Salad with mushrooms and potatoes

A salad with mushrooms and potatoes combines earthy flavors with a hearty, satisfying texture. This warm or room-temperature salad is perfect as a main dish or a side. Here’s a recipe to help you create this flavorful salad:

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

  • 1 pound (450g) baby potatoes or new potatoes, halved
  • 8 ounces (225g) mushrooms, sliced (button mushrooms, cremini, or your choice)
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or mixed greens
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

For the Dressing:

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes:

  1. Cook the Potatoes:

    • Place the halved baby potatoes in a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork.
  2. Drain and Cool:

    • Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly. You can also cut them into bite-sized pieces if they are too large.

2. Prepare the Mushrooms:

  1. Sauté the Mushrooms:
    • In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they are golden brown and tender, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Prepare the Dressing:

  1. Combine Ingredients:
    • In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the remaining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.

4. Assemble the Salad:

  1. Combine Ingredients:

    • In a large bowl, combine the cooked potatoes, sautéed mushrooms, thinly sliced red onion, and fresh spinach or mixed greens.
  2. Add Dressing:

    • Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
  3. Add Fresh Herbs and Cheese:

    • Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and crumbled feta cheese, if using.

5. Serve:

  1. Serve Warm or at Room Temperature:
    • The salad can be served warm or at room temperature. If making in advance, allow the salad to cool slightly before serving.

Tips:

  • Mushroom Variety: Experiment with different types of mushrooms such as shiitake or portobello for varied flavors.
  • Potato Alternatives: You can use other types of potatoes like red potatoes or Yukon Gold; adjust cooking time as needed.
  • Additions: Consider adding other vegetables like bell peppers or green beans for extra color and texture.

Enjoy your salad with mushrooms and potatoes—it's a delicious blend of savory, earthy flavors that make for a hearty and satisfying dish!