Best Easy Cucumber and Wood Ear Salad Recipe

Crunchy cucumber and chewy wood ear mushrooms are tossed in a tangy garlic-vinegar dressing. This fresh, vegetarian salad is low calorie, healthy, and a refreshing family appetizer.

Cook 20 min Difficulty EASY 52 kcal
#vegetarian #low calorie #healthy appetizer #refreshing salad
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • Cucumber 2 pieces
  • Dried wood ear mushrooms 1 oz
  • Scallion 2 stalks
  • Garlic 2 cloves
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Rice vinegar 2 tbsp
  • Soy sauce 1.5 tbsp
  • Sesame oil 1 tbsp
  • Sugar 1 tsp
  • Salt 0.5 tsp
  • White pepper 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 8 g 58%
Protein 2 g 15%
Fat 2 g 27%
Serving size 110g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Soak the dried wood ear mushrooms in warm water for 20 minutes until rehydrated, then rinse and drain thoroughly.

  2. 2

    Rinse cucumbers and slice them diagonally into thin half-moons; sprinkle lightly with salt and let sit for 5 minutes to draw out moisture.

  3. 3

    Gently squeeze excess water from the cucumbers and pat dry with paper towels.

  4. 4

    Bring a small pot of water to a boil over high heat, blanch the wood ear mushrooms for 1 minute, then drain and let cool completely.

  5. 5

    In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers, cooled wood ear mushrooms, minced garlic, sliced scallions, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, salt, and white pepper. Toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.

  6. 6

    Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then refrigerate for 10 minutes before serving for optimal flavor and texture.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What are the key ingredients in this Cucumber and Wood Ear Salad?
The core ingredients that define this salad's fresh flavor and unique texture are crisp cucumbers, rehydrated wood ear mushrooms, and a tangy garlic-vinegar dressing. The cucumbers provide crunch, the mushrooms offer chewy contrast, and the simple aromatics and seasonings bring brightness and umami to the dish.
Q. How should I handle the wood ear mushrooms to get the best texture?
Soak dried wood ear mushrooms in warm water for about 20 minutes, then blanch them quickly in boiling water for just one minute. This preserves their signature chewy texture while ensuring they are safe to eat and thoroughly cleaned.
Q. How do I prevent the cucumbers from becoming watery in the salad?
To keep your salad crisp, lightly salt the sliced cucumbers and let them sit for 5 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Then gently squeeze and pat them dry before combining with the other ingredients. This simple step helps maintain crunch without watering down your dressing.
Q. Is this salad low in calories and suitable for a healthy diet?
Yes, each 110g serving contains just 52 kcal, with 8 grams of carbohydrates (58% of calories), 2 grams of protein (15%), and 2 grams of fat (27%). Its light calorie content and high vegetable ratio make it an excellent choice for healthy eating.
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