Without a little culinary creativity, a bottle of balsamic vinegar can end up hibernating in your pantry for months on end. Even though you know it tastes great, balsamic vinegar is a little tough to work with when trying to figure out where it can fit into a recipe.
With the summer months upon us, we wanted to share with you some of our favorite ways to use balsamic vinegar this season. Ready to dive into the deliciously creative world of balsamic vinegar? Let’s go!
1. Try it in a Cocktail
As craft cocktails continue to become more popular, it may come as a surprise that balsamic vinegar can be used to add an exciting zing to some of your favorite libations. Whether you prefer sangrias, bellinis, or even bloody marys, a few drops of balsamic vinegar can bring an exciting twist to classic cocktails across the spectrum.
After all, what better way to relax and cool off during the hot summer months than by indulging in some refreshing balsamic vinegar-inspired cocktail? Try this recipe for fun!
2. Marinate Different Meats
Because balsamic vinegar packs such a flavorful punch, it makes for the perfect marinade. Brushing a generous layer over steak and letting it sit in the fridge for a few hours before grilling is one of our favorite ways to use balsamic vinegar as a marinade. You can also use it in combination with other marinades to further enhance the flavors that meats such as chicken will take on while soaking.
3. Summer Time Salad Dressings
Even though balsamic vinegar-based dressings can be used year round, why not change things up during the summer months? By simply adding some citrus zest and flavors to your favorite balsamic vinegar dressing recipe, you can instantly add a refreshing zing that will have all of your guests raving.
For the best results, we suggest using orange and lime zest, or even some raspberry to figure out what flavors you like best.
4. Use It As A Glaze
Are you a fan of thick, flavor packed glazes that can instantly elevate even the most basic of meals to a feast fit for kings? We don’t recommend reducing the balsamics you purchase from our store, but you can get the same glaze and excellent flavor from our Denissimo balsamic vinegar. This delicious treat is naturally aged for 30 years and gives the same flavor packed punch you can get from reduction.
5. A Strawberry’s Best Friend
Strawberries are a summertime staple no matter where you go. Their bright red color, sweet, succulent flavor, and ability to be served as a snack or compliment to ice cream make them the perfect partner for balsamic vinegar. The savory, slightly bitter flavor of balsamic vinegar works wonderfully with the sweet tartness of strawberries.
Simply drizzle some over fresh cut strawberries with a touch of sugar, or even with a bowl of ice cream and some whipped cream.
6. Sauteed Brussel Sprouts
Brussel sprouts have been all the craze lately in the culinary world. If you’ve become a fan of these tasty little morsels, add your own tasty twist by drizzling a little balsamic vinegar into the sautéing pan a few minutes before they finish cooking. This will give it enough time to thicken into a glaze while also adhering nicely to the brussels.
With this simple recipe, you can play around with all kinds of fun additions since brussels sprouts tend to adapt very well to a wide range of flavors.
7. Make Your Flatbread Fancy
Flatbreads are another summertime essential that you’ll soon see making their way onto the menus of restaurants around Walla Walla. Whether indulging at a restaurant or from the comfort of your own home, balsamic vinegar serves as the perfect topping for flatbreads. Our personal favorite is the caprese flatbread, but balsamic vinegar can easily introduce a fancy look and taste to just about any of the recipes.
Of course, it doesn’t stop there! Make a balsamic vinegar reduction like we covered above to really bring out the flavors.
8. Mix Some Into Your Yogurt
Do you love snacking on yogurt, but find yourself getting tired of the same old flavors from your local grocery store? Depending on your personal preference and mood from day to day, balsamic vinegar (or reduction) is a quick and easy way to change bland yogurt into a snack of pure decadence. With just a few drops and a quick swirl of the spoon, we’re confident you’ll be pleasantly surprised!
Sprinkle in some granola and sliced strawberries if you’re feeling really adventurous. This is a great dish for impressing guests while you relax in the shade.
9. Balsamic Avocado
If you’re a fan of avocado, you’re going to love this tasty tip. Because avocado packs very little taste by itself, balsamic vinegar makes for the perfect partner by bringing a huge flavor profile. The best part? You can prepare this combination any number of ways. Whether you prefer eating avocado in slices, peeled, or even mashed into guacamole, you can add balsamic vinegar at any point to instantly elevate your dish.
Want to make it more filling? Try using this recipe with some avocado toast or even in a salad to make a full, flavorful meal.
10. Add it to Seltzer Water
We know, this may sound a little strange at first, but you have to trust us. Taking your favorite brand of seltzer water (flavored or not), simply drizzle a small amount of balsamic vinegar into your glass and stir to create your own unique soda! While it’s not going to taste the same as some of the big name brands out there, you’ll be able to enjoy a refreshing beverage with way fewer calories!
Depending on how adventurous you’re feeling, try adding some balsamic vinegar to your favorite flavored sodas to see what new tastes come from it!
