Elegant Mushroom Salad Recipe

Hearty Woodland Magic: Ina Garten’s Warm Mushroom Salad Recipe

Earthy mushrooms dance with vibrant flavors in this stunning warm mushroom salad by Ina Garten that promises to delight every palate.

Tender, golden-brown mushrooms sizzle and release their rich, woodsy aroma, creating an irresistible dish.

Each bite bursts with a delicate balance of textures and seasonings that elevate simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

The salad whispers gourmet comfort with its elegant simplicity and sophisticated charm.

Robust herbs and a light vinaigrette complement the meaty mushrooms, making this recipe a true standout.

Perfectly suited for an intimate dinner or a luxurious side, this warm mushroom salad will become your new culinary obsession.

Grab your skillet and let the magic begin.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 240 kcal

Servings: 4

Warm Mushroom Salad by Ina Garten: Ingredient Rundown

For Cooking Basics:
  • Butter: Adds rich, velvety flavor and helps create a golden sauté surface for mushrooms.
  • Olive Oil: Creates smooth cooking base and enhances overall dish's Mediterranean essence.
  • Salt and Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that elevate and balance the mushroom's earthy taste.
For Fresh Produce:
  • Arugula: Peppery green providing crisp base with vibrant, slightly bitter undertones.
  • Parsley Leaves: Bright, fresh herb that adds visual appeal and subtle herbaceous freshness.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Intense, concentrated sweet-tangy flavor that complements savory mushrooms.
For Protein and Specialty Ingredients:
  • Mushrooms: Select firm, unblemished caps with smooth surfaces and minimal moisture.
  • Prosciutto: Delicate, salty Italian cured meat that adds luxurious texture and depth.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, granular cheese offering nutty complexity and creamy finish.
  • Sherry Vinegar: Adds sophisticated, slightly sweet acidic note to balance rich ingredients.

Equipment List for Ina’s Mushroom Salad

  • Large saute pan: Essential for cooking mushrooms evenly and creating the warm dressing.
  • Sharp knife: Perfect for slicing mushroom caps precisely and uniformly.
  • Clean sponge: Gently removes dirt from mushroom tops without water.
  • Vegetable peeler: Creates beautiful Parmesan cheese shavings.
  • Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for slicing mushrooms and preparing ingredients.
  • Tongs or spatula: Helps toss and move mushrooms while sautéing.
  • Serving plates or platter: Displays the salad elegantly for serving.

Cooking Instructions for Warm Mushroom Salad

Cooking Instructions for Warm Mushroom Salad

Warm Mushroom Salad Adventure

  • Mushroom Cleansing Technique

Gently brush each mushroom cap with a soft sponge to remove dirt without water, preserving their delicate texture and natural flavor.

  • Mushroom Preparation

Carefully remove stems and slice mushroom caps into elegant, semi-thick pieces that promise a delightful bite.

  • Sautéing Magic

Melt butter and olive oil in a large pan until they dance and bubble. Add mushrooms with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, then cook over medium heat, tossing playfully until they turn golden and tender.

  • Salad Foundation

Create a lush green bed of arugula on serving plates, then drape each with silky prosciutto slices for a luxurious touch.

  • Flavor Explosion

Splash sherry vinegar and remaining olive oil into the pan with cooked mushrooms, creating a rich, tangy sauce that will bring the dish to life.

  • Finishing Flourish

Crown the warm mushrooms with elegant Parmesan shavings, scattered sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh parsley. Season with a final pinch of salt and pepper, then serve immediately to capture the dish’s vibrant essence.

Tips to Elevate Ina Garten’s Mushroom Salad

Tips to Elevate Ina Garten’s Mushroom Salad
  • Gently brush mushroom caps with a soft, dry sponge to remove dirt without adding moisture, which can make them soggy and prevent proper caramelization.
  • Replace white mushrooms with cremini, shiitake, or wild mixed mushrooms for deeper, more complex flavor profiles and interesting textures.
  • Substitute prosciutto with crispy roasted chickpeas or thinly sliced grilled halloumi cheese to create a delicious plant-based alternative that maintains the dish's richness.
  • Deglaze the mushroom pan with dry white wine instead of sherry vinegar for an extra layer of depth and subtle aromatic notes that complement the earthy mushrooms.
  • Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, tarragon, or chervil instead of parsley to introduce unique herbal undertones that elevate the salad's overall taste experience.

Serving Ina Garten’s Warm Mushroom Salad

  • Pair with Crusty Bread: Slice a warm, rustic baguette to soak up the delicious mushroom sauce and catch every drop of flavor.
  • Complement with Wine: Select a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to enhance the earthy mushroom and salty prosciutto notes.
  • Create a Complete Meal: Add a simple roasted chicken or grilled fish alongside this salad for a balanced, elegant dinner that feels both light and satisfying.
  • Elevate with Fresh Herbs: Scatter additional fresh herbs like thyme or chives over the top to brighten the warm salad and add a subtle aromatic touch.

Keeping Mushroom Salad Fresh – Ina Garten Style

  • Prepare Ahead: Slice mushrooms up to 4 hours before cooking, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
  • Quick Serve Strategy: Cook mushrooms just before serving to preserve their warm, tender texture and vibrant flavor profile.
  • Refrigerate Smartly: Store any leftover salad components separately. Keep cooked mushrooms, arugula, and prosciutto in sealed containers for maximum 2 days.
  • Refresh Wisely: Reheat mushrooms gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil to revive their original moisture and prevent drying out.
Print
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Elegant Mushroom Salad Recipe

Elegant Mushroom Salad Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Ina Garten’s warm mushroom salad combines earthy mushrooms with tangy dressing for a sophisticated side. Crisp greens and sautéed mushrooms create a delectable dish you can easily prepare at home.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 slices prosciutto (Italian, good quality)
  • 1 lb (454 g) cremini mushrooms
  • 4 bunches arugula (fresh, washed and spun dry)
  • 8 sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained and julienned)
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) unsalted butter
  • 4 tbsps (60 ml) olive oil (good quality, divided)
  • 1 tsp (5 g) kosher salt
  • ½ tsp (2.5 g) black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) sherry wine vinegar
  • Parmesan cheese (chunk)
  • Parsley leaves (fresh, flat-leaf)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Meticulously brush mushroom tops with a soft, dry tool to remove any debris, avoiding water contact to preserve their delicate structure.
  2. Mushroom Processing: Discard stems and slice caps uniformly into elegant, thin pieces for consistent cooking and visual appeal.
  3. Pan Initialization: Heat a large sauté pan over medium flame, combining butter and olive oil until the mixture transforms into a frothy, golden emulsion.
  4. Mushroom Sautéing: Introduce sliced mushrooms to the heated pan, generously seasoning with salt and black pepper. Toss frequently to ensure even caramelization and develop a rich, golden-brown exterior, cooking for approximately 5-6 minutes.
  5. Plating Foundation: While mushrooms are cooking, artfully arrange arugula leaves across serving plates, then drape prosciutto slices to create a sophisticated base.
  6. Sauce Creation: Deglaze the pan with sherry vinegar and remaining olive oil, creating a glossy, flavorful sauce that enhances the mushrooms’ earthy essence.
  7. Final Assembly: Cascade the hot, golden-brown mushrooms and pan sauce over the prosciutto-lined arugula, then garnish with delicate Parmesan shavings, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh parsley, and a final seasoning of salt and black pepper. Serve immediately to preserve the dish’s warmth and vibrant textures.

Notes

  • Mushroom Handling: Clean mushrooms gently with a soft brush to preserve their delicate texture and prevent water absorption.
  • Precise Slicing: Cut mushroom caps uniformly at 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness for consistent cooking and elegant presentation.
  • Heat Management: Control pan temperature carefully, starting at medium heat and reducing to low to develop rich golden color without burning.
  • Timing is Crucial: Sauté mushrooms for exactly 3-5 minutes, tossing frequently to ensure even cooking and maximize flavor development.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 240
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 19 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Sophia Rivera

Sophia Rivera

Recipe Developer & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

  • Baking and Pastry Arts
  • Seasonal and Local Ingredient Utilization
  • Dessert Menu Planning
  • Culinary Event Coordination

Education

Austin Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Techniques in baking, pastry creation, and dessert presentation.

San Antonio Culinary Institute

  • Program: Diploma in Farm-to-Table Culinary Practices
  • Focus: Emphasis on utilizing locally sourced ingredients and understanding seasonal flavors.

Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. 

Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.

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