Are you ready to elevate your salad game with a dish that’s as vibrant as it is delicious? Introducing the Mushroom Parmesan Salad over Spinach—a delightful Italian-inspired creation that combines earthy mushrooms, fresh spinach, and the rich, nutty flavor of Parmesan cheese. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up this refreshing salad that’s perfect for a light lunch or as a stunning side dish for dinner. With a zesty lemon dressing that ties it all together, this recipe is not just a meal; it's an experience that will leave your taste buds singing! Dive into our article to discover the secrets to making this irresistible salad that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 4 cups spinach leaves
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by washing the spinach leaves thoroughly under cold running water. After rinsing, gently pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture. Place the cleaned spinach in a large salad bowl.
- Next, prepare the mushrooms. Clean the mushrooms with a damp cloth to remove any dirt. Slice the mushrooms evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.
- In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced mushrooms to the pan. Sauté the mushrooms for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste while cooking.
- Once the mushrooms are cooked, remove the skillet from heat and allow them to cool slightly. This will help prevent the spinach from wilting too much when combined.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper to create a simple dressing. This will add brightness and flavor to the salad.
- Once the mushrooms have cooled, add them to the bowl of spinach. Drizzle the lemon dressing over the spinach and mushrooms, and toss gently to combine, ensuring that the spinach is evenly coated.
- Finally, sprinkle 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the salad. Toss again lightly to distribute the cheese throughout the salad.
- Serve the Mushroom Parmesan Salad immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful Italian-inspired dish!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, select fresh spinach and high-quality mushrooms. Baby spinach works wonderfully for its tender texture.
- Don’t Overcook the Mushrooms: Sauté the mushrooms just until they are golden brown and tender. Overcooking can lead to a mushy texture, so keep an eye on them!
- Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to experiment with the dressing! Adding a touch of minced garlic or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can give your salad an extra kick.
- Serve Immediately: This salad is best enjoyed fresh. The longer it sits, the more the spinach will wilt, so serve it right after tossing for optimal crunch.
- Add More Flavor: Consider adding other ingredients like cherry tomatoes, avocado, or toasted nuts for additional flavor and texture.
- Make It a Meal: To turn this salad into a hearty main dish, add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
