This flavorful herb-marinated mushroom and celery salad is a unique twist on the traditional salad. The earthy mushrooms are bathed in a robust marinade packed with herbs, garlic, and tangy vinegar, then chilled for a perfect blend of flavors. The crisp celery offers a refreshing and crunchy contrast, making this salad a delightful addition to any meal.
Photos of Herb-Marinated Mushroom and Celery Salad Recipe
The ingredients for this recipe are relatively common, but you may need to check for the specific types of herbs such as mint, thyme, oregano, and tarragon. Also, the recipe calls for mixed mushrooms. These can be a combination of any type of mushrooms that you like, such as button, cremini, shiitake, or portobello. When shopping, ensure to pick firm and fresh mushrooms for the best results.
Ingredients for Herb-Marinated Mushroom and Celery Salad
Dry white wine: It's used in the marinade to add acidity and flavor.
Extra virgin olive oil: This oil is used for its rich and full-bodied flavor.
White wine vinegar: It adds a sharp and tangy flavor to the marinade.
Garlic: Garlic adds a pungent, spicy flavor that mellows and sweetens considerably with cooking.
Mint: Fresh mint leaves add a cool, refreshing flavor.
Thyme: Thyme has a subtle, dry aroma and a slight minty flavor.
Oregano: Oregano has a pungent, peppery flavor that makes it a perfect addition to the marinade.
Tarragon: Tarragon has a delicate anise flavor.
Kosher salt: Besides seasoning, it also helps to extract moisture and tenderize the mushrooms.
Mixed mushrooms: They are the star of the recipe and offer an earthy flavor.
Celery ribs: Celery adds a refreshing crunch to the salad.
Flat leaf parsley: It adds a slight peppery note and brings a fresh taste.
One reader, Cristionna Wilkes says:
This herb-marinated mushroom and celery salad recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so vibrant and refreshing. The marination process really infuses the mushrooms and celery with a burst of herbaceous goodness. It's a delightful addition to any meal and always impresses my guests. Highly recommended!
Techniques Required
How to marinate the mushrooms: The mushrooms are marinated in a mixture of dry white wine, olive oil, white wine vinegar, garlic, mint, thyme, oregano, and tarragon. The mixture is brought to a boil, then simmered and seasoned with salt and pepper before adding the mushrooms. The mushrooms are then boiled in the mixture for 2 minutes before being transferred to a bowl and refrigerated for at least 2 days.
How to reduce the marinade: After marinating the mushrooms, the cooking liquid is boiled over high heat for about 10 minutes until reduced by one-third. The reduced marinade is then cooled to room temperature and poured over the marinated mushrooms.
How to prepare the celery and parsley dressing: The reserved marinade is boiled in a saucepan until reduced to ⅓ cup. It is then transferred to a bowl and cooled to room temperature. Minced garlic is added, and the mixture is seasoned with salt. The celery and parsley are then stirred into the dressing.
How to serve the salad: The celery and parsley dressing is spread on a platter, and the marinated mushrooms are spooned on top before serving.
How To Make Herb-Marinated Mushroom and Celery Salad
A couple days of marinating in white wine and a blend of herbs brings out the best flavors in this simple mushroom and celery salad.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 750mldry white wine,(1 bottle)
- 1½cupsextra virgin olive oil
- ½cupwhite wine vinegar
- 16clovesgarlic
- 4sprigsmint
- 4sprigsthyme
- 4sprigsoregano
- 2sprigstarragon
- kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
- 4½lbsmixed mushrooms,such as white button
- 12medium celery ribs
- ¼cupflat leaf parsley,finely chopped
Instructions
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In a large pot, combine the wine, olive oil, vinegar, coarsely chopped garlic, mint, thyme, oregano, and tarragon and bring to a boil.
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Reduce the heat to moderate and simmer for 5 minutes.
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Add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper and return to a boil.
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Add the mushrooms and boil over moderately high heat for 2 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer the mushrooms to a large bowl.
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Boil the mushroom cooking liquid over high heat for about 10 minutes until reduced by one-third.
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Let the cooking liquid cool to room temperature, then season it with salt and pour it over the mushrooms.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 days or for up to 1 week.
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Drain the mushrooms, reserving 1 cup of the marinade.
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Pour the reserved marinade into a medium saucepan and boil for about 7 minutes until reduced to ⅓ cup. Transfer to a medium bowl and let cool to room temperature.
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Add the minced garlic and season with salt. Stir in the celery and parsley.
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Spread the celery on a platter, spoon the marinated mushrooms on top and serve.
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Make-Ahead: The mushrooms can marinate in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Nutrition
- Calories: 349.39kcal
- Fat: 27.80g
- Saturated Fat: 3.88g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 19.73g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.21g
- Carbohydrates: 11.54g
- Fiber: 3.41g
- Sugar: 4.59g
- Protein: 6.28g
- Sodium: 746.77mg
- Calcium: 66.89mg
- Potassium: 766.32mg
- Iron: 2.46mg
- Vitamin A: 25.61µg
- Vitamin C: 9.99mg
Mastering the Marinating Technique
When marinating mushrooms, it's important to ensure they are fully submerged in the marinade for the entire duration. This allows the flavors to fully penetrate the mushrooms, resulting in a more flavorful dish. If the mushrooms float to the top, you can use a plate or other weight to keep them submerged. Additionally, the longer you marinate, the more intense the flavors will be. However, be careful not to over-marinate as it can make the mushrooms too soft and mushy.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Salad
Prep ahead: Marinate the mushrooms and celery a day in advance to allow the flavors to develop, saving you time on the day of serving.
Use pre-sliced mushrooms: Opt for pre-sliced mushrooms to cut down on prep time and make the recipe more convenient.
Multi-task: While the mushrooms are marinating, use that time to prepare other components of your meal to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.
Quick reduction: Speed up the reduction process by increasing the heat and using a wider pan to evaporate the liquid faster.
Efficient assembly: Prepare the celery and parsley while the marinade is reducing to streamline the final steps of the recipe.
Substitute Ingredients For Herb-Marinated Mushroom and Celery Salad Recipe
dry white wine - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can add a savory depth of flavor similar to white wine in the marinade.
extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in the marinade.
white wine vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can provide a slightly fruity and tangy flavor similar to white wine vinegar.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can offer a milder, slightly sweet flavor compared to garlic in the marinade.
mint - Substitute with basil: Basil can provide a fresh and aromatic flavor similar to mint in the marinade.
thyme - Substitute with rosemary: Rosemary can add a woody and earthy flavor similar to thyme in the marinade.
oregano - Substitute with marjoram: Marjoram has a similar flavor profile to oregano and can be used as a substitute in the marinade.
tarragon - Substitute with dill: Dill can offer a slightly tangy and aromatic flavor similar to tarragon in the marinade.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a similar level of salinity and enhance the flavors in the marinade.
freshly ground pepper - Substitute with cracked black pepper: Cracked black pepper can provide a similar level of spiciness and aroma to freshly ground pepper in the marinade.
mixed mushrooms - Substitute with portobello mushrooms: Portobello mushrooms have a meaty texture and rich flavor, making them a suitable substitute for mixed mushrooms in the salad.
celery ribs - Substitute with fennel bulbs: Fennel bulbs can offer a crunchy texture and a slightly sweet, aromatic flavor similar to celery in the salad.
flat leaf parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro can provide a fresh and citrusy flavor similar to flat leaf parsley in the salad.
Plating Ideas for a Beautiful Presentation
Elevate the plating: Arrange the marinated mushrooms and celery salad in a visually appealing manner, ensuring each component is showcased beautifully.
Incorporate contrasting textures: Introduce a variety of textures by incorporating crunchy celery, tender marinated mushrooms, and a silky reduction, creating a harmonious balance.
Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of each element, ensuring that the dish exudes elegance and sophistication.
Utilize vibrant garnishes: Introduce a pop of color and freshness with a sprinkle of microgreens or edible flowers to enhance the visual appeal.
Emphasize the marination process: Highlight the depth of flavor by showcasing the meticulous marination process, conveying the dedication to infusing the ingredients with exquisite taste.
Highlight the reduction: Showcase the glossy reduction in a subtle manner, drawing attention to the rich flavors it imparts to the dish.
Embrace minimalism: Emphasize the beauty of simplicity by allowing the natural colors and textures of the marinated mushrooms and celery to take center stage.
Create a focal point: Design the plating to feature a focal point, drawing the eye to the meticulously arranged marinated mushrooms and celery salad.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Utilize artistic drizzling techniques with the reduction to add a touch of finesse to the presentation.
Emphasize balance and harmony: Ensure that the plating reflects a sense of balance and harmony, creating an inviting visual composition that complements the exquisite flavors of the dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools You'll Need
Large pot: A large pot is used for boiling the marinade and cooking the mushrooms.
Slotted spoon: A slotted spoon is used to transfer the mushrooms from the boiling liquid to a bowl.
Saucepan: A saucepan is used to reduce the reserved marinade and create a flavorful dressing for the salad.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- The herb-marinated mushroom and celery salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- To maintain the crispness of the celery, store it separately from the marinated mushrooms and combine them just before serving.
- If you have leftover marinade, you can store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week and use it as a flavorful dressing for other salads or as a marinade for grilled vegetables or meats.
- Freezing this salad is not recommended, as the texture of the mushrooms and celery will become soft and watery upon thawing, compromising the overall quality of the dish.
- If you have prepared the herb marinade in advance and wish to store it for later use, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw the marinade in the refrigerator overnight before using it to marinate the mushrooms.
Random Fact about Herb-Marinated Mushroom and Celery Salad
The herb-marinated mushroom and celery salad recipe is a great make-ahead dish, as the mushrooms can marinate in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. This allows for advanced preparation, making it a convenient and time-saving option for busy schedules.
Is Making This Salad Economical for Home Cooking?
This herb-marinated mushroom and celery salad recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The use of mushrooms and celery makes it budget-friendly, while the marinade ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens. The recipe's simplicity and minimal waste make it a great option for those looking to save money without compromising on flavor. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it an economical choice. Overall Verdict: 9/10.
Is This Mushroom and Celery Salad Healthy?
This herb-marinated mushroom and celery salad recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it features a variety of nutrient-dense ingredients such as mushrooms, celery, and fresh herbs. Mushrooms are low in calories and rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, while celery provides dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The fresh herbs add flavor and additional antioxidants to the dish.
However, the recipe also includes a significant amount of olive oil and white wine, which can contribute to a higher calorie and alcohol content. The marinade reduction process further concentrates the alcohol and oil, potentially making the dish less healthy.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of olive oil used in the marinade, or substitute a portion of it with a lower-calorie alternative like vegetable broth or lemon juice
- Use a mixture of fresh and dried herbs to reduce the overall oil content while maintaining flavor
- Opt for a lower alcohol content wine or replace some of the wine with additional vinegar or citrus juice
- Increase the proportion of celery to mushrooms to boost the fiber content and lower the overall calorie density
- Serve the salad over a bed of leafy greens to add more nutrients and fiber
By incorporating these changes, you can enhance the nutritional value of the dish while still preserving its delicious flavors. The modified recipe would be a healthier option, providing a balance of nutrients from the vegetables and herbs while reducing the calorie and alcohol content from the marinade.
Editor's Opinion: A Fresh and Flavorful Salad
The herb-marinated mushroom and celery salad recipe is a delightful blend of flavors. The marination process infuses the mushrooms with a rich, herbaceous essence, while the celery adds a refreshing crunch. The reduction of the marinade intensifies the flavors, creating a luscious dressing for the salad. The make-ahead option allows for advanced preparation, making it a convenient choice for entertaining. This recipe showcases a harmonious balance of textures and tastes, making it a versatile and impressive dish for any occasion.
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Why trust this Herb-Marinated Mushroom and Celery Salad Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of herb-marinated mushrooms and celery, creating a refreshing and flavorful salad. The use of dry white wine and extra virgin olive oil infuses the dish with rich and complex flavors. The inclusion of mint, thyme, oregano, and tarragon ensures a harmonious blend of aromatic herbs. The meticulous process of marinating the mushrooms in a reduction of the cooking liquid guarantees a depth of flavor that will surely impress. With its well-balanced ingredients and meticulous preparation, this recipe promises a delightful and satisfying culinary experience.
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