As I rummaged through my fridge one afternoon, I found a beautiful pack of fresh wood ear mushrooms nestled beside some vibrant celery. I couldn’t resist their unique texture and the delightful crunch they promised. That’s when inspiration struck! With the allure of fresh flavors and a tangy dressing in mind, I whipped up a Wood Ear Mushroom Salad that turned out to be a showstopper.
This refreshing salad combines the earthy flavor of wood ear mushrooms with crisp celery and a zingy dressing that dances on your palate. Perfect for those mundane weeknight dinners or as a breath of fresh air at your next potluck, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also a wonderful, healthy alternative to takeout. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a dish that impresses without the stress. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket. Let’s dive in!
Why choose Wood Ear Mushroom Salad today?
Bursting with Flavor: This salad brings together a medley of vibrant ingredients, creating a refreshing dish that pops with flavor.
Quick to Prepare: In just 17 minutes, you can serve up something special—ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Nutritious and Light: At only 54 calories per serving, this salad is a guilt-free option that satisfies without weighing you down.
Unique Ingredients: The wood ear mushrooms offer a distinctive texture and earthy flavor, sure to intrigue guests and elevate any meal.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive celebration, this wood ear mushroom salad is sure to impress everyone at the table. You may also want to explore other refreshing options like my Five-Spice Quinoa Salad, to keep your salad game exciting!
Wood Ear Mushroom Salad Ingredients
• Get ready to create a delightful dish!
For the Salad
- Wood ear mushrooms – This central ingredient brings a unique texture and earthy flavor to your Wood Ear Mushroom Salad.
- Celery stalks – Finely sliced for a crisp bite that complements the mushrooms.
- Green onions – Adds a fresh, aromatic touch that elevates the flavor profile.
- Garlic clove – Minced for an extra layer of savory richness in the salad.
For the Dressing
- Spicy chili crisp – Provides a delicious kick that enhances the salad’s overall flavor.
- Chinkiang vinegar – This Chinese black vinegar adds tang and depth to the dressing.
- Soy sauce – A savory component that accentuates all the other flavors beautifully.
- Mirin – Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the acidity and spice.
- Sesame oil – Rich and nutty, it brings warmth to the dressing with every bite.
- Sesame seeds – Sprinkled on top for a nutty crunch and a lovely finishing touch.
How to Make Wood Ear Mushroom Salad
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Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, mix together the spicy chili crisp, chinkiang vinegar, soy sauce, mirin, and sesame oil. Stir until well combined, and set aside to let the flavors meld.
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Boil the mushrooms: Bring a medium pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Carefully add the wood ear mushrooms and allow them to boil for 2 minutes, ensuring they soften slightly.
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Rinse the mushrooms: After boiling, drain the mushrooms and immediately rinse them under cold water. Keep rinsing until they’re cold; this helps maintain their texture. Drain well and gently pat them dry with paper towels.
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Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled wood ear mushrooms, finely sliced celery, and chopped green onions. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss everything together until well coated.
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Chill the salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate your wood ear mushroom salad for 1 hour before serving. This allows the salad to absorb all the delicious flavors from the dressing.
Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added crunch just before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Wood Ear Mushroom Salad
Fridge: Store leftover wood ear mushroom salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps maintain freshness and prevents spoilage.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as it may alter the texture of the wood ear mushrooms and other fresh ingredients.
Reheating: If you find yourself with leftover salad after refrigeration, it’s best served cold. Simply give it a good stir before enjoying it again!
Expert Tips for Wood Ear Mushroom Salad
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Ingredient Freshness: Use fresh wood ear mushrooms if possible, as they offer the best texture and flavor. Dried ones work but rehydrate them properly to avoid a rubbery bite.
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Perfect Boil: Don’t boil the mushrooms for too long—2 minutes is just right! Overcooking will make them rubbery, detracting from that delightful crunch.
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Chill Time: Allowing the salad to sit in the refrigerator for 1 hour is crucial for flavor absorption. Don’t rush this step for the best taste!
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Adjust the Spice: If you’re cautious about heat, start with one teaspoon of spicy chili crisp and adjust to your liking.
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Serve Chilled: This dish is best enjoyed chilled, making it a refreshing accompaniment to your favorite protein or simply on its own.
Wood Ear Mushroom Salad Variations
Feel free to get creative with this refreshing dish! Experimenting with flavors can elevate your Wood Ear Mushroom Salad to new heights.
- Vegan: Replace soy sauce with tamari and omit the mirin for a completely plant-based option that’s still full of flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add extra chili crisp or some chopped fresh jalapeños to amp up the heat and excitement in every bite.
- Nutty Texture: Toss in some chopped peanuts or toasted almonds for a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the chewy mushrooms.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for an aromatic lift that adds a delightful twist to this salad. They harmonize perfectly with the earthy mushrooms.
- Citrus Zing: Squeeze some fresh lime or lemon juice into the dressing for a zesty kick that brightens the whole dish. A little citrus goes a long way!
- Fruit Addition: Experiment with diced mango or grapefruit sections to bring a sweet and tangy aspect that complements the earthy flavors wonderfully.
- Asian Flair: Incorporate some sliced radishes or carrots for a pop of color and added crunch, making the salad even more vibrant.
- Creamy Delight: For a luxurious twist, mix in some avocado slices before chilling for a creamy texture that takes this salad to a whole new level.
What to Serve with Wood Ear Mushroom Salad?
Creating the perfect meal is all about harmony and balance, and this refreshing salad sets the stage beautifully.
- Grilled Chicken: Juicy and smoky, grilled chicken adds a protein boost that pairs wonderfully with the salad’s crunch and acidity.
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: The light and fragrant rice soaks up the vibrant flavors of the salad, creating a delightful contrast in textures.
- Sesame Noodles: These noodles provide a nutty flavor and complement the sesame oil in the salad, enhancing the Asian-inspired theme of your meal.
- Teriyaki Tofu: Marinated tofu brings a savory sweetness that balances the zesty salad, making for an intriguing and satisfying combination.
- Pickled Vegetables: Tangy and colorful pickled veggies add a zesty element to your plate, making every bite an explosion of flavor.
- Chilled Sake: This Japanese rice wine is a perfect pairing for the salad, as its smooth finish highlights the earthiness of the wood ear mushrooms.
- Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits lends a sweet contrast, making your meal feel even more vibrant and festive.
Make Ahead Options
These Wood Ear Mushroom Salad ingredients are excellent for meal prep, making it a fantastic choice for those busy weeknights! You can prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables up to 24 hours in advance; just store them separately in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. The boiled and cooled wood ear mushrooms can also be kept for up to 3 days in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, simply toss the mushrooms, celery, and green onions with the dressing, and your salad will be just as delightful as the day you made it. This way, you can enjoy a refreshing Wood Ear Mushroom Salad with minimal effort, saving you valuable time!
Wood Ear Mushroom Salad Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting wood ear mushrooms?
Absolutely! When choosing fresh wood ear mushrooms, look for ones that are firm and have a slightly glossy appearance. They should be a vibrant dark brown or black color without any dark spots or signs of wilting. If you’re using dried mushrooms, ensure they are free of mold and have a pleasant earthy aroma.
How do I store leftover wood ear mushroom salad?
For sure! Store any leftover wood ear mushroom salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To keep the ingredients crisp, avoid storing it with the dressing if possible—mix it just before serving to maintain that delightful crunch!
Can I freeze wood ear mushroom salad?
Not really! I would advise against freezing wood ear mushroom salad. Freezing can compromise the texture of the mushrooms and the freshness of the other ingredients, resulting in a mushy salad once thawed. It’s best to enjoy this salad fresh.
What if I overcooked the mushrooms?
Very! If you accidentally overcooked the mushrooms and they turned out rubbery, I recommend trying to slice them thinner for your salad. This could help reduce the chewiness. You could also consider adding a bit more dressing to mask the texture a little, though it won’t completely fix the issue.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Certainly! For those with allergies, the recipe contains soy sauce which is made from wheat; gluten-free soy sauce can be substituted for a gluten-free option. Furthermore, if you have a sensitivity to spice, feel free to reduce or omit the spicy chili crisp. Always check the labels if you’re cooking for anyone with specific dietary needs or allergies!
Can I add other vegetables to my wood ear mushroom salad?
Absolutely! The more the merrier! Feel free to get creative with the vegetables. Crunchy bell peppers or crisp cucumbers can enhance both the color and crunchiness of your salad. Just make sure to keep the overall balance of flavors in mind. Enjoy experimenting!
Delicious Wood Ear Mushroom Salad for a Refreshing Twist
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, mix together the spicy chili crisp, chinkiang vinegar, soy sauce, mirin, and sesame oil. Stir until well combined, and set aside.
- Bring a medium pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the wood ear mushrooms and boil for 2 minutes.
- Drain the mushrooms and rinse under cold water until they are cold. Drain well and pat dry.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled mushrooms, celery, and green onions. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss until well coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.
- Garnish with sesame seeds just before serving.