If you are in search of a fresh, vibrant dish that dazzles with a perfect balance of flavors and textures, the Broccolini Salad with Mushrooms and Ginger Sesame Dressing Recipe is going to become your new favorite. This salad combines tender broccolini, earthy mushrooms, and a lively ginger sesame dressing that brings everything together beautifully. It’s not just a salad; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients elevated by an exciting, homemade dressing that bursts with umami and a touch of sweetness. Whether as a light lunch or an impressive side, this recipe is sure to brighten your table and your day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A bunch of fresh broccolini with slender, green stalks and small, tight clusters of florets is spread out evenly on a dark surface. The broccolini has shades of bright green and a slightly shiny texture on the stalks, showing freshness. The top florets are dense and finely detailed, while the stems are smooth and straight with tiny leaves attached intermittently. The background is changed to white marbled texture to give a clean, simple look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Broccolini Salad with Mushrooms and Ginger Sesame Dressing Recipe lies in the simplicity of its ingredients, each chosen to build layers of flavor and texture. Every item is essential, contributing its unique character to create a harmonious dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing.

1 garlic, whole: Roasting this adds mellow sweetness and depth to the salad without overpowering it.
1½ tbsp olive oil, divided: Used for roasting and sautéing, it provides richness and helps bring out the natural flavors of the vegetables.
2 bunch broccolini: Tender stems with a slight crunch, offering a fresh, slightly bitter bite.
300 g mushrooms, Portobello and Swiss brown: Earthy and meaty mushrooms that add substance and umami richness.
1 chilli, red: Adds a gentle heat and a pop of color to brighten the dish.
2 tbsp pine nuts: Toasted for crunch and a delicate buttery flavor.
2 tbsp soy sauce: Creates savory depth in the ginger sesame dressing.
1 tbsp brown sugar: Balances the dressing with subtle sweetness.
1 tbsp mirin: A mild, sweet rice wine enhancing umami complexity.
2 tbsp rice wine vinegar: Provides acidity to cut through the richness and brighten flavors.
1 tbsp sesame oil: Brings a nutty aroma that is signature to the dressing.
1 tbsp ginger, grated: Adds fresh, zingy warmth that enlivens the entire salad.

How to Make Broccolini Salad with Mushrooms and Ginger Sesame Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Start by roasting the whole garlic with half a tablespoon of olive oil until it becomes soft and caramelized. This step mellows the garlic’s sharpness, introducing a sweet, aromatic foundation that will subtly flavor the broccolini and mushrooms later on.

Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Broccolini

Trim the broccolini and toss with olive oil and a touch of salt. Roast or lightly sauté it until tender but still with a bit of a crunch. The roasting helps to bring out its earthy notes while keeping it vibrant and fresh in color.

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms and Chillies

Slice your Portobello and Swiss brown mushrooms, then cook them in a pan with the roasted garlic oil and chopped red chilli. This imparts a beautiful warm spice and allows the mushrooms to absorb the garlicky essence, making each bite irresistibly flavorful.

Step 4: Toast the Pine Nuts

In a dry pan, toast the pine nuts until golden and fragrant. This simple touch adds a crunchy texture and a buttery boost that elevates the whole salad experience.

Step 5: Whisk the Ginger Sesame Dressing

Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, mirin, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, and fresh grated ginger in a bowl. Whisk until well blended, achieving a harmonious balance of salty, sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors that will tie the salad together.

Step 6: Toss Everything Together

Gently mix the cooked broccolini, mushrooms, toasted pine nuts, and dressing in a large bowl. Allow them to mingle so that every bite is coated in that luscious ginger sesame goodness.

How to Serve Broccolini Salad with Mushrooms and Ginger Sesame Dressing Recipe

The image shows a white round plate on a white marbled surface with a colorful stir-fry dish. The main layer consists of bright green broccolini stems and florets mixed with dark brown roasted mushrooms scattered evenly. Thin slices of red chili peppers add small pops of red among the greens and browns. Light beige pine nuts are sprinkled over the top, giving texture and contrast. To the right, black chopsticks rest on the edge of the plate. Above, there is a white bowl holding more broccolini, mushrooms, red chili slices, and pine nuts. Nearby, a small white dish contains more pine nuts, and another dish holds a dark brown sauce with a spoon. The lighting highlights the fresh, vibrant colors of the vegetables and the glossy texture of the sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To add flair and an extra flavor dimension, sprinkle some freshly chopped cilantro or green onions on top just before serving. A little sesame seed garnish also adds a nice visual touch and subtle crunch, making the dish pop on the plate.

Side Dishes

This vibrant salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, steamed jasmine rice, or even alongside a delicate tofu dish for a complete meal. Its bright flavors complement proteins and grains alike, making it incredibly versatile for any dining occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this Broccolini Salad with Mushrooms and Ginger Sesame Dressing Recipe in individual bowls for an elegant touch or pile it high on a large platter for family-style dining. Adding edible flowers or thin lemon zest strips can delight guests visually while contributing an aromatic lift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors meld even further after resting, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners while keeping the salad fresh and tasty.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t freeze well due to the delicate texture of broccolini and mushrooms. For freezing, it’s better to store the components separately if you want to preserve them for later use.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy the salad warm, gently reheat in a pan over medium heat just until heated through. Avoid microwaving to keep the broccolini crisp and mushrooms tender rather than soggy.

FAQs

Can I use regular broccoli instead of broccolini?

Absolutely! Regular broccoli works well; just slice the stalks thinner to ensure even cooking and similar tenderness to broccolini.

Is the dressing gluten-free?

Ensure to use gluten-free soy sauce if gluten is a concern. The rest of the dressing ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I substitute pine nuts with other nuts?

Yes, toasted almonds or walnuts make excellent substitutes, adding their unique crunchy texture and nutty flavor profiles.

How spicy is the salad?

The red chilli provides a mild heat that can be adjusted to your taste by using less or removing the seeds for a gentler kick.

Can this salad be made vegan?

Definitely! This recipe is naturally vegan-friendly, using plant-based ingredients and no animal products.

Final Thoughts

This Broccolini Salad with Mushrooms and Ginger Sesame Dressing Recipe is a wonderful way to brighten your meals with fresh, bold flavors and interesting textures. It’s a dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious, perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself to something wonderfully satisfying. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep this recipe handy for many meals to come!