Refreshing Cucumber Wood Ear Salad Recipe

Introduction: Cucumber Wood Ear Salad is a light and flavorful dish that combines the crispiness of cucumbers with the unique texture of wood ear mushrooms. This refreshing salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients and fiber. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to create your own Cucumber Wood Ear Salad that is both satisfying and healthy.

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1 cup rehydrated wood ear mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped

For the Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for some heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   • Start by rehydrating the wood ear mushrooms according to the package instructions. Once rehydrated, thinly slice them.
   • Thinly slice the cucumbers, red onion, and cilantro leaves.
   • Chop the roasted peanuts for added crunch and flavor.
2. Make the Dressing:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili flakes (if using).
   • Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
3. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, wood ear mushrooms, red onion, and chopped cilantro leaves.
4. Toss with Dressing:
   • Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients.
   • Gently toss the salad to ensure that the dressing is evenly distributed and coats all the ingredients.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   • Sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts over the top of the salad.
   • Give the salad a final toss before serving to mix in the garnish.
6. Serve Your Cucumber Wood Ear Salad:
   • Transfer the salad to a serving dish or individual plates.
   • This salad can be enjoyed as a light appetizer, a side dish, or even as a refreshing lunch option.

Benefits of Cucumber Wood Ear Salad:

• Cucumbers provide hydration and a refreshing crunch.
• Wood ear mushrooms add an interesting texture and are a good source of fiber.
• The dressing brings together savory, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors.
• This salad is low in calories and high in nutrients, making it a healthy choice.

Conclusion: Cucumber Wood Ear Salad is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that make it a standout dish. Whether you’re looking for a light and nutritious appetizer or a side dish to complement your main course, this salad is a perfect choice. Try making this recipe and enjoy the wonderful balance of flavors in every bite.