This easy mushroom salad combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms, the pop of edamame and the freshness of tomatoes with a smoky spiced dressing.
Mushroom Salad with Edamame & Smoked Paprika Dressing
Last week I told you about my one-person "Mushroom Fest", which resulted in Vegetarian Mushroom & Cannellini Bean Ragout. Of course, I am drawn to mushrooms because of their distinctive earthy taste and that meaty texture that allows them to stand on their own in place of meat. Little did I know that my obsession with all-thing fungi was really healthy, too. If you have noticed the sudden appearance of pink paraphernalia in stores and on TV (loving those pink cleats the NFL players are sporting), then you are probably aware that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For several reasons, I feel it is important to support the important theme of this month.
Most of us have probably been effected by breast cancer in one way or another, whether we have lost a family member, supported a friend as she went through treatment after harrowing treatment or have fought breast cancer ourselves. It is a disease that puts fear into women with its meer mention. And yet, it is also a disease that can be fought with measures of prevention, early-detection (come on, ladies - don't avoid those monthly self-exams) and treatments.
In my lifetime, I have seen both ends of the spectrum of breast cancer. My friend's mother battled the disease for years, surrounded by the love of her family and instilled with a positive attitude that amazed all those around her. Unfortunately, she died before she had the chance to meet her grandchildren, before she was able to watch her youngest daughter take the Canadian theater scene by storm. And yet, she is there in all of her daughters and will live on in their kind and generous natures.
I also watched friends fight the disease and survive. They went through chemo and radiation treatments, lost their hair, spent months feeling sicker than sick, dealt with the aftermath of the surgeries and treatments (I had no idea!)...and came out the other side cancer-free. They are my heroes.
So, why am I writing about Breast Cancer Awareness Month and mushrooms in the same post? From September 15 to November 15, select retailers around the nation are selling mushrooms in pink containers in recognition of breast cancer research.
Since 2002, the Mushroom Council has invested more than $750,000 in grants to City of Hope for research on mushrooms and cancer. This fall, the Council will provide an additional $50,000 to continue funding this important research. Mushrooms and cancer? Who knew, right? Well, it turns out that mushrooms are not only low in calories and sodium and fat-free, but they are also contain powerful antioxidants. The City of Hope research is being pursued because of some early signs that these antioxidants may slow breast cancer growth. Bring on the mushrooms, I say.
Now, on to the recipe. This easy salad combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms, the pop of edamame and the freshness of tomatoes with a smoky spiced dressing. Serve it in martini glasses for a dramatic presentation as an appetizer salad, or mix it all together in a large bowl and serve it as a side dish. Either way, the flavors and textures will have you and your guests begging for more. By the way, if you like edamame as much as I do, be sure to check out this Edamame Salad with Ginger Vinaigrette by A Communal Table.
The recipe:
Heat olive oil in a large frying pan set over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and just starting to brown, about 5 minutes.
Season mushrooms with salt and pepper. Meanwhile, Cook edamame according to package instructions, rinse under cold water and remove edamame from the pods. Discard pods.
Add the edamame and cherry tomatoes to the mushroom mixture and stir gently until just heated.
For the dressing, whisk together port wine vinegar (sherry vinegar will also work here), smoked paprika and salt. Slowly pour in olive oil, whisking constantly.
Arrange the mushroom and edamame salad in serving dishes and drizzle with dressing. Serve.
Other favorite mushroom dishes:
Cookin' Canuck's Vegetarian Mushroom & Cannellini Bean Ragout
Cookin' Canuck's Mushroom, Caramelized Onion & Cannellini Bean Salad
Cookin' Canuck's Quinoa with Caramelized Mushrooms, Soy Sauce & Ginger
Kalyn's Kitchen's Roasted Mushrooms with Garlic, Thyme & Balsamic Vinegar
Sippity Sup's Perfectly Seared Scallops with Mushroom Risotto
Rasa Malaysia's Mushroom Tikka Masala
Joy the Baker's Vegan Cream of Mushroom Soup
Printable Recipe
Mushroom, Edamame & Tomato Salad with Smoked Paprika Dressing
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 16 ounces crimini mushrooms thinly sliced
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 bags 9 ounces each edamame in pods
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes cut in half
Dressing:
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon port wine or sherry vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large frying pan set over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and just starting to brown, about 5 minutes. Season mushrooms with salt and pepper.
- Meanwhile, cook edamame according to package instructions, rinse under cold water and remove edamame from the pods. Discard pods.
- Add the edamame and cherry tomatoes to the mushroom mixture and stir gently until just heated.
- For the dressing, whisk together port wine vinegar (sherry vinegar will also work here), smoked paprika and salt. Slowly pour in olive oil, whisking constantly.
- Arrange the mushroom and edamame salad in serving dishes and drizzle with dressing. Serve.
Nutrition
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by the Mushroom Council. All opinions are my own. I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
sharonjo
We just had our annual Relay for Life, which raised $14,000 for cancer research and support. Not bad for our little town of 800 people! I know some of that money goes toward breast cancer research.
I follow Mushroom Channel on twitter and facebook.
(Sharon O.) (@sharonjo2)
Melissa Johnson
I dont twitter or use facebook but I do LOVE mushrooms in everything. Good to know they are so good for you. I am involved in brest cancer awarence in many ways but just recently I purchased a painting by a friend' husband that is donating half the purchase price to a breast cancer awareness group. She is in the last stages of her treatment for her brest cancer and her humor and generousity has been a wonder to behold.
Arlene T.
I support Breast Cancer Awareness Month and cancer prevention by wearing something pink.
I love to try the recipe - sounds great!
I did all three things! I hope to win!
Danielle
I attended the "Breastival" on my university campus. Took part in various activities and purchased a t-shirt promoting awareness and of which all proceeds go to the Komen Foundation.
Nancy@acommunaltable
Hi Dara!
Thank you so much for the "shout out" in your post - that was so sweet of you!!
This salad looks and sounds delicious and just the kind of thing I love. Wonderful idea to serve in a martini glass and it definitely would make a terrific appetizer!!
I liked the Mushroom Channel Facebook page, I follow them on twitter and we donate to the Komen Foundation every year and some years I participate in Race for the Cure!!
Katrina
This is absolutely lovely! I follow mushroom channel on twitter - @katrinadingle
daffy
I'm a breast cancer survivor - coming up on my 7 year cancer-versary. My cancer was detected by a routine mammogram - so I am diligent at following through and getting my mammograms on schedule (as well as other exams). I volunteer with several organizations and speak with other women diagnosed with breast cancer to help and support them.
You have to be really diligent about the companies that pink-wash October - so many just use pink as a marketing ploy - you have to read the fine print and ensure that real $$ is going to help - and understand where/how the money will be spent. We need research to help find the cures that are needed.
Anne
I think a great way to support cancer prevention is to be very conscious about what you eat! Obviously, you can't stop every cancer that way but I think you should be proactive in making a healthy lifestyle for you and your family!
Sarah @ pão e queijo
This salad looks amazing! I get my yearly mammogram and encourage friends and family to do the same- an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! I am a fan on Fb but I don't have Twitter. Great giveaway 🙂
Melanie
That looks awesome!
Chris @ TheKeenanCookBook
I am loving the flavors in this salad. I am a huge fan of edameme. I can snack on them endlessly.
Will be picking up a pink package of mushrooms to support the cause and eat healthier!
Mb
buying products that support the cause!
Donna
You have given me more reasons to LOVE mushrooms!
jacquie
i love mushrooms and am always looking for new ways to incorporate them into my diet. in terms of cancer - i try to eat to nutrious diet whole food diet and encourage others to do the same. do not twitter or do facebook.
jacquieastemborski AT comcast DOT net
Alison @ Ingredients, Inc.
looks great! Can't wait to be on the twitter party tomorrow with you!
Stefani
this looks great! i love mushrooms. i follow the mushroom channel on twitter and have liked it on fb. to support breast cancer awareness, i keep my eye out for products/items paired with pink ribbons! i also support friends/family who walk for the cure..
TJ
I'm a doctor and I encourage all my females patients for whom it is indicated to get a mammogram
Monique
I am not participating..but great photos..inspiration.. stories..etc..
Thanks..I needed that.