Clam Mushroom Salad
A refreshing seafood and mushroom salad featuring crisp iceberg lettuce, tender mushrooms, and the briny taste of fresh clams. Tossed in a tangy clam juice vinaigrette with tarragon and Tabasco, this dish offers a delightful mix of flavors perfect for light lunches or elegant gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Core, rinse, and drain the iceberg lettuce.
- Chill the lettuce in a disposable plastic bag or plastic crisper.
- Clean the mushrooms with damp paper towels and trim the stems.
- Slice the mushrooms lengthwise.
- Combine clam juice, corn oil, vinegar, salt, tarragon, and Tabasco in a large jar or juice container; cover and shake well to make the dressing.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and chopped onion to the dressing and shake to coat.
- Chill the mushroom mixture.
- Tear enough lettuce to make 5 cups and chill.
- Cut a tomato into wedges.
- Combine the lettuce, mushroom mixture, and tomato wedges in a large salad bowl; toss lightly.
- Add fresh clams to taste before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a variation, you can use other leafy greens like romaine or spinach instead of iceberg lettuce. If fresh clams are unavailable, canned clams can be an effective substitute. Ensure to use fresh mushrooms for the best flavor, and consider adding some diced celery for crunch. This salad pairs beautifully with Salmon Cakes Deluxe for a delightful seafood meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this clam mushroom salad as a refreshing starter or side dish alongside grilled fish or seafood recipes. It also complements a light pasta dish or can be enjoyed with a glass of crisp white wine. For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with a protein like grilled chicken or shrimp.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best to keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain the lettuce's crispness. If needed, re-chill the salad briefly before serving to restore freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Clam Mushroom Salad contains roughly 100 calories, with 1g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the mushroom mixture and dressing a few hours ahead. Just keep them chilled separately from the lettuce to ensure it stays crisp. Combine everything just before serving for the best texture.
What type of mushrooms are best for this salad?
Fresh button mushrooms are commonly used, but you can also experiment with cremini or shiitake for added flavor. Just make sure they are cleaned and sliced properly to enhance the overall taste of the salad.
Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate diced cucumbers, bell peppers, or even avocado for a creamier texture. Just be mindful of balancing flavors so they complement the clam and mushroom mixture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).