Romanian Cold Mushroom Salad – The Easiest Appetizer!

The Origin of Romanian Cold Mushroom Salad

This easy Romanian cold appetizer has humble beginnings in Romanian rural kitchens, where home cooks used simple, accessible ingredients. The recipe evolved over time, with mayonnaise and cheese added for richness. Today, it’s a favorite on festive tables, offering a creamy, garlicky delight.

A Story About Cooking with Granny Victoria

Cooking with Granny Victoria always meant embracing flavors, especially garlic. She never skimped on it, and I’ve carried that love into my own kitchen. Her recipes, passed down from her mother and her Aunt Tușa, were more than meals – they were traditions that connected generations. Cooking together taught me patience, fostered creativity, and instilled values of compassion and selflessness. We at Cooking Romania by Vivi strongly believe that cooking is an amazing activity for children and parents alike. Vivi specializes in mindfulness and uses cooking as a tool to develop patience and cure anxiety in kids. My Granny used to say: “Everyone cooks, so you and I, let’s make it legendary!” I am sure she is so proud of us right now.

Those moments in my Granny’s kitchen were magical. Granny would hum her favorite tunes like , tell stories about her youth, and we’d laugh over our small kitchen adventures. Check out my childhood tune <3:

Sometimes my Granny would get really angry. I remember one time when she made a large cake and it collapsed because she used too much syrup. She cursed a little and then said: “what about turning it into nice potato shaped cakes?”. And so we did, and we loved them! Now, preparing this Romanian Cold Mushroom Salad – The Easiest Appetizer reminds me of how cooking is a timeless bond that links us to our heritage.

Origin, History, and Uses of Mushrooms

Mushrooms are fascinating – used worldwide in medicine, cuisine, and even rituals. While many of us now enjoy the convenience of canned mushrooms, there was a time when foraging for fresh ones was a vital skill. Edible mushrooms have been staples for centuries, while medicinal ones like reishi have been praised in traditional Chinese medicine.

Of course, mushrooms have their darker side: hallucinogenic varieties are famous in rituals, and some are deadly. For example, Emperor Claudius, the composer Jean-Baptiste Lully, and even Roman Emperor Charles VI reportedly died from mushroom poisoning. Today, mushrooms are prized for their versatility in the kitchen, from creamy soups to hearty stews. A British lady who was studying Romanian with me told me: “Mushrooms are evil! I am afraid of them!” – and I can’t unhear that.

Before we move on, maybe you would like to check out another appetizer staple in our kitchen:

And why not, another mushroom recipe?

10 Famous International Mushrooms Recipes

1. Cream of Mushroom Soup (USA)
2. Mushroom Risotto (Italy
3. Stuffed Mushrooms (Global)
4. Mushroom Stroganoff (Russia)
5. Shiitake Mushrooms in Soy Sauce (Japan)
6. Mushroom Tart (France)
7. Mushroom Pierogi (Poland)
8. Mushroom Biryani (India)
9. Wild Mushroom Pizza (Italy)
10. Mushroom Goulash (Hungary)

3 Related Romanian Cold Appetizers

1. Salata de icre de crap cu ceapă (Carp Roe Salad with Onion)
2. Ouă umplute (Stuffed Eggs)

3. Zacuscă (Vegetable Spread)

Romanian Cold Mushroom Salad – The Easiest Appetizer!

Recipe by ViviCourse: Romanian, AppetizersCuisine: RomanianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Calories

200

kcal

When Do Romanians Eat Cold Mushroom Salad?

This mushroom salad is a staple on festive tables, particularly during Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Easter. It’s also perfect as a quick appetizer for family gatherings.

5 Reasons to Eat Romanian Cold Mushroom Salad

It’s quick and easy to prepare.
It’s packed with flavor and nutrients.
Versatile – pairs with bread, crackers, or as a standalone dish.
A great way to introduce kids to mushrooms.
Budget-friendly with accessible ingredients.

Ingredients

• 300 g mushrooms (canned or fresh)
  

• 2-3 pickled cucumbers (optional)
  

• 2 tbsp yogurt
  

• 2 tbsp cream cheese
  

• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  

• 2 hard-boiled eggs
  

• 50 g mozzarella cheese
  

• 1 tsp lemon juice
  

• 2-4 garlic cloves
  

• 1 tbsp olive oil
  

• 1-2 tbsp dill (chopped)
  

• 1-3 tbsp parsley (chopped)
  

• Salt and pepper to taste
  

• Pickled bell peppers for garnish
  

Directions

• Prepare the mushrooms
  If using canned mushrooms, drain and chop them into small pieces. If fresh, boil, drain, and chop.
  
• Prepare the pickles
  Finely chop and drain well the pickles.
  
• Prepare the sauce
  In a blender, mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, boiled eggs, mozzarella, yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.
• Combine all ingredients
  Combine the blended mixture with the mushrooms and pickles. Add chopped dill and parsley, mixing gently.
• Garnish and serve
  Garnish with pickled bell peppers, parsley, or any preferred toppings. Serve chilled.
  

Recipe Video

Notes – 5 Pro Tips to Make the Best Romanian Cold Mushroom Salad

• Always drain canned mushrooms thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
• Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor.
• Adjust the ratio of mayonnaise to yogurt for a lighter version.
• Let the salad rest in the fridge for a couple of hours for the flavors to meld.
• Garnish creatively – use colorful veggies or herbs to make it visually appealing.

Why This Salad Is Healthy

Mushrooms are low in calories, rich in vitamins (especially B vitamins), and a good source of antioxidants. Garlic boosts immunity, while dill and parsley add vitamin C and iron.

Vivi is a passionate teacher, story teller and photographer. Adara is a passionate accountant, businesswoman and videographer. On Cooking Romania by Vivi, the Mom and Daughter play together at the intersection of self and food mastery.