Introduction:
Dive into the world of refreshing salads with this Cucumber and Wood Ear Mushroom Salad. Bursting with crisp cucumbers and the unique texture of wood ear mushrooms, this salad is a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Follow this simple recipe to create a light, healthy, and utterly delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- Cucumbers: 2 large, thinly sliced
- Wood Ear Mushrooms: 1 cup, rehydrated and thinly sliced
- Red Bell Pepper: 1, thinly sliced
- Carrot: 1, julienned
- Fresh Cilantro: A handful, chopped
- Sesame Seeds: 2 tablespoons, toasted (for garnish)
For the Dressing:
- Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons
- Rice Vinegar: 2 tablespoons
- Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Honey or Maple Syrup: 1 tablespoon
- Fresh Ginger: 1 teaspoon, grated
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare Wood Ear Mushrooms:
- Soak dried wood ear mushrooms in warm water until rehydrated.
- Thinly slice the rehydrated mushrooms.
2. Slice and Prep Vegetables:
- Thinly slice cucumbers, red bell pepper, and julienned carrots.
- Chop fresh cilantro.
3. Toast Sesame Seeds:
- In a dry pan over medium heat, toast sesame seeds until golden brown. Set aside for garnish.
4. Create Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, grated ginger, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
5. Assemble the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, combine sliced cucumbers, wood ear mushrooms, red bell pepper, and julienned carrots.
6. Dress the Salad:
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are well coated.
7. Garnish:
- Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro and toasted sesame seeds over the salad.
8. Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve chilled, garnished with additional cilantro and sesame seeds if desired.
9. Enjoy the Crisp Delight:
- Relish in the refreshing crunch and unique textures of this Cucumber and Wood Ear Mushroom Salad.
- Perfect as a side dish or a light meal on its own.
Conclusion:
This Cucumber and Wood Ear Mushroom Salad is a celebration of freshness and simplicity. With vibrant colors, varied textures, and a harmonious dressing, it’s a dish that brings joy to your palate and a touch of elegance to your table. Create this salad to elevate your dining experience with every crisp and flavorful bite.