marinated mushrooms

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These Italian marinated mushrooms are flavorful, versatile and so easy to make! Fresh mushrooms are soaked in a mouthwatering marinade of oil, lemon and fresh herbs for an irresistible taste that can be served as an appetizer, salad topper or on an antipasto platter!

Made with only 4 ingredients these marinated mushrooms are simple to make yet are always the first appetizer to go at any party! They are easy and fuss-free but after one bite, you’ll wonder how you could have lived so long without these bite-sized flavor gems.

This recipe was passed down to me from the mother of one of my close friends in Italy. Before I had these, mushrooms were a take it or leave vegetable. Now, I never realized mushrooms could taste so great!

They make one of the best appetizers when served with bruschetta but you can serve them in so many different ways. Other mushroom recipes we love include mushroom pate and mushroom puff pastry appetizers!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Recipe

Simple and budget friendly: Skip the store bought jarred version or grocery olive bar and make homemade marinated mushrooms with only 5 pantry ingredients!
Easy to make: Only a few steps and 10 minutes prep are needed, then it is hands off to let your mushrooms marinate.
Crowd favorite: These flavorful mushrooms can be enjoyed by all! Whether you are vegan, gluten-free, vegetarian or more, they are flavorful and delicious.
Endless serving options: Serve as part of an antipasto platter, enjoy as an easy snack, top a salad or include on a sandwich!

Ingredients Needed

Chopped mushrooms: Any variety of fresh mushrooms work, I often use readily available white mushrooms or baby bella mushrooms.
Salt: Enhances the taste of the mushrooms in the marinade.
Olive oil: I prefer to use extra virgin olive oil in marinades.
Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice from ½ a lemon.
Italian parsley: Adds fresh herbaceous flavor.

How To Make Marinated Mushrooms

In a medium bowl, add chopped raw mushrooms and salt, mix and let sit loosely covered.

Drain the mushrooms, using a tea towel squeeze out the excess water as much as possible from the mushrooms.

Place the mushrooms in a small clean bowl and toss with olive oil, lemon juice and fresh chopped Italian parsley.

The mushrooms tossed with parsley and olive oil.

Let the mushrooms sit in the marinade for a some time in order for the flavors to blend then serve.

Substitutions And Variations

Vinegar: Instead of lemon juice use white wine vinegar, red wine vinegar or a combination! Balsamic vinegar or even apple cider vinegar are other choices that work.
Fresh garlic: This adds a distinctive savory flavor.
Shallot: This will add a slight onion flavor to the Italian marinated mushrooms.
Dried herbs: Add some red pepper flakes for heat, Italian seasoning or any other seasonings you like.
Fresh herbs: In addition to or instead of fresh parsley, try fresh thyme or oregano in this mushroom recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Marinated mushrooms are versatile and can be used in a variety of different ways! One of my favorite ways to serve them as part of an Italian antipasto charcuterie board along with an assortment of olives, meats and cheeses.

I love to make a snack of them along with some pickled eggplant or Italian giardiniera!

They make a great addition to salads, sandwiches, use on a mushroom and pancetta pizza or even try them in a soup recipe! They add an instant flavor boost to Italian sauteed chicory greens or even this Italian creamy mushroom risotto.

Mushrooms in a jar and some on a piece of bread on a white plate.

Expert Tips

Account for shrinking: While the recipe starts with around 3 – 3 ½ cups mushrooms after they are salted and marinated you will have about half the amount.
Mild mushroom taste: Instead of adding mushrooms and salt initially, add the juice of one lemon, let sit for an hour, then add 1 teaspoon of salt, mix and let sit for another 30- 45 minutes then continue with marinade.
Poach mushrooms: If you need your marinated mushrooms quicker, you can poach them in salted water. Simmer mushrooms until tender for 3-5 minutes then drain well.
Room temperature: If serving the mushrooms straight from the refrigerator, bring them to room temperature first as olive oil solidifies at colder temps.
Experiment with different flavors: Try lime juice instead of lemon juice, add more spice and different herbs to have a different taste each time.

Recipe FAQs

How Long Does It Take To Marinate Mushrooms?

When making these easy marinated mushrooms, hands on time is minimal effort and most of the time will be hands off marinating time. Plan for about an hour when salting the mushrooms and then another 30-45 minutes for the mushrooms to marinate and become more flavorful.

What Mushrooms Can I Marinate?

While any mushroom variety can be marinated, store-bought mushrooms including white button mushrooms or brown baby bellas mushrooms are what I use most often. You can also use cremini mushrooms, portobello mushrooms or even shitake if you would like.

Are Marinated Mushrooms Healthy?

Yes! Marinated mushrooms are low in calories and fat but high in fiber. They also contain many vitamins and minerals which are great to include in a well-balanced diet.

How Long Can I Store Marinated Mushrooms?

Provided you don’t eat them all right away (they are that good!), you can store them refrigerated in an airtight container for 5 days. The flavor will continue to develop making them so addictive! Do not freeze marinated mushrooms.

Mushrooms on a slice of bread on a white plate.

More Mushrooms Recipe To Try

Marinated mushrooms are a delicious culinary creation that elevates the humble fungi into a savory delicacy. They make a perfect addition to antipasto platters, salads, or as a savory topping. Buon appetito!