Salad with mushrooms and potatoes

A salad with mushrooms and potatoes is a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect as a side or a main course. Combining tender potatoes with savory mushrooms and fresh herbs makes for a satisfying and nutritious meal. Here’s a simple recipe for a warm mushroom and potato salad:

Ingredients:

  • For the Salad:

    • 1 pound (450 g) small potatoes (such as baby potatoes or new potatoes), halved or quartered
    • 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms (such as cremini, button, or a mix), sliced
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or lemon juice
    • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
    • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
    • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
    • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • For the Dressing:

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

Instructions:

  1. Prepare and Cook the Potatoes:

    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
    • In a large bowl, toss the halved or quartered potatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, pepper, and dried thyme or rosemary.
    • Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer.
    • Roast in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until tender and golden brown, flipping halfway through.
  2. Cook the Mushrooms:

    • While the potatoes are roasting, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
    • Add the sliced mushrooms, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
    • Cook until the mushrooms are browned and tender, about 8-10 minutes. Set aside.
  3. Make the Dressing:

    • In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar (or red wine vinegar), Dijon mustard, honey (if using), minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  4. Combine the Salad:

    • In a large bowl, combine the roasted potatoes, cooked mushrooms, chopped red onion, and fresh parsley.
    • Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients.
  5. Garnish and Serve:

    • If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top.
    • Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips:

  • Variations: You can add other vegetables such as bell peppers or green beans to the salad. For extra protein, consider adding cooked chicken or bacon bits.
  • Potatoes: For a creamier texture, you can use Yukon Gold potatoes or fingerling potatoes.
  • Make-Ahead: This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just add the dressing before serving.

This mushroom and potato salad is a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for any time of the year. Enjoy!