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+ servings
Jon Simon

Warm Mushroom Salad with Balsamic and Goat Cheese | Keto & Diabetic-Friendly

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Enjoy a cozy, restaurant-quality warm salad that's perfectly suited for diabetic-friendly eating. Deeply caramelized mushrooms rest on a bed of peppery greens, finished with a controlled balsamic drizzle and creamy goat cheese. This low-carb, keto-friendly lunch delivers rich umami flavors without spiking blood sugar.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Appetizer, dinner, lunch
Cuisine: American, Italian, Mediterranean
Calories: 245

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups arugula or baby spinach about 4 generous handfuls
  • 3 cups mixed mushrooms, sliced cremini, button, or shiitake
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar reduced from 1/4 cup for lower sugar
  • 2 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste

Equipment

Method
 

  1. Place the arugula or baby spinach in a large serving bowl or on a platter and set aside at room temperature.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, swirling to coat the pan.
  3. Add the sliced mushrooms in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Let them sit without stirring for 2-3 minutes to encourage deep browning.
  4. Flip the mushrooms and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized. Season with salt and pepper as they cook.
  5. Add the minced garlic and fresh thyme to the pan, stirring constantly for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Remove the pan from heat immediately.
  6. In a small saucepan, add the balsamic vinegar and bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat.
  7. Pile the hot mushroom mixture over the bed of greens, distributing evenly. The warmth will slightly wilt the edges of the leaves.
  8. Drizzle the balsamic reduction sparingly over the salad, using just enough to lightly coat the mushrooms and greens (about 1-2 teaspoons per serving).
  9. Crumble the goat cheese evenly over the warm mushrooms, allowing some pieces to soften and partially melt from the heat.
  10. Serve immediately while the mushrooms are still warm and the greens are just beginning to wilt. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 245kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 10gFat: 18gFiber: 3gSugar: 6g

Notes

This recipe has been adapted for diabetic-friendly eating by reducing the balsamic vinegar amount by half to minimize added sugars while maintaining flavor. The combination of high-fiber vegetables, healthy fats from olive oil and goat cheese, and moderate protein creates a balanced meal that supports stable blood sugar levels. Mushrooms are an excellent choice for diabetics as they're low in carbohydrates, contain beta-glucans that may help regulate blood sugar, and provide important minerals like selenium and potassium. The leafy greens add volume and nutrients with minimal carb impact, while the goat cheese provides satisfying protein and fat to keep you full longer.

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