Warm Oyster Mushroom Salad

This warm oyster mushroom salad is a delightful variation on a popular dish from New York’s renowned Orso restaurant. Combining the earthy richness of oyster mushrooms with the sweetness of grilled red onions, this salad is a harmonious fusion of flavors and textures. Whether you choose to serve it warm or at room temperature, it’s a versatile and elegant addition to your culinary repertoire.

SERVES 4

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 tablespoon good-quality balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped shallots
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 medium red onions, peeled, cut into 12 (1-inch) rings
• 1/2 pound oyster mushrooms, root ends trimmed, in small bunches
• 6 ounces frisée, chicory, or other resilient salad greens

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and finely chopped shallots. This dressing will serve as the flavorful base of the salad. Season it with a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
2. Grill or Broil the Vegetables: Heat your grill, stovetop grill pan, or broiler to prepare for cooking.
3. Toss the red onions and oyster mushrooms separately with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. This step ensures that they are well-coated and will grill or broil beautifully.
4. Season both the onions and mushrooms with a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
5. Grill or broil the vegetables separately as they have different cooking times. The oyster mushrooms will cook quickly, typically in about 2 minutes. The red onions will require a bit more time, approximately 5 minutes.
6. As the vegetables cook, you can spoon some of the prepared dressing onto the hot mushrooms and onions to infuse them with flavor.
7. Prepare the Salad Greens: While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the salad greens. You can use frisée, chicory, or any other resilient salad greens of your choice.
8. Dress the greens with the remaining dressing, ensuring they are coated evenly. The dressing will enhance the overall flavor of the salad and provide a delightful contrast to the warm vegetables.
9. Assemble the Salad: Once the mushrooms and onions are perfectly grilled or broiled, arrange them atop the dressed salad greens.
10. The hot vegetables will slightly wilt the greens, creating a balanced and visually appealing presentation.

This warm oyster mushroom salad is a culinary masterpiece that combines the rich, earthy flavors of oyster mushrooms with the sweetness of grilled red onions. Whether you choose to serve it warm or at room temperature, it’s a versatile and elegant addition to your dining table. The harmonious fusion of flavors and textures in this salad will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. Enjoy it as a side dish or a light main course, and savor the culinary excellence that this salad brings to your meal.