Vegan Watercress and Abalone Mushroom Salad Recipe: Refreshing and Nutritious

Are you looking for a refreshing vegan dish that’s easy to prepare yet packed with nutrition and flavor? Vegan watercress and abalone mushroom salad is the perfect choice for you! Not only is this salad ideal as an appetizer, but it also serves as a light main course, especially suitable for hot summer days. Let’s explore the detailed recipe below!

Why You Should Try Vegan Watercress and Abalone Mushroom Salad?

Watercress, also known as “red sorrel,” is a familiar wild vegetable in tropical regions. With its mild sour taste, crunchy texture, and high nutritional value, watercress is often used in salads or slaws. When combined with the chewy and protein-rich abalone mushrooms and fresh vegetables, this salad is not only delicious but also offers numerous health benefits.

Health Benefits of the Salad

• Cooling and Detoxifying: Watercress has a cooling nature, helping to soothe the body on hot days.
• Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: The high nutrient content from watercress and abalone mushrooms supports overall health.
• High in Fiber: Natural ingredients in the salad improve digestive health effectively.
• Low in Calories, Good for Your Figure: Ideal for those looking to lose weight or maintain their weight.

Vegan watercress and abalone mushroom salad

Ingredients Needed

To prepare a delicious vegan watercress and abalone mushroom salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Watercress: 300g (choose young, fresh greens)
• Abalone mushrooms: 200g (prefer fresh, undamaged mushrooms)
• Carrot: 1 small
• Cucumber: 1
• Roasted peanuts: 50g
• Herbs: Thai basil, Vietnamese coriander…
• Chili: 1 (to taste)
• Lime: 1
• Garlic: 2 cloves
• Vegan fish sauce: 2 tablespoons
• Sugar: 2 tablespoons
• Cooking oil: 1 tablespoon

Detailed Instructions for Making the Salad

Follow these steps to create a delicious and nutritious salad:

1. Preparing the Ingredients

• Wash the watercress gently to avoid bruising the leaves, then let it drain.
• Clean the abalone mushrooms and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
• Peel and thinly slice the carrot and cucumber.
• Wash and finely chop the herbs. Crush the roasted peanuts.
• Peel and mince the garlic. Thinly slice the chili.

2. Boiling the Abalone Mushrooms

• Bring water to a boil, add the abalone mushrooms, and boil for about 3-5 minutes. After removing them, let them cool and gently squeeze out excess water.

3. Mixing the Dressing

• Combine: 2 tablespoons of vegan fish sauce, 2 tablespoons of sugar, lime juice, minced garlic, and sliced chili. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.

4. Tossing the Salad

• Place the watercress, abalone mushrooms, carrot, and cucumber in a large bowl.
• Gradually pour the dressing over the ingredients, gently tossing to ensure even coating.
• Add the herbs and crushed peanuts, and toss again.

5. Presentation

• Arrange the salad on a plate, sprinkle with crushed peanuts, and garnish with a few sprigs of herbs for added visual appeal.

Tip: Fry some shallots until fragrant and sprinkle them on top for an extra touch of flavor.

Vegan watercress and abalone mushroom salad served

Unique Variations for the Salad

You can customize the salad according to your personal taste:

• Add More Vegetables: Purple cabbage, onion, bean sprouts…
• Change the Mushroom Type: Enoki mushrooms, oyster mushrooms…
• Use Different Dressings: Soy sauce, sesame oil, or special vegan sauces.
• Add Nuts: Cashews, pumpkin seeds…

Quote from vegan culinary expert, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Huong: “Coconut milk can be added to the dressing to enhance its richness, making the dish even more enticing.”

Tips for Choosing Fresh Watercress

Choosing fresh watercress is crucial for making a delicious salad:

• Select watercress with vibrant green color, young leaves, and no yellowing.
• It should have a distinctive fresh scent and not be bruised.
• Buy from reputable stores that ensure food safety.

Quote from nutrition expert, Mr. Tran Van An: “Watercress is easily bruised, so handle it gently during preparation to maintain its crunchiness.”

Vegan Watercress and Abalone Mushroom Salad – Natural Flavor

With the simple recipe above, you can easily prepare a refreshing and nutritious vegan watercress and abalone mushroom salad. This dish is not only tasty but also a healthy gift for yourself and your family.

Quote from renowned vegan chef, Mr. Le Minh Duc: “This salad is not just a dish but an exciting culinary experience. Experiment and create your own version!”

Conclusion

The vegan watercress and abalone mushroom salad recipe is truly simple and easy to follow. With easily accessible ingredients, you can create a delicious and nutritious salad right at home. Try this recipe and share your results with us! Wishing you success!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• Can watercress be replaced with another type of vegetable?
  • It can be replaced with lettuce or sprouts, though the flavor will be slightly different.
• Can abalone mushrooms be replaced with another type of mushroom?
  • Enoki mushrooms or oyster mushrooms can be used.
• What can vegan fish sauce be replaced with?
  • It can be replaced with soy sauce or other vegan sauces.
• How can I prevent watercress from getting bruised?
  • Handle it gently when washing and tossing the salad, avoiding excessive force.
• Can the salad be stored in the refrigerator?
  • It’s best to eat it immediately after tossing. If storing, keep it in an airtight container for no more than a day.