Shaved Apple Mushroom Salad

Paper-thin shaving is the quiet star here, turning crisp apples and raw cremini into delicate ribbons. Nestled on peppery arugula with a honey-Dijon lemon dressing, toasted walnuts, and Parmesan, this American lunch salad stays bright, crunchy, and produce-forward.

Serves 4 · 15 min prep · 5 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 285 cal
• 8g protein
• 22g carbs
• 20g fat
• 3g fiber

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Ingredients

• 2 large crisp apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji)
• 8 oz cremini mushrooms
• 5 oz baby arugula
• 3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1/3 cup toasted walnuts
• 1/3 cup shaved Parmesan
• 3/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. 1Rinse and dry the arugula, then place it in a large serving bowl so it is ready for the warm toppings.
2. 2Using a mandoline or very sharp knife, shave the apples into paper-thin slices, working the core; toss the slices immediately with half the lemon juice to keep them bright.
3. 3Clean the mushrooms and slice them as thinly as possible so they stay tender and raw-friendly.
4. 4In a small skillet over medium heat, warm half the olive oil until it shimmers, then add the shaved mushrooms with salt.
5. 5Sauté the mushrooms just 2 to 3 minutes, stirring once or twice, until they soften slightly and smell earthy but still hold their shape; pull the pan off the heat.
6. 6Whisk the remaining lemon juice, remaining olive oil, Dijon, honey, thyme, salt, and pepper in a jar until the vinaigrette looks emulsified and glossy.
7. 7Add the warm mushrooms and the lemon-tossed apple shavings directly over the arugula.
8. 8Drizzle most of the vinaigrette over the bowl and toss gently with tongs so every leaf gets a light coat without wilting.
9. 9Scatter the toasted walnuts and shaved Parmesan across the top, then finish with a final grind of pepper and the last spoonful of dressing.
10. 10Taste and adjust salt if needed, then portion into bowls right away while the mushrooms are still faintly warm for the best contrast.