Quick Ways to Make Chilled Cucumber And Wood Ear Mushroom Salad for Beginners

Updated
2 min read

Chilled cucumber and wood ear mushroom salad –Today, we’re diving into a delightful and nutritious dish that will enliven your taste buds and spruce up your dining table. This wood ear mushroom salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with an array of flavors. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal on its own, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate more plant-based ingredients into your diet. Let’s get started!

Wood Ear Mushrooms Salad

This salad features the unique texture and mild flavor of wood ear mushrooms, making it a fantastic base for a variety of fresh ingredients.

Wood ear mushrooms salad

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of dried wood ear mushrooms
  • 2 cups of mixed salad greens (like arugula, spinach, or lettuce)
  • 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 bell pepper, julienned (red or yellow for color)
  • 1 carrot, shaved or julienned
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  1. Begin by soaking the dried wood ear mushrooms in warm water for about 30 minutes, or until they have softened. Once softened, drain and rinse them under cold water. Remove any hard stems and slice the mushrooms into bite-sized pieces.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the salad greens, cucumber, bell pepper, carrot, and chopped cilantro.
  3. Add the sliced wood ear mushrooms to the bowl with the vegetables.
  4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce (or tamari), rice vinegar, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  5. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
  6. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  7. Before serving, sprinkle with sesame seeds for a finishing touch!

This wood ear mushroom salad is not only refreshing but adds a unique twist to your regular veggie salads. With its crisp ingredients and zesty dressing, it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering or even a lovely addition to your weeknight dinners. Enjoy!