Creamy Vegan Mushroom Salad - No Mayo
- Tim
- Jul 31
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 6
This simple and flavorful Creamy Vegan Mushroom Salad Recipe comes together quickly with pesto, lemon juice and zest, capers and Nutritional Yeast. Amazingly versatile, this salad is easy to prepare and complements many meals.
Region: Italy
I first discovered this salad at a fantastic Italian restaurant in Montreal, Canada called Fiorellino. My Vegan friends have encouraged me to create a version of this recipe for their dietary preferences. This version remains true to its origins and uses many of the key ingredients in the classic vegetarian version.
Creamy Vegan Mushroom Salad - Nutritional Yeast, Lemon Juice and Pesto Create the Creamy Texture
This vibrant and flavorful salad showcases the unique texture and rich, umami taste of mushrooms (either King Oyster or White Button), making it a standout dish for many occasions. The meaty mushrooms are lightly blanched to perfection, then combined with a medley of herbs, lemon, nutritional yeast that cuts through the earthiness for a perfectly balanced bite. Whether served as a light lunch, a refreshing side, or an elegant sharing appetizer, this salad is both nourishing and satisfying. It's a modern twist on traditional mushroom dishes, offering a delicious harmony of flavors and textures that will impress vegans, vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Creamy Vegan Mushroom Salad - Recipe Ingredients
Every ingredient in this salad plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture. Here's what you'll need:
Mushrooms (Button or King Oyster) – The star of the dish, brings meaty texture, delicate umami flavor and nutrition.
Pesto (Vegan version) – Adds an herby, garlicky richness that complements the earthiness of the mushrooms.
Lemon Juice & Zest – Delivers a burst of citrus brightness. The juice adds acidity to balance the richness, while the zest intensifies the lemony aroma and freshness.
Capers – These little briny gems provide a salty, tangy kick that cuts through the creaminess and elevates the overall flavor.
Olive Oil – Enhances the dish with a smooth, velvety mouthfeel and subtle fruitiness. It helps tie all the components together.
Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning, these simple additions bring out the natural flavors of each ingredient.
Walnuts – Bring texture and depth, pairing beautifully with both the mushrooms and pesto.
Nutritional Yeast – Nutritional yeast adds umami depth, savory richness, and a touch of cheesiness.
Together, these ingredients create a dish that’s bold and balanced—earthy, tangy, herby, and just a bit sweet and salty. It’s a perfect celebration of mushrooms in all their savory glory. Please see the Recipe Card below for more detail on the ingredients and quantities.
Key Steps in the cooking process of Creamy Vegan Mushroom Salad
Vegan Mushroom Salad - King Oyster Mushroom Option
This mushroom Salad recipe comes together with a Pot and a mixing bowl. To prepare, start by briefly blanching the king oyster mushrooms to gently soften their texture while preserving their shape and flavor. They will have a pasta texture after blanching. Another option is to cook them in olive oil in a skillet. Blanching is my preferred choice.
Once cooled, toss the mushrooms with pesto, extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest, capers and Nutritional Yeast. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Detailed instructions are provided in the Recipe Card below, but here are some key steps with some visuals to guide you through the preparation and cooking process:
Vegan Mushroom Salad - Button Mushroom Option
This recipe comes together with a Skillet and a mixing bowl. To prepare, start by cooking the Button Mushrooms. I found that cooking mushrooms in olive oil provides better texture and flavor.
Once cooked allow to cool, then toss the mushrooms with pesto, extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest, capers and Nutritional Yeast. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Detailed instructions are provided in the Recipe Card below.
Alternatives to the Suggested Ingredients
This recipe is wonderfully versatile. Please see the Recipe Card below for alternatives to some of the ingredients. We have tried different types of mushrooms and the end result is excellent. The King Oyster Mushrooms are the best and can be sourced at different supermarkets. We typically always find them at Asian stores and Farmers markets.
For classic vegetarian version, replace the Nutritional Yeast with Shaved Parmesan Cheese. Please see my King Oyster Mushroom Salad Recipe.
Creamy Vegan Mushroom Salad - Preparation, Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Vegan Mushroom Salad is an excellent make-ahead dish that can be enjoyed at room temperature or served chilled straight from the refrigerator—making it ideal for entertaining or casual meals.
Just before serving, sprinkle walnuts over the top for a satisfying crunch, and finish with Nutritional Yeast for a savory flourish.
You can serve this salad family-style on a large platter as part of an antipasto spread, or plate it individually. Pair it with a slice of hearty, rustic bread to complete the experience.
Creamy Vegan Mushroom Salad - Detailed Recipe
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