Balsamic vinegar has so many tasty uses. It makes meat sizzle, fruit sparkle and garden veggies downright irresistible! Meet your new go-to for brightening up dishes.
38 Balsamic-Kissed Recipes
Updated on Sep. 05, 2024
Balsamic-Glazed Pork Tenderloin
Pull out your ovenproof skillet for this juicy balsamic pork tenderloin that goes from stovetop to oven. Balsamic vinegar gives it a tangy glaze. —Lisa Moriarty, Wilton, New Hampshire
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Balsamic Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our kitchen is tiny and cramped, so we try to grill simple (but tasty) meals outside as often as possible during the summer months. Dried herbs work as well, but during the summer use fresh herbs for the best taste. —Kelly Evans, Denton, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 2 teaspoons sauce: 245 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 358mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
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Teriyaki Steak
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My brother-in-law, Stanley, gave me this recipe more than 30 years ago. He was an officer in the Army, and his fellow officers considered this flavorful steak a high-demand dish. —Dan Mayer, Olney, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 408 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 170mg cholesterol, 1572mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein.
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Cod with Bacon & Balsamic Tomatoes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Let's face it, everything really is better with bacon. I fry it, add cod fillets to the pan and finish it all with a big, tomato-y pop. —Maureen McClanahan, St. Louis, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1/4 cup tomato mixture and 1 tablespoon bacon: 178 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 485mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
5/38
White Balsamic Vinaigrette
Total Time
10 min
Servings
3/4 cup
From the Recipe Creator:
This white balsamic vinaigrette offers a milder taste in salad dressings. Less sweet than its traditional counterpart, balsamic vinegar, this salad dressing’s subtle flavors make it versatile and easy to add to any dish. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 182 calories, 18g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 237mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
6/38
Balsamic Asparagus Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For this asparagus salad, allow enough time to let the flavors blend for at least an hour. That’s one of the secrets to why it tastes so delicious! If you're short on time, use 1/2 cup prepared balsamic vinaigrette instead of making it from scratch. —Dolores Brigham, Inglewood, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 139 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 208mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 fat.
7/38
Creamy Polenta with Balsamic Glaze
Total Time
2 hours 15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This delicious, easy side dish goes incredibly well with braised meat. It makes any meal feel a little more elevated. —Sarah Vasques, Milford, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup polenta with 1 tablespoon glaze: 415 calories, 25g fat (16g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 494mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
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Chicken Quinoa Bowl
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love this recipe because its simplicity allows me to spend time with my family while not sacrificing taste or nutrition. Plus the fresh spring flavors really shine through! —Allyson Meyler, Greensboro, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 491 calories, 21g fat (5g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 715mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 6g fiber), 42g protein.
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Balsamic Steak with Red Grape Relish
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love how steak marinated in balsamic vinaigrette goes so well with a relish of red grapes and blue cheese. Everything looks gorgeous on the plate. —Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked beef with 3/4 cup relish and 1 tablespoon vinaigrette: 332 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 659mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein.
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Roasted Pepper Salad
Total Time
40 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this colorful salad for a 4-H project and took it all the way to the state competition, where it won first place! I’d love to have my own Italian restaurant someday.—Seth Murdoch, Red Rock, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 346 calories, 27g fat (9g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 196mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 11g protein.
11/38
Roasted Balsamic Red Potatoes
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I found a potato recipe that called for vinegar, I was intrigued. But without all the ingredients on hand, I had to improvise and gave it a whirl using Italian seasoning and balsamic vinegar. It was fantastic! —Lisa M. Varner, El Paso, TX
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 159 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
12/38
Apple-Roasted Pork with Cherry Balsamic Glaze
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I added roasted apples, cherries and onions to turn ordinary pork into an impressive dish. There is a short time span between caramelized onions and burned ones, so pay close attention once they start cooking. —Josh Downey, McHenry, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 387 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 498mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 3g fiber), 34g protein.
13/38
Balsamic Chicken & Pears
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pears and dried cherries go amazingly well with chicken and balsamic vinegar. It’s easy enough to make for a weeknight meal, but you can also dress it up for company. —Marcia Whitney, Gainesville, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 1/3 cup sauce and 4 pear wedges: 335 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 670mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 3g fiber), 36g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fruit.
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Balsamic Herb Vinaigrette
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2-1/4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Balsamic vinaigrette is a classic, versatile dressing. A variety of savory seasonings gives this recipe a tangy kick. It's the perfect complement to a bed of fresh greens. —Edgar Wright, Silver Spring, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 199 calories, 19g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
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White Balsamic Blueberry, Corn and Feta Salad
Total Time
50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm not typically a huge fan of summer corn, but when it comes to this sweet, salty, refreshing salad, I can't put my fork down. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 133 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 210mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
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Balsamic-Seasoned Steak
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This simple recipe ensures a tender steak without a long marinating time. Steak sauce and balsamic vinegar are a great team, and you can’t go wrong with melty Swiss on top. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked beef with 1/2 ounce cheese: 188 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 116mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
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Pressure-Cooker Autumn Apple Chicken
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fill the whole house with the aroma of chicken with apples and barbecue sauce. This is a meal you won’t want to wait to enjoy. —Caitlyn Hauser, Brookline, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 1/2 cup apple mixture: 340 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 458mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fruit.
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Blackberry Balsamic Spinach Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This lightly dressed salad is packed with superfoods! When I have time, I make my vinaigrette from scratch. —Mary Lou Timpson, Colorado City, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 106 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 230mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
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Balsamic Pork Chops
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband loves pork chops, so I try to find new ways to use them. He calls this version "restaurant quality!" —Nicole Clayton, Prescott, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 3 tablespoons sauce: 715 calories, 41g fat (17g saturated fat), 169mg cholesterol, 557mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 1g fiber), 46g protein.
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Cucumber Tomato Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cucumber salad recipes are my absolute favorite! This fast, fresh salad is a winner at every get together. It's an easygoing, healthy side dish for kabobs, chicken or anything hot off the grill. —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 90 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 356mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
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Balsamic Roasted Chicken Thighs with Root Vegetables
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I will always remember the way my grandmother's house smelled when she made these balsamic chicken thighs every Sunday. Ever since she gave me the recipe, the heartwarming flavors always take me back to my childhood. — Erin Chilcoat, Central Islip, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 480 calories, 27g fat (6g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 604mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 5g fiber), 27g protein.
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Steak Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband loves blue cheese and I like a hearty salad that eats like a meal, so I put the two things together to make this steak salad recipe. The sweet-tartness of dried cranberries pairs deliciously with the cheese, creamy avocado and balsamic vinegar. It's irresistible! —Marla Clark, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 321 calories, 22g fat (5g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 221mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat.
23/38
Balsamic Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This entree is a fantastic way to savor fresh tomatoes, especially during the warm summer months. It’s quite simple, but the sweet, tangy tomato glaze is so good. —Karen Gehrig, Concord, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 1/2 cup tomatoes and 1-1/2 teaspoons glaze: 306 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 384mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch.
24/38
Balsamic Chicken Pasta Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love all the colors and flavors of this quick and easy dish and serve it often in summer, to the delight of my guests! You can't beat the combination of Gorgonzola and bacon. Leftover grilled shrimp makes a tasty substitute for chicken. —Terry McCarty, Oro Grande, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cup: 408 calories, 20g fat (5g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 323mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein.
25/38
Green Bean Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings (3/4 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Serve up those green beans in a whole new way–with a green bean salad recipe! The tangy flavors and crunch of these balsamic green beans complement any special meal or holiday potluck. —Megan Spencer, Farmington Hills, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 77 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 112mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
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Balsamic Zucchini Saute
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This super fast vegetarian dish is flavorful and uses only a few ingredients, so it’s easy to whip up while your entree is cooking. —Elizabeth Bramkamp, Gig Harbor, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 94 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 398mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
27/38
Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I always loved Brussels sprouts growing up, so I decided as an adult to bring them home to our family table. I've been making them ever since.—Brenda Washnock, Negaunee, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 253 calories, 18g fat (3g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 407mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 6g fiber), 8g protein.
28/38
Baked Balsamic Chicken
Total Time
2 hours 20 min
Servings
12 servings (1-1/2 cups onion sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
As far as roast chicken ideas go, this baked balsamic chicken recipe is one of our favorites. When the aroma from this dish fills your house, your family will think you spent all day cooking. But this elegant Sunday-special roast chicken, flavored with rosemary, wine and balsamic vinegar, is surprisingly simple to make. —Tracy Tylkowski, Omaha, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked chicken (skin removed) with 2 tablespoons sauce: 182 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 275mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat.
29/38
Honey Balsamic Salmon
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Look no further—you’ve just found the first, last and only way you’ll ever want to fix salmon again. The sweet and tangy flavors blend beautifully in this easy-to-remember honey balsamic salmon recipe. —Mary Lou Timpson, Centennial Park, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 319 calories, 17g fat (3g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 323mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
30/38
Fennel Salad with Orange-Balsamic Vinaigrette
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A sweet balsamic vinaigrette always pulls everything together in a delicious harmony of flavors. Raspberries are one of my very favorite fruits, so I'm always eager to find a new use for them. —Susan Gauthier, Falmouth, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 240 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 133mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein.
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Chicken Legs with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Total Time
55 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Just a handful of ingredients give this mouthwatering meal maker its light, lemony flavor. —Leslie Palmer, Swampscott, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken leg quarter: 261 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 202mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 fat.
32/38
Grilled Honey-Balsamic Glazed Fruit
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings (1/2 cup glaze)
From the Recipe Creator:
One summer my mother-in-law made us grilled peaches basted with a sweet and tangy sauce. These are so good I'm always tempted to eat the whole batch. —Kristin Van Dyken, West Richland, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without ice cream): 164 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 26mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
33/38
Tomato Balsamic Chicken
Total Time
6 hours 25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this saucy chicken during a particularly busy holiday season. As new parents, my husband and I both appreciate having a go-to dinner that's easy, homemade and delicious. —Anne Colvin, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup chicken mixture: 235 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 433mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
34/38
Sweet Potato Salad
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tender sweet potatoes are tossed with crunchy nuts and chewy dried cherries for a burst of flavors and textures. —Fran Fehling, Staten Island, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 211 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 189mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
35/38
Salad with Salmon
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This salmon spinach salad is really healthy and super fast. It's an absolute cinch to make after a long workday. —Karen Schlyter, Calgary, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 265 calories, 18g fat (3g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 261mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
36/38
Apple-Balsamic Pork Chops & Rice
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Thanks to tangy balsamic vinegar and sweet apples, this one-pot pork chop lets you have a little something special anytime. —Greg Hageli, Elmhurst, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 1 cup rice: 454 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 498mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 38g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat, 1/2 fruit.
37/38
Balsamic Roasted Vegetable Primavera
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Roasting makes veggies an irresistible part of this light but filling dinner. —Carly Curtin, Ellicott City, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 410 calories, 17g fat (3g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 731mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 5g fiber), 12g protein.
38/38
Balsamic-Glazed Fig & Pork Tenderloin
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 kabobs
From the Recipe Creator:
I have a huge fig tree that produces an abundance of figs. One year I tried drying some and developed this sweet and smoky recipe as a result. Now it's a regular at family gatherings. —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 139 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 306mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
