Mushroom and Bacon Salad

Years ago, back in the day before personal computers, my mother and I would clip good-sounding recipes from the weekly food section in our local newspaper. This is one of the hundreds that we saved, really simple to make (you don't really even need a recipe). When I make any of these old recipes from the newspaper I am reminded yet again how much I miss Mom. *sigh*
Not content to leave the recipe as it was (the original was a bit bland for my palate now) I've tweaked it slightly over the years to make it a little more flavorful. 
 The ingredients are sliced mushrooms (white or brown), green onions (I used chives this time), olive oil, lemon juice (or your favorite vinegar), a little Worcestershire sauce, salt, freshly ground black pepper, a little sugar for balance and Dijon Mustard. Right before serving it is garnished with crisp bacon pieces. I add a few crushed pink peppercorns as well.  
 Any time of year it makes a very nice first course, or a light lunch or dinner and can be made a little heartier by adding some cubed or crumbled cheese (most any kind you like), cooked chicken, shrimp, or beef. Vine ripe tomatoes are another flavorful addition in the summer. You may also add a sliced hard cooked egg along with the bacon at the last moment.
The original recipe suggested slicing the mushrooms and tossing them with the vinaigrette, allowing the flavors to meld for several hours or overnight, then adding the crisp bacon just before serving. Usually I just make it and allow the mushrooms to marinate for 30 minutes to 4 hours, stirring once or twice to distribute the vinaigrette evenly.  I prefer the texture of the mushrooms using the shorter marinade time.
You can serve it up on individual salad plates spooned over Romain lettuce leaves, and it's also very pretty served in a glass serving bowl, that way each diner can help themselves to the amount they want.

If this sounds appealing to you and you would like the recipe, you'll find it over on my recipe blog.

Thank you for stopping by today friends!