Creamy Chestnut Mushroom and Fresh Herb Pasta Salad

An easy pasta salad with chestnut mushrooms as the star of the show.

Love of Mushrooms

I love mushrooms! 

You may have noticed that by now. I include them in so many recipes.

This hasn't always been the case. I hated them as a child , but I think that's because my Mum wasn't treating them with the respect they deserve.

The only way I remember her serving them was sliced, raw and squeaky in a salad. Just no!

When did my love affair with mushrooms begin? 

I can safely say it was when I moved away from home and became vegetarian.

That moment when I started to take more of an interest in food and started experimenting with recipes.

 I soon realised that mushrooms can be succulent and absolutely delicious as well as bringing substance to any dish. They are an important item in a vegetarian kitchen as they're versatile and kind to your budget.

Mushrooms are also nutritionally important in a veggie or vegan diet as they contain vitamins, provide protein, count as one of your five a day and contain almost no calories or fat, but loads of flavour.

Picnics

The weather has been so glorious lately we've been talking about making a picnic and taking it to the beach with us when we go on our long dog walks.

Walking really builds up an appetite. We're always starving when we get home and a picnic is such fun.

Picnics can be a bit boring though. Sandwiches, fruit and drinks are standard fare, but I like to take something a bit more exciting, so this pasta salad will be perfect.

also try - Roast Pepper and Sundried Tomato Pasta Salad

The chestnut mushrooms are filling and full of flavour as I cook them with garlic, black pepper and wine to really intensify the flavour.

I've teamed these juicy mushrooms with Messicani pasta which is really easy to eat (stab with a fork) which is a consideration. You don't want to be chasing your pasta round your bowl.

I'm also going to include some crusty bread, hummus, strawberries, ripe peaches and a few bottles of water for us and the dogs. But before I share the recipe with you, check out my top picnic tips.

Top 5 Picnic Tips

1. Freeze bottles of water overnight, they'll thaw as the day goes on and you'll be left with lovely chilled water. They will also keep the rest of the picnic cool.
2. Use a tablecloth as a picnic blanket. It's light, doesn't take up much room and is much easier to wash and dry than a picnic rug.
3. Use proper cutlery and napkins, it's a much nicer experience.
4. Take baby wipes and napkins with you for spills and sticky fingers.
5. Remember to take a bag for your rubbish and take it home with you.

 also check out my recipe index - Vegan BBQ Ideas & Recipes

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also try - Creamy Lemon Basil Spaghetti

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Creamy Chestnut Mushroom and Fresh Herb Pasta Salad

Written by Jacqueline Meldrum

July 8, 2016

An easy pasta salad with chestnut mushrooms as the star of the show.

It's the perfect dish to take on picnics or to serve at a BBQ. Messicani pasta with mushrooms and fresh herbs in a light creamy sauce. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 250g chestnut mushrooms
• a slosh of white wine
• a handful of fresh chives, chopped
• a handful of flat leaf parsley
• a good grinding of black pepper
• 100ml soy or single cream
• 300g Messicani pasta

Instructions

1. Boil the pasta according to the packet instructions until al dente, then rinse under cold water until completely cold. This will result in firm, glossy pasta that's perfect for pasta salad.2. Saute the mushrooms gently in the olive oil with the garlic until soft. Add a splosh of wine when the mushrooms are nearly cooked, then add the fresh herbs and season with black pepper. Cook gently until the liquid has evaporated 3. Pour the pasta back in the pan and mix through the cream and mushrooms.4. Keep in an airtight tub in your fridge until you need it. This will happily keep for a few days. Just give it a good stir before serving.5. Enjoy!

Details

Total time: 15 mins
Yield: Serves 4-6

Check out - Perfect Vegan BBQ -Recipes and Tips

also try Vegan Macaroni Salad (quick and creamy) from my other blog The Vegan Lunch Box 

Here are a few more fabulous mushroom recipes for you to try.

Mushroom Frittata with Goats Cheese - Fuss Free Flavours

Sticky Mushroom, Halloumi and Pineapple Kebabs - Feeding Boys

Mushroom Pasties - Utterly Scrummy Food for Families

I created this recipe for the Just Add Mushrooms campaign. For more mushroom recipes check out the Just Add Mushrooms website. You can also follow them on Facebook, Twitter or follow the conversation with @MoreToMushrooms #MTMSummer




Disclosure: I developed this recipe for the Mushroom Bureau. I was not expected to write a positive review and any opinions expressed are my own.