This savory Giada warm mushroom salad fiorentina is such a comforting treat. I make it with ingredients like meaty mushrooms and dried cranberries, and the flavors come together so perfectly. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is actually super simple to prepare.

It takes about 7 minutes to make, and it’s perfect for when I want to serve something that’s both delicious and satisfying. Plus, it makes enough for 4 servings, so there’s plenty to share!

Recipe Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• ¾ pound meaty mushrooms, such as royal trumpets, cleaned and cut into 1-inch pieces
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ⅓ cup chopped toasted walnuts (see Cook’s Note, this page)
• 4 cups packed baby arugula

How To Make Giada warm mushroom salad fiorentina

Cook the Mushrooms

1. Sear the Mushrooms: Heat a medium straight-sided skillet over medium-high. Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil and let it get hot for a minute. Then, add your cleaned and cut mushrooms. Season with ¾ teaspoon of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re an even golden brown on all sides—about 5 minutes.
2. Add the Sweet and Nutty Goodness: Stir in dried cranberries and chopped walnuts. Cook for another minute.

Assemble the Salad

1. Toss with Arugula and Season: Turn off the heat and add the arugula and ¼ teaspoon of salt to the pan. Toss gently with the mushroom mixture just until wilted – about a minute or less. Serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

• Perfect the Pan Searing Technique: To achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust on the mushrooms, use a hot skillet with a small amount of oil and don’t overcrowd the pan, allowing each side to cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes. This simple trick enhances the texture and visual appeal of the dish.
• Add Some Crunch with Toasted Panko Breadcrumbs: To add a delightful textural element to the salad, toast some Panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet until lightly browned, then sprinkle them over the dish just before serving. This easy touch adds a satisfying crunch and a nutty flavor.
• Make it a Main Course with the Addition of Protein: To transform this side dish into a filling main course, toss in some cooked and diced chicken breast, pan-seared salmon, or sliced prosciutto, which add protein and create a well-rounded, satisfying meal. Simply adjust the amount of ingredients according to your protein of choice.
• Experiment with Different Mushroom Varieties: For a unique flavor profile, try substituting the cremini mushrooms with shiitake, oyster, or a combination of exotic mushroom varieties, which add distinct earthy notes and a meaty texture to the dish, making it more complex and interesting.
• Let it Sit and Allow the Flavors to Mingle: To allow the flavors to meld together beautifully, prepare the salad a few hours in advance and refrigerate it, letting the ingredients sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving. This simple trick enhances the overall flavor and aroma of the dish.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Check out More Giada Recipes:

• Giada Aunt Raffy’S Quinoa And Ceci Soup
• Giada De Laurentiis Orzo With Clams
• Giada Four-Cheese Ravioli With Herb Pesto