Balsamic Marinated Mushrooms
If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful side dish or appetizer that packs a punch, Balsamic Marinated Mushrooms are the perfect option. These earthy baby bellas are sautéed and then marinated in a blend of rich balsamic vinegar, olive oil, fresh garlic, and herbs, making them a tangy, savory treat!
Why We Love This Balsamic Marinated Mushrooms Salad
I am always looking of fun and unique ways to entice my family to eat vegetables. I was raised with a fresh green salad on the table every night, and it’s something I’ve tried to pass on. But these marinated mushrooms are a great way to shake up the usual weeknight vegetable routine!
There’s something about mushrooms that is so satisfying. They’re meaty and earthy flavor makes them great on their own, but their light texture makes them ideal for taking on whatever flavors you add to them! Sweet and tangy balsamic adds brightness to the dish, while olive oil adds its own pop of fruitiness. For a fresh note, I add parsley, and the grassy flavor makes everything come alive!
This dish is so versatile and can be served at any time! Whether it’s at home at a family backyard barbeque, a fresh addition to steak night, or a side dish for Sunday roast dinners. It’s even a great make ahead dish for meal prepping since it only gets better and better!
Ingredients You Need
- Baby Bella Mushrooms: I like to use baby bella mushrooms, since they have a meaty texture and they soak up the balsamic marinade perfectly! Just sauté them in a little avocado oil!
- Garlic: Freshly grated garlic infuses a deep, savory flavor into the mushrooms.
- Fresh Rosemary: Rosemary adds an aromatic note that pairs beautifully with the balsamic!
- Salt & Pepper: To taste.
- Chili Flakes: Optional, if you like a little spice!
- Balsamic Vinegar: Balsamic provides a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor that elevates the mushrooms!
- Olive Oil: Use a high quality extra virgin olive oil. This will balance out the tanginess of the vinegar.
- Parsley: As garnish, if desired.
How to Make Balsamic Marinated Mushrooms
- Wash the Mushrooms: Wash mushrooms or clean with a damp paper towel.
- Sauté: Sauté the mushrooms on high heat, with 1 tbsp of avocado oil for about 3-5 minutes, until they release liquid and almost half of it evaporates. Remove from the heat and let them cool.
- Add Seasonings & Dressing: Transfer mushrooms to a container like a mixing bowl or glass tupperware container. Add garlic, rosemary, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes. Add the balsamic vinegar and olive oil and toss to combine.
- Chill: Cover the container and refrigerate the mushrooms for at least 2 hours.
- Serve & Enjoy: Remove from fridge, and enjoy as a side dish or appetizer!
Tips for Success
- Use high heat for cooking! Sauté the mushrooms on high heat to quickly release their liquid and caramelize their edges. This enhances the flavor before marinating.
- Chill for flavor. Let the mushrooms marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, but for best results, you can refrigerate them overnight to let the flavors fully develop!
- Half the really large mushrooms. I like leaving the mushrooms whole, unless they are particularly big. In that case, I simple slice them in half!
Serving Suggestions
There are a ton of different ways you can use these balsamic marinated mushrooms! Here are some of my personal favorite ways to serve them:
- As an appetizer: Serve these balsamic mushrooms as an appetizer alongside crusty bread or crackers. Or, try serving it on a spring brunch board!
- As a salad: Toss them into a salad for an easy way to add flavor and texture. They would be super delicious with a salmon nicoise salad!
- As a topping or side dish: Use as a topping or side dish for grilled steak, chicken, or burgers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Cremini or white button mushrooms work just as well. You could even try portobello mushrooms, but slice them into smaller pieces for quicker marination.
These mushrooms can marinate for up to 2 days. The longer they sit, the more intense the flavors become.
More Vegetables Sides to Try
- Golden Beets & Burrata Salad
- Trio of Roasted Vegetables
- Sweet & Spicy Sweet Potatoes
- Parmesan Crusted Roast Fennel
- Charred Romaine Salad
Balsamic Marinated Mushrooms
Equipment
- 1 serving bowl
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Baby Bella mushrooms sliced in half or whole
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 2 garlic cloves grated
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- pinch chili flakes optional
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- chopped fresh parsley to serve
Instructions
- Wash mushrooms or clean with a damp paper towel.
- Sauté the mushrooms on high heat, with 1 tbsp of avocado oil for about 3-5 minutes, until they release liquid and almost half of it evaporates. Remove from the heat and let them cool.
- Transfer mushrooms to a container like a mixing bowl. Add garlic, rosemary, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes. Add the balsamic vinegar and olive oil and toss to combine.
- Cover the container and refrigerate the mushrooms for at least 2 hours.
- Remove from fridge, and enjoy as a side dish or appetizer!
