Strawberries and Balsamic Vinegar are a delicious and easy way to jazz up strawberries and go so well with so many foods. Many people might not think of balsamic and strawberries together but believe me, it really sweetens them up beautifully.
It is the Italian way to make macerated strawberries.
My favorite part about this balsamic strawberries recipe is I get to take the strawberries that I left in the fridge for too long and that are just not looking great, and by adding the balsamic and some sugar, it totally hides all of the imperfections. We all know strawberries turn bad quickly (just a couple days sometimes) and this strawberry recipe will totally hide that.
If you are familiar with macerated strawberries, this is the same process but we are going to add some sweet balsamic vinegar as well. You mix it all together let it sit for a little bit and then you are left with the most amazing topping for desserts, drinks or cakes.
Here are the ingredients that you will need to make these Strawberries with Balsamic Vinegar:
- Fresh strawberries
- Sugar
- Balsamic vinegar
Very manageable and a great unexpected way to serve strawberries to guests! I love waiting to see how pleasantly surprised people are when they first try this combo of favors and love it. It really is delicious.
The process (as I mentioned earlier) is the same as macerating strawberries, which is just a simple process of adding sugar to fruit and allowing the sugar to draw the juices out.
Here is what the process of macerating the strawberries with balsamic and sugar looks like:
As I said earlier, these strawberries go so well so many things. I love making a simple dessert with balsamic strawberries over store bought ice cream but here are some more ideas for how to use them.
Ideas for how to use balsamic strawberries:
- On top of goat cheese crostini with an extra drizzle of honey (my favorite!)- Steps to make this is in the recipe below.
- As a topping for ice cream (my second favorite)
- As a topping to Panna cotta (another really easy Italian dessert you should try!)
- As an add in to lemonade. A spoonful of these berries with some of the balsamic in your lemonade is amazing!
- In my strawberry and basil mocktail! So good.
- To serve alongside cake (my favorite cake for this is angel food cake).
- This recipe for a no bake Balsamic strawberry tiramisu from the Seaside Baker.
- As an add in for cocktails.
- On it's own!
- Over Ricotta pancakes or Brioche French toast.
- Or any recipe that calls for strawberries.
Tips for making these Balsamic Strawberries:
Sugar in the balsamic strawberries-
The balsamic vinegar actually helps make the strawberries sweeter so you will not need as much sugar when you are macerating them. You will notice that the recipe calls for only 3 tablespoon for an entire pint of strawberries.
This makes the strawberries plenty sweet when combined with the vinegar. If you decide you want even more sugar after tasting them, just add 1 extra tablespoon, mix well and wait 5 more minutes.
Alternately, if you decide you want to use less, start out with 2 tablespoons with the vinegar and strawberries and let it sit for a bit. Taste to see if it is sweet enough for your taste. If you need more sugar just add 1 more tablespoon, mix well and let it sit for 5 more minutes.
Should you refrigerate the strawberries after you make it?
I always make the balsamic strawberries a few hours before I need them and leave them out on the counter covered in plastic wrap until I am ready to use them.
If I have any leftover after using them that day, I do store them in the fridge covered.
You can store them for up to 2 days. After that the strawberries will just become too soft.
Can I substitute honey for the sugar in this recipe?
Yes! You will want to mix the honey and balsamic vinegar very well in your bowl before adding the strawberries to make sure the honey is well incorporated. The honey will add a light floral not that the sugar does not but it will be delicious.
Can I add other ingredients like herbs to the strawberries and balsamic?
Definitely! Adding basil to balsamic strawberries is my favorite combination. You can also add thyme or mint and they would taste wonderful.
These are so simple and so delicious which is my type of recipe! I hope you give this Balsamic strawberries a try. I know you'll love it.
Strawberries with Balsamic Vinegar
Tried the Recipe? We Would Love To Hear From You In The Comments Below!
Ingredients
- 1 pint Fresh strawberries cleaned and dried preferably organic
- 3 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Grab a medium bowl and set aside
- Prepare your cleaned strawberries by cutting the tops off and cutting them into quarters
- Add your quartered strawberries to your bowl
- Now add your balsamic vinegar and sugar to the bowl
- Gently mix your strawberries, balsamic and sugar together
- Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes on the counter or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
- Give it another good mix and serve on it's own or over your favorite dessert or drink.
Nutrition
Nutrition Values are estimates only.
See full nutrition disclaimer here
Ann says
I find that adding some lime juice really perks up the flavor. It may sound counter-intuitive to use lime juice with balsamic, but trust me, it works! I prefer to use golden balsamic vinegar because of it's lighter color. This morning's batch before I even read your post, was made with a rose wine balsamic I found on sale at a great price so picked up 3 bottles. It's delicious and works really great for macerating the strawberries. I've also used raspberry wine vinegar whose raspberry flavor really compliments the strawberries. So many different kinds of vinegar out there! I use stevia and I tell my friends to feel free to use their favorite sweetener. Just start with a small amount and add until the desired sweetness is achieved. So easy.
Thanks for sharing!
Hmmm...I'm thinking of making a vinaigrette for a baby greens salad later...
Melissa says
I love all of these tips! Thanks so much for sharing 🙂
Jen says
These are so good!