Strawberry Kale Salad with Shiitake Mushrooms & Balsamic Glaze

Bright, bold, and nourishing, this seasonal salad brings together earthy shiitake mushrooms, sweet local strawberries, and hearty kale, all topped with a luscious balsamic glaze. It's a beautiful late spring or early summer dish that’s perfect for a light lunch, a side at dinner, or a fresh CSA-inspired potluck contribution.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil (for massaging kale)

• 1 bunch Trefoil Gardens fresh kale, stems removed and chopped

• 1 cup Trefoil Gardens strawberries, hulled and sliced

• 1/2 cup Trefoil Gardens shiitake mushrooms, cleaned and sliced

• 1 tbsp coconut aminos or tamari (for sautéing mushrooms)

• 1 tsp maple syrup (optional, for glaze)

• 2 tbsp sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds (toasted)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Balsamic glaze for drizzling

• For the Balsamic Glaze:

  • 1 cup balsamic vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional, but adds richness)

Optional Add-Ins:

• Crumbled goat cheese or feta

• Cooked quinoa or farro

Instructions:

1. Make the Balsamic Glaze:
   Add balsamic vinegar and sweetener (if using) to a small saucepan. Bring to a low boil, then reduce heat and simmer until thickened, about 10–15 minutes. Stir occasionally and watch closely—it should coat the back of a spoon. Set aside to cool.

2. Massage the kale:
   Add chopped kale to a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Massage with your hands for 1–2 minutes until the kale softens and darkens in color.

3. Sauté the mushrooms:
   In a skillet over medium heat, sauté shiitake mushrooms in a little oil with coconut aminos and optional maple syrup until golden and tender, about 6–8 minutes. Let cool slightly.

4. Assemble the salad:
   Toss massaged kale with sliced strawberries, sautéed mushrooms, and toasted seeds.

5. Finish & serve:
   Drizzle generously with balsamic glaze. Add cracked pepper and any optional toppings like cheese or grains. Serve immediately.

More Recipes & Fresh Picks:
Looking for more ideas to use your CSA box or Trefoil Gardens produce? Visit our full recipe archive for seasonal meals, easy appetizers, and nourishing drinks.

Perfect For:

• A colorful spring picnic

• A light vegetarian dinner

• A CSA-inspired lunch

This recipe celebrates the best of what’s in season—and supports local, sustainable food. Enjoy! 🍓🥬