well with this salad?
A dry white wine or a refreshing lemonade are excellent choices to accompany the grilled mushroom salad.

I encourage you to try this simple and delicious grilled mushroom salad recipe. It will surely become a favorite in your kitchen! Enjoy your meal!