Balsamic Strawberries and Ideas for Serving

Enjoy this quick and simple recipe for Balsamic Strawberries with basil as is, or combine it with a wide variety of foods from breakfast to dessert to create unique serving combinations.  If you are looking for 5-minute desserts or ideas for serving that are perfect for summer entertaining, this recipe is for you. 

The arrival of spring and summer is a sure sign that strawberry season is right around the corner.

Although they are available year-round, nothing can compare to biting into a juicy, freshly harvested ruby red strawberry!

It’s no wonder that seasonal local strawberries are some of the most anticipated and loved fruits.

After an initial period of enjoying them “au natural,” there are those that attempt to make the strawberry season last all year by freezing, drying, or transforming them into delicious jams and jellies. 

Fresh strawberries are also great to create last-minute no-bake desserts. While many people may think of pairing them with sweet ingredients like cream and sugar, many other options exist for great flavor and versatility.

Just like this recipe for macerated strawberries, some of these recipes take just a few minutes to make when you have all of the ingredients. 

This balsamic strawberries recipe with basil may sound like a unique combination to some. However, when you are a fan of the tangy taste of balsamic glaze, the sweetness of farm-fresh strawberries, and the unique flavor of basil, why not combine them to make the perfect topping for a wide variety of other foods?

This may just become your favorite strawberry recipe! 

Mise en place

While this recipe may sound gourmet, it only takes a few simple ingredients and a minimal amount of time, especially if we prep the recipe and make the balsamic glaze ahead of time.  

Make the balsamic glaze: This is simply a balsamic reduction with the addition of brown sugar. It takes just a small investment of time to make a homemade balsamic glaze. All the details are in the linked recipe article. It can conveniently be made up to 2 weeks ahead of time and refrigerated until needed. 

Prep the fresh basil: Wash 10-12 fresh basil leaves, and allow them to dry out completely. You can use a salad spinner or pat them dry with a clean tea towel. Set aside for now. 

Prep the strawberries: Up to 30 minutes before planning to use them, properly wash the strawberries by placing them in a colander and washing them under cold running water for at least 20 seconds. For this recipe, we need about 1 pint, which is about 2 cups. Set them aside at room temperature to air dry.

How to make balsamic strawberries with basil

When you are just about ready to serve, hull the clean strawberries. Slice them in half if they are small-medium and in quarters if they are large—place strawberries in a large bowl.  

Next, stack the basil leaves on top of each other, and roll them up into a bundle.

Use a very sharp knife to create thin slices. When you pull them apart, they should look like tiny green ribbons.

Add them to the bowl of sliced strawberries and stir gently together with a spoon or rubber spatula. 

Divide into 4 dessert dishes. 

Drizzle each bowl with 1 teaspoon of room temperature balsamic glaze and serve immediately. 

Serving options

Sliced or muddled strawberries with a balsamic vinegar glaze and basil may not be an expected combination to serve for dessert to your family or friends. However, once they get one taste of this delicious recipe, they may want to add it to everything.

Although great on its own, the sweet and tangy flavor lends itself well to anything from breakfast to dessert. Try out some of these familiar and perhaps unique strawberry recipes the next time you combine strawberries and balsamic glaze, with or without the basil.

Fruit topping

The intense flavor in these balsamic glazed strawberries makes them a wonderful choice for serving plainer foods. Slice a generous piece of Italian sponge cake, pound cake, angel food or chiffon cake and ladle this mixture on top.

You can also use it to garnish pancakes, (whether regular or mini sized) or waffles for breakfast or take the time to make fancy rolled crêpes.

If you want to include this recipe with your dinner, you can also serve it on cornbread or flaky buttermilk biscuits, just like we did with this strawberry rhubarb compote. 

Strawberry ice cream dessert

A contrast of flavors always works well. To cool down the slight tanginess of the balsamic vinegar glaze, consider drizzling it over a bowl of fresh strawberries and vanilla ice cream.

You will get a perfect blend of unexpected flavors with every mouthful in this no-bake dessert. It really makes such a great ice cream topping! 

More dairy desserts

For a light and healthy dessert, consider substituting ice cream with sweet ricotta or a bowl of plain or vanilla-flavored yogurt with these glazed strawberries. This refreshing dessert will cool you down during those hot summer days. 

Add more fresh fruit

Although you could muddle other berries or fresh fruit with balsamic vinegar glaze, you can also use these glazed strawberries for different dishes. Add a generous portion to a fresh fruit salad that needs a bit of a kick. Use it as a tasty garnish for poached pears, roasted peaches, or grilled pineapple. Whether hot or cold, they boost the flavor of fresh fruit.

Savory options 

Another great way to take advantage of summer strawberries is to combine this recipe with savory dishes. It makes an excellent addition to a chicken or strawberry arugula salad.

The possibilities are truly endless! 

Tips

• when purchasing from your farmers market, choose fresh, ripe strawberries with a bright red color, blemish-free, and green caps. 
• Although you can purchase a commercial product, making a homemade balsamic glaze is not only simple to make but inexpensive as well.
• If your strawberries are not sweet and juicy, add ½ teaspoon of sugar when combining them with the sliced basil and let them macerate for 10-15 minutes to improve their flavor. This is optional and depends on your personal taste.
• Slice the basil as thinly as possible and just before serving as it quickly oxidizes and turns black. 
• This easy dessert is best when served the same day it is made.

FAQ

Do you put pepper on strawberries?

Yes, it creates a perfect compliment. In addition to intensifying the flavor of strawberries, the balsamic glaze with freshly ground black pepper also brings out their sweetness. All you need is a few twists of the pepper mill! 

How long do balsamic strawberries last? 

Unfortunately, this strawberry balsamic recipe with basil does not store well. Therefore, making a lot of it at once is not the best idea. On the other hand, the balsamic glaze can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 weeks. 

Can I use different herbs?

Yes, other than basil, complimentary herbs like fresh mint, ginger, rosemary and lemongrass pair well with the tart sweetness combination of strawberries and balsamic glaze. Avoid using dried herbs, as you will not get the same results.

It takes less than 5 minutes to prepare a couple of portions of these balsamic strawberries with basil when you have a batch of homemade balsamic glaze ready in your refrigerator. Combining these three ingredients creates a unique and delicious taste sensation that impresses anyone who tries it.

More No-bake Desserts

If you are looking for more no-bake desserts, be sure to look at this strawberry parfait with homemade whipped ricotta. If you like granita, take a look at these strawberry,  watermelon or lemon ice variations!  They are just perfect for summer! 

Enjoy!

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Maria

★★★★★ If you have made this strawberry with balsamic glaze recipe, I would love to hear about it in the comments below and be sure to rate the recipe!