If you think balsamic vinegar is just for salad dressing, you're missing out on some of its best uses.

Sweet, tart and incredibly versatile, balsamic can add depth and complexity to everything from roasted vegetables and marinades to fresh fruit, cheese and even dessert.

Once you start experimenting with different flavors and olive oil pairings, the possibilities get even bigger.

What Is Balsamic Vinegar?

Balsamic vinegar originated in Italy and is traditionally associated with the regions of Modena and Reggio Emilia.

Unlike ordinary wine vinegar, traditional balsamic begins with freshly pressed grape juice known as grape must. The must is cooked to concentrate the grapes' natural sugars and flavors before undergoing fermentation and aging.

That combination of sweetness and acidity is what makes balsamic so versatile in the kitchen.

Not All Balsamic Is the Same

Balsamic vinegars can vary tremendously in flavor, consistency, ingredients and production methods.

Some commercial balsamics rely heavily on wine vinegar and may include caramel coloring, sweeteners or thickeners to create the dark color and consistency people associate with balsamic.

But color and thickness alone don't tell you the quality of what's in the bottle.

The grapes, ingredients, production method and balance between sweetness and acidity all contribute to the finished balsamic.

And then there's flavor.

From rich, traditional dark balsamic to bright fruit balsamics, different varieties can completely change the personality of a dish.

That's where the fun begins.

7 Delicious Ways to Use Balsamic Vinegar

1. Pair It With Fresh Fruit

Fruit and balsamic are a natural combination.

Try balsamic drizzled over:

• Strawberries
• Peaches
• Watermelon
• Fresh berries
• Apples or pears
• Fresh figs

The acidity of the balsamic balances the natural sweetness of the fruit, while flavored balsamics give you even more combinations to explore.

Try adding fresh herbs such as basil or mint for another layer of flavor.

2. Drizzle It Over Cheese

A little balsamic can transform a simple cheese plate.

Try it with:

• Fresh mozzarella
• Burrata
• Goat cheese
• Parmesan
• Brie
• Blue cheese

Add fresh or dried fruit, nuts and a drizzle of balsamic for an easy appetizer.

You can also pair a flavored balsamic with different cheeses to find combinations you wouldn't necessarily expect.

3. Make a Marinade

Olive oil and balsamic make an easy foundation for marinades.

Start with your favorite olive oil and balsamic, then add garlic, herbs, mustard or seasonings to taste.

Use the mixture to marinate:

• Chicken
• Pork
• Beef
• Seafood
• Mushrooms
• Vegetables

Changing the olive oil and balsamic combination gives you an entirely different marinade without having to learn a new recipe.

4. Finish Roasted Vegetables

Balsamic and roasted vegetables belong together.

Try it with Brussels sprouts, carrots, onions, squash, asparagus, mushrooms, sweet potatoes or tomatoes.

You can toss the vegetables with olive oil before roasting and finish them with balsamic afterward, or incorporate balsamic into a glaze.

A small drizzle just before serving adds brightness and a sweet-tart finish.

5. Add It to Sauces, Soups & Glazes

Sometimes a dish just needs something.

A splash of balsamic can add acidity and depth to tomato sauce, soups, stews, pan sauces and gravies.

The trick is to start small.

Add a little, taste, and adjust.

Balsamic can also be reduced into a glaze for meats, vegetables, pizza, flatbreads and appetizers.

6. Put Balsamic on Dessert

This is where balsamic gets really interesting.

Try it over:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Cheesecake
• Brownies
• Chocolate cake
• Pound cake
• Fresh berries
• Grilled peaches

Fruit-forward and richer dark balsamics are particularly fun to experiment with for dessert.

A drizzle is usually all you need.

7. Add It to Drinks

Yes, you can drink balsamic too.

A small amount of fruit balsamic adds sweet-tart flavor to:

• Sparkling water
• Lemonade
• Iced tea
• Mocktails
• Cocktails

Start with a small splash and adjust to taste.

Pairing different fruit balsamics with citrus, herbs and sparkling water is an easy way to create a refreshing drink without needing a complicated recipe.

Don't Forget the Olive Oil

One of the easiest ways to get more use from your balsamic is to pair it with different olive oils.

The same balsamic can taste completely different depending on the oil you put beside it.

A fruit balsamic might become bright and refreshing with a citrus olive oil or rich and savory with an herb-infused oil.

And a traditional dark balsamic can move from salad dressing to marinade to dessert simply by changing what you pair with it.

There really isn't one “correct” combination.

Taste. Experiment. Find the combinations you love.

The Takeaway

Balsamic vinegar deserves a lot more space in the kitchen than the salad-dressing shelf.

Use it with fruit. Drizzle it over cheese. Make marinades. Finish roasted vegetables. Add it to sauces. Put it over dessert. Mix it into drinks.

And when you start pairing different balsamics with different olive oils, you'll discover even more ways to use the bottles already in your pantry.

If you're not sure where to start, come taste with us. We'll help you find combinations you love and show you ways to use them at home.