With just a handful of ingredients and about 15 minutes, this warm mushroom salad brings bold flavor to any meal. Earthy mushrooms are lightly sautéed, then tossed with tender leafy greens in a savory sesame dressing for a simple dish that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2–4
Ingredients
Salad
- 8 maitake mushrooms
- 8 shiitake mushrooms
- 1 bunch soft leafy greens (such as spinach, baby kale, or tatsoi)
- 1½ tablespoons avocado oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher or sea salt
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Sesame Dressing
- 3 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 teaspoon honey or raw sugar
Directions
- Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the sesame seeds and toast for 3–5 minutes, stirring or shaking the pan occasionally, until fragrant and lightly golden. Transfer to a plate. For a smoother dressing, lightly crush the toasted seeds with a mortar and pestle.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce (or tamari), honey, and toasted sesame seeds.
- Remove the stems from the mushrooms and slice them into thin pieces.
- Trim the leafy greens, if needed, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and sauté for 2–3 minutes.
- Sprinkle with the salt, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for about 2 more minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender.
- Pour the sesame dressing over the mushrooms and toss until evenly coated. Drizzle with the sesame oil and stir to combine.
- Add the leafy greens just before removing the pan from the heat. Toss gently until the greens are just wilted by the residual heat.
- Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy warm.
Make It a Meal: Add sliced roasted chicken breast or grilled steak for a protein-packed entrée, or serve your favorite protein alongside the salad.
Final Thoughts
Mushrooms are packed with flavor and nutrients, making them an easy way to add heartiness to meals without relying on heavy ingredients. Shiitake mushrooms offer a rich, savory taste, while maitake mushrooms have delicate, feathery clusters that crisp beautifully when cooked. Don’t have these varieties on hand? Cremini, oyster, or even button mushrooms work wonderfully too.
Mushrooms are naturally low in calories and provide fiber, B vitamins, selenium, and antioxidants that support overall health. Pairing them with leafy greens and heart-healthy sesame seeds creates a dish that’s rich in flavor while providing vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.
About the Author: Cara Gerard is a Certified Nutrition Counselor with Nourish Your Healthspan. Cara is also a Redwood Empire Food Bank volunteer.
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