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 starting to not look 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:
1. Prep Strawberries 2. Gather Ingredients 3. Add ingredients to bowl 4. Mix well and let rest
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 ricotta 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!
- To serve alongside cake (my favorite cake for this is angel food cake).
- As an add in for cocktails (this recipe is coming soon!)
- On it’s own!
- Over pancakes or French toast.
- Or any recipe that calls for strawberries.
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.
For more easy dessert ideas:
Strawberries with Balsamic Vinegar
Ingredients
- 1 pint Fresh strawberries cleaned and dried preferably organic
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp 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.
Notes
Balsamic strawberries and ricotta crostini:
- First make crostini. I use my oregano crostini recipe and just omit the oregano and salt.
- Next I add a heaping dollop of fresh whole milk ricotta cheese on top of the crostini.
- With a slotted spoon, scoop up some of your balsamic strawberries and place on top of the ricotta.
- Drizzle with a little honey (optional but really good!)
These are so good!