Roasted Mushrooms on Greens with Miso Dressing: A Flavorful, Gut-Healthy Salad
Elevate your next salad with umami-rich roasted mushrooms and a probiotic-packed miso dressing for a vibrant, gut-healthy meal.
Roasted Mushrooms on Greens with Miso Dressing
Bring depth, nutrition, and vibrant flavor to your table with this hearty salad featuring roasted wild mushrooms and a punchy miso-based dressing. Not only does this dish satisfy with savory, umami notes, but it also provides valuable probiotics and fiber for gut health. Perfect for an elegant lunch or a dinner side, this recipe blends the intrigue of wild mushrooms with the probiotic richness of fermented miso, creating an unforgettable salad experience.
The Nutritional Power of Miso
Miso is a traditional Japanese paste made from fermented soybeans. Fermentation introduces probiotics—beneficial bacteria that can support digestion and overall gut health. Miso’s naturally robust flavor means that just a few spoonfuls transform a simple dressing into a deeply savory, uniquely tangy topping. This makes miso a valuable addition not just for taste but also for its nutritional perks:
- Contains probiotic cultures that may improve gut microbiome balance
- Rich in vitamins like B12 and essential minerals such as zinc and manganese
- Offers a vegetarian source of umami, enhancing depth and savoriness in dressings and bowls
The Role of Mushrooms in Plant-Based Cuisine
Mushrooms—particularly wild varieties—are celebrated for their meaty texture and woodsy flavor. When roasted, their natural moisture evaporates, concentrating flavors and lending a golden, slightly crisp edge. In this recipe, mushrooms take on a leading role, providing:
- A firm, satisfying bite that stands up to hearty greens
- Natural umami that amplifies the flavors of the miso dressing
- A variety of micronutrients including selenium, potassium, and B-vitamins
The combination of mushrooms and miso elevates this dish into a ‘vegetarian pot roast’ of sorts—rich, savory, and immensely satisfying.
Why Choose This Salad?
- Probiotic benefits from miso for gut health
- Rich, umami flavor from roasted mushrooms and miso
- Fiber and micronutrients from a variety of fresh greens
- Quick enough for weeknights, special enough for guests
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Mixed wild mushrooms (trimmed, cut into 1-inch pieces) | 1½ lb |
| Toasted sesame oil | 3 Tbsp |
| Kosher salt | To taste |
| Garlic (2 finely chopped; 1 grated) | 3 small cloves |
| Mirin (Japanese sweet cooking wine) | 3 Tbsp |
| Red miso paste | 2 Tbsp |
| Rice vinegar | 2 Tbsp |
| Tahini (sesame seed paste) | 1½ Tbsp |
| Dijon mustard | 2 tsp |
| Mixed baby greens, watercress, or a combination | 5 cups |
| Scallions, thinly sliced | 2 |
| Toasted sesame seeds | 1 Tbsp |
Step-by-Step Directions
- Roast the Mushrooms:
- Preheat oven to 475°F (246°C).
- On a rimmed baking sheet, toss the mushrooms with sesame oil and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt for even coating.
- Roast for 13–15 minutes until golden brown and slightly crisp at the edges.
- Add finely chopped garlic to the mushrooms and roast for 1 additional minute.
- Prepare the Miso Dressing:
- In a tall jar, combine 3 tablespoons water, mirin, red miso, rice vinegar, tahini, Dijon mustard, and grated garlic.
- Puree with an immersion blender or whisk vigorously until creamy and well-blended.
- Assemble the Salad:
- Divide greens among serving bowls.
- Top each bowl with slightly cooled, roasted mushrooms.
- Sprinkle with sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds.
- Drizzle generously with miso dressing.
What others are reading
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Calories | Protein (g) | Carbs (g) | Fiber (g) | Sugars (g) | Fat (g) | Saturated Fat (g) | Sodium (mg) | Cholesterol (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 261 | 7 | 22 | 7 | 7.5 | 16 | 1.5 | 752 | 0 |
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- Mushrooms: Use a mix of shiitake, cremini, oyster, trumpet, and button for varied texture and flavor. Substitute with whatever is fresh and available.
- Greens: Baby spinach, arugula, or a spring mix all work well. Add peppery watercress for a zesty bite.
- Miso: Red miso offers deep, fermented flavor, but white (shiro) miso provides a sweeter, mellower note if preferred.
- Tahini: Smooths out the dressing; if unavailable, cashew or almond butter can substitute.
- Mirin: Adds subtle sweetness; use a splash of rice wine or a mild white wine with a pinch of sugar if needed.
Benefits of Eating Fermented Foods
Fermented foods like miso benefit not just the palate, but also overall well-being. Including them regularly in your meals may:
- Promote digestive and immune health through live probiotic bacteria
- Assist nutrient absorption by improving gut environment
- Provide unique flavors that reduce the need for excess salt or sugar in cooking
Advanced Prep & Storage Tips
- Advance Preparation: Mushrooms can be roasted and the dressing blended up to one day ahead. Keep both components refrigerated separately for optimal freshness.
- Serving Suggestion: Toss the greens and mushrooms together just before serving to preserve the best texture.
- Leftovers: Store in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two days. Dress greens only when ready to eat to prevent wilting.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
- Add protein: Try topping with grilled tofu, soft-boiled eggs, or chickpeas for a main-course salad.
- Freshen with herbs: Sprinkle fresh cilantro, mint, or basil before serving for added aroma.
- Vary the crunch: Sunflower seeds, pepitas, or crispy onions add more texture alongside sesame seeds.
- Pairing ideas: Serve alongside brown rice, soba noodles, or as a vibrant side to salmon or grilled chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use white miso instead of red miso?
A: Absolutely. White miso yields a sweeter, lighter dressing, while red miso provides more depth and saltiness. Adjust for your taste preference.
Q: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Ensure your miso paste and tamari or soy sauce (if substituting for mirin) are certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Q: What mushrooms are best for this salad?
A: Use a variety! Shiitake, cremini, maitake, oyster, and portobello all roast beautifully. Mixing types gives the best range of textures and earthy notes.
Q: How do I store extra dressing?
A: Store leftover miso dressing in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to four days. Whisk briskly or shake before using, as ingredients may settle.
Q: Can I make this vegan?
A: This recipe is entirely plant-based as written. Be mindful to check that your miso paste is vegan if you are avoiding all animal products.
Expert Tips for Best Results
- Roast mushrooms on a hot, preheated sheet pan for extra crispness.
- Let roasted mushrooms cool for a few minutes before tossing with greens to prevent wilting.
- Make extra dressing—it’s delicious drizzled over cooked grains, steamed vegetables, or fish.
- Toast your own sesame seeds in a dry skillet for even nuttier flavor.
Recipe Recap
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Skill level: Easy to intermediate
This gut-healthy salad spotlights roasted wild mushrooms and a tangy miso dressing atop fresh greens, garnished with scallions and sesame. The ultimate plant-forward meal—delicious, nutritious, and ready in about half an hour!
Conclusion
Let this salad be your gateway to cooking with probiotic ingredients and exploring new, sophisticated flavors without hassle. Roasted mushrooms bring a hearty, deep taste that complements the creamy, umami-rich miso dressing. Nourishing for body and soul, it’s a recipe built for those who love food that delights and heals.
References
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/recipes/a45303433/roasted-mushrooms-on-greens-with-miso-dressing-recipe/
- https://www.jaroflemons.com/miso-roasted-mushroom-noodle-bowls/
- https://alexguarnaschelli.com/recipes/mixed-mushrooms-with-miso-dressing/
- https://simple-veganista.com/roasted-garlic-miso-greens/
- https://cookeatlivelove.com/easy-oven-roasted-mushrooms-with-miso/
- https://www.blackironnutrition.com/blog/2022/12/01/miso-roasted-veggies
- https://www.101cookbooks.com/baked-mushrooms/
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/recipes/
Similar Articles
Read full bio of medha deb
