King Oyster Mushroom Salad

Name: King Oyster Mushroom Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 min
Total time: 21 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 5 King Oyster Mushrooms (Approximately 12 oz); 1 Tbsp Pesto - Store bought or home made; 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice; 1 Tbsp Lemon Zest; 3 Tbsp Olive Oil; 2 Tbsp Capers (Optional); Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste; 1/3 cup Chopped Walnuts (Optional).; 1 cup Shaved Parmesan Cheese (See Note below)

Tim
May 22
4 min read

Updated: Aug 6

This simple and flavorful mushroom salad comes together quickly with pesto, lemon juice and zest, capers, Parmesan cheese, and walnuts. For Vegan's see alternatives in this recipe or go to the following: Creamy Vegan Mushroom Salad - No Mayo

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Sliced King Oyster Mushrooms with shaved parmesan cheese and capers in a dark bowl, set on a white cloth. A sliced lemon and bread are nearby, creating a fresh look. — A delicious bowl of sliced King Oyster Mushroom garnished with Parmesan cheese, capers, and a sprinkle of black pepper, accompanied by fresh bread and lemon. A tribute to the king of mushrooms.

Region: Italy

I first discovered this salad at a fantastic Italian restaurant in Montreal, Canada called Fiorellino. Like many exceptional spots, their menu changes frequently, and I found myself craving the dish long after it was gone. Relying on memory and taste, I set out to recreate it at home. After several rounds of testing and tweaking, I arrived at a version that honors the original while adding a personal twist I’m proud of.

King Oyster Mushroom Salad - You will always want more.

This vibrant and flavorful salad showcases the unique texture and rich, umami taste of king oyster mushrooms, making it a standout dish for many occasions. The meaty mushrooms are lightly blanched to perfection, then combined with a medley of herbs, lemon, Parmesan Cheese 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 vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

King Oyster Mushrooms, lemon, cheese, pepper, and oil arranged on a brown plate surrounded by leafy greens in a kitchen setting. — Fresh ingredients: king oyster mushrooms, Parmesan Cheese, Lemon, black pepper, olive oil, and prepared Gremolata

King Oyster 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:

King Oyster Mushrooms – The star of the dish, known for their firm, meaty texture and delicate umami flavor.
Pesto – 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.
Parmesan Cheese – Finishes the salad with a savory, nutty flavor that adds a touch of indulgence.

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 king oyster 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 King Oyster Mushroom Salad

This 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. Once cooled, toss the mushrooms with pesto, extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest, and capers. 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:

Sliced white mushrooms blanching in water inside a red pot on a stovetop. The mushrooms are evenly spread on the surface of the water. — Quickly blanche the sliced Mushrooms. Notice the size and shape. This will give the mushrooms a softer texture.

Bowl of sliced mushrooms on a wooden board with a lemon, olive oil, pesto in bowls, and a grater nearby. Bright, fresh setting. — Mushrooms ready for the dressing to be added.

Thinly sliced king oyster mushroom salad with Parmesan, capers, and olive oil on a black plate. — Final plating with all of the ingredients mixed together.

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 a Vegan friendly version, replace the cheese with Nutritional Yeast.

King Oyster Mushroom Salad - Preparation, Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This King Oyster 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 generous shavings of Parmesan cheese 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.