You’re probably no stranger to peanut butter and jelly, caramel and chocolate, and other famous flavor combinations, but have you ever tasted the delicious goodness of strawberries and balsamic vinegar? Counterintuitive as it might seem, adding a splash vinegar infuses fig-like notes while highlighting the sweetness of fresh, sun ripened strawberries.
Skeptical? I hope this easy recipe will change your mind.
Based on an Italian dish called Fragole all’aceto balsamico, it uses balsamic vinegar and a drizzle of honey to draw out the sweet fruity goodness of fresh strawberries. The preparation process (called maceration) also softens the berries while releasing some of their juices.
In the end you’ll have soft, fresh berries resting in a delicious “syrup” that’s perfect for just about anything!
Scoop them up solo for a quick, satisfying snack, pair them with a zesty arugula-feta salad, or:
- Serve them up with a scoop of strawberry or vanilla ice cream
- Layer them over gluten-free pound cake with a dollop of whipped cream
- Spoon them over lightly sweetened whipped cream cheese or ricotta
- Swap out plain berries for this recipe in these strawberry shortcake biscuits
Seriously, prepare to be surprised by this flavor fusion, and if you’re feeling adventurous add a smidge of freshly cracked pepper and/or herbs for extra depth of flavor. I hope you love them as much as we do!
Simple Balsamic Strawberries Recipe
Equipment
- sharp knife
- mixing bowl
- spoon
Ingredients
- 16 oz. fresh strawberries
- 1½ tsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- ⅛ tsp salt
- freshly ground black pepper to taste (Optional – I use 1/8-1/4 tsp)
Optional Garnishes
- fresh mint or fresh basil
Instructions
- Cut small strawberries in half and larger strawberries into quarters. Place them in a large bowl.
- Add honey, balsamic vinegar, and salt to the bowl and stir until the strawberries are well-coated.
- Let strawberries rest at room temperature for 30 minutes, stirring for about 30-45 seconds every ten minutes or so to encourage the strawberries to release some of their juices.
- When the strawberries are finished macerating, top them with freshly cracked pepper and/or fresh herbs like mint/basil if desired. Serve immediately and refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container.
Nutrition
More Strawberry Goodness To Try
Simple Strawberry Sauce – Made with simple ingredients, this quick sauce brings sweet strawberry goodness to everything it touches. It’s thicker than syrup, lighter than jam, and so delicious.
Strawberry Crisp – With a scrumptious crisp topping layered over a juicy, thick strawberry filling, this recipe is both easy and delicious.
Strawberry Jello – If you love jello but not the congealed red #40 & artificial flavorings found in boxed versions, you’re going to love this recipe.
Strawberry Muffins With Streusel Topping – This recipe pairs rich, cakey batter with a crunchy, crumbly streusel topping, and it’s surprisingly easy to make.
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