Wild Mushroom Picnic Salad

Serves 4 · 20 min prep · 12 min cook

Ingredients

• 12 oz mixed wild mushrooms (cremini, oyster, shiitake)
• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 5 oz baby arugula
• 1 small head butter lettuce leaves
• 1 large crisp apple (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
• 1 can (15 oz) cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup toasted walnuts
• 4 oz crumbled goat cheese
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. 1Wipe the mushrooms clean with a damp towel and trim any tough stems. Tear larger caps into bite-size pieces so everything cooks evenly.
2. 2Heat a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add a thin film of olive oil and tip in the mushrooms in a single layer; resist stirring for the first 3 minutes so they brown.
3. 3Season the mushrooms with salt, pepper, and thyme. Continue sautéing, stirring occasionally, until they release liquid, the liquid evaporates, and the edges turn deep golden, about 8 to 10 minutes total. Transfer to a plate to cool completely.
4. 4While the mushrooms cool, whisk the remaining olive oil with lemon juice, Dijon, honey, salt, and pepper in a small jar until emulsified.
5. 5Core the apple and slice it into thin matchsticks or half-moons; toss immediately with a spoonful of the dressing so it stays bright.
6. 6In a large mixing bowl combine the arugula, torn butter lettuce, cooled mushrooms, chickpeas, and apple. Drizzle most of the dressing over the top and toss gently with clean hands or tongs until every leaf is lightly coated.
7. 7Scatter the toasted walnuts and crumbled goat cheese over the salad. Finish with chopped parsley and a final grind of black pepper.
8. 8Taste and adjust salt or lemon if needed. Pack into a wide shallow container or serve family-style on a platter so guests can scoop their own portions. The salad holds well for 2 hours at cool room temperature or can be refrigerated (dressing on the side) up to a day ahead.