What Foods Does Balsamic Vinegar Pair With?

If you use balsamic vinegar, it’s probably exclusively in your homemade salad dressings or marinades. Yet, this flavor filled vinegar has much more to offer than just a condiment in your pantry. Balsamic vinegar actually enhances the taste of your food and at Verde Valley Olive Oil Traders, we have so many flavor infused balsamic vinegars to choose from. Each flavored balsamic brings out different tastes in your food, making it fun to pair with different flavor profiles. Here are a few items we dare you to try adding balsamic vinegar to. Enjoy!

1. Strawberries

Strawberries and balsamic vinegar pair together beautifully. The sharpness of the balsamic brings out the sweetness of the strawberries. You also can turn a simple fruit into an elegant appetizer for your dinner party. Just don’t go overboard with the balsamic, it only takes a light drizzle to get the effect.

Balsamic Recommended: Dark Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar

2. Ice cream

When I mention drizzling a balsamic glaze on ice cream, people look at me sideways. However, if you reduce balsamic vinegar and sugar together in a pan, you’ll get a sweet glaze that’s delicious on top of a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Add some cherries or raspberries for additional flavor.

Balsamic Recommended: Raspberry Dark Balsamic Vinegar

3. Avocado

Avocados are so good for you, but so bland. However, if you add a touch of balsamic with salt and pepper to this fruit, it adds flavor. If the balsamic is properly drizzled it can turn this simple snack into a nice appetizer.

Balsamic Recommended: Neopolitan Herb Dark Balsamic Vinegar

4. Soda Water

I learned this trick from a bartender, just drizzle a bit of infused balsamic vinegar into seltzer water to make a homemade and naturally sugar-free soda. Add a few cherries to dress it up.

Balsamic Recommended: Vermont Maple Balsamic Vinegar

5. Cheese

Since authentic balsamic is known for its layers of smoky and sweet flavors, a lot of people find that it’s best used when drizzled directly onto foods or dishes instead of as a condiment as most people use it for. One way to get the most flavor out of your balsamic vinegar is to splash some on a slice of cheese. Balsamic tastes the best when it’s paired with something creamy. A good slice of cheese is no exception to this rule.

Balsamic Recommended: Cinnamon Pear Dark Balsamic Vinegar

6. Fresh Peaches

The tartness of the balsamic is a nice addition to the sweetness of the peaches. This dish can be made to be more decadent if cream cheese is also added.

Balsamic Recommended: Cinnamon Pear Dark Balsamic Vinegar

7. Pizza

Who doesn’t love pizza? However, there is nothing better than adding a touch of balsamic to this already delicious dish. We recommend adding a touch of basil, a slice of tomato, and then a drizzle of balsamic. This will be a winning combination for any occasion.

Balsamic Recommended: 18 Year Old Dark Balsamic Vinegar