These highly-rated recipes take on the rich and tart flavor of balsamic vinegar. From delicious roasted veggies to healthy and convenient entrées, every dish in this collection has earned four- and five-star reviews from EatingWell readers, so you can rest assured that these are worth the effort. Recipes like our Sheet-Pan Roasted Vegetables with Balsamic and High-Protein Balsamic Chicken Orzo ensure that your bottle of sweet and tangy balsamic vinegar never gets left behind.
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High-Protein Balsamic Chicken Orzo
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.
This High-Protein Balsamic Chicken Orzo is a creamy, flavor-packed one-skillet meal that balances protein with tender veggies and pasta. A finishing drizzle of balsamic and a sprinkle of chives add brightness, making each bite delicious. With minimal cleanup, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners.
Sheet-Pan Roasted Vegetables with Balsamic
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser.
These balsamic roasted vegetables bring together fall and winter favorites in one vibrant, flavor-packed side dish. Butternut squash, red onion, Brussels sprouts and broccoli are tossed in a tangy balsamic-Dijon dressing with fresh herbs, then roasted until caramelized and tender. The high heat brings out natural sweetness, while the vinegar and mustard keep every bite bright and savory. This easy side dish is perfect for weeknight dinners and holiday tables alike!
Smashed Green Beans with Parmesan & Balsamic
Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Amanda Holstein, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee.
These Smashed Green Beans with Parmesan & Balsamic take a flavorful twist on a classic roasted side. Smashing the beans creates extra surface area that catches a coating of Parmesan and garlic, adding a savory crunch. A drizzle of tangy balsamic glaze ties it all together with a sweet-savory finish. If you follow a vegetarian diet, look for Parmesan made without animal rennet.
Balsamic-Rosemary Melting Beets
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless.
These Balsamic-Rosemary Melting Beets are an elegant way to showcase the delicious flavor of roasted beets. Roasting brings out their earthy depth, while a mixture of broth, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard and honey adds brightness and complexity. Fresh rosemary infuses the dish with aromatic warmth, and a final swirl of cold butter creates a silky finish.
Balsamic Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes & Zucchini
Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco.
This balsamic chicken with roasted tomatoes and zucchini is a flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy evenings. With only five ingredients (not including salt, pepper and oil), it’s both simple and satisfying. Balsamic vinegar adds a rich tang that complements the sweetness of the roasted veggies. If you have some extra time, a longer marinade will result in more flavorful chicken.
Balsamic-Parmesan Melting Cabbage
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Pricilla Montiel, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer
This balsamic-Parmesan melting cabbage is so tender you can cut it with a spoon. Slow-roasted with a rich balsamic-infused broth and topped with a light dusting of Parmesan, this dish transforms humble cabbage into a side dish to remember. Serve it alongside roasted chicken, salmon or a hearty lentil stew for a complete meal. It’s simple, elegant and delicious.
Balsamic Butter Mushroom Bites
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
These party-ready balsamic mushrooms combine the rich, savory flavors of mushrooms with the tangy sweetness of balsamic vinegar. Serve them on skewers, alongside crusty bread or as a side dish for grilled or roasted meat. Brown cremini mushrooms, in combination with the balsamic, offer a rich presentation, but white button mushrooms, while lighter, will work well too.
Beet Salad with Goat Cheese & Balsamic Vinaigrette
Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop stylist: Addelyn Evans
This beet salad with goat cheese and balsamic vinaigrette is flavor-packed, blending earthy beets, tangy balsamic vinegar and creamy goat cheese. Oranges lend a citrusy brightness, while arugula adds a peppery kick. Versatile and satisfying, this healthy beet salad complements any meal. Enjoy it as a side or turn it into a main dish topped with grilled chicken or roasted tofu.
Balsamic Butter Tofu Bites
Ali Redmond
In these balsamic butter tofu bites, tofu gets smothered in a tangy sauce made with balsamic vinegar and butter for a tantalizing twist. The sauce thickens as it cooks, turning into a syrupy glaze. Watch it closely as it simmers to prevent it from burning. Serve these bites alongside roasted veggies and a hunk of crusty whole-grain bread for sopping up every last bit of the sauce.
Balsamic Roasted Cabbage Steaks
Photographer: Ali Redmond
These balsamic roasted cabbage steaks are a flavorful and simple dish where thick slices of cabbage are brushed with olive oil and seasonings and roasted until tender and caramelized, then finished with a coating of balsamic vinegar. The roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the cabbage, while the balsamic vinegar adds a tangy richness. Serve them as a side dish alongside your favorite main. Roast any extra cabbage you may have separately, or refrigerate it and save it for another use.
Maple-Balsamic Roasted Shallots
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Shallots, with their delicate, sweet flavor, become meltingly tender in the oven and are coated in a delightfully aromatic balsamic butter glaze. This versatile recipe pairs well with just about anything, from roasted pork or chicken to seared steak. Try to find shallots that aren’t too large and are all roughly the same size, as they’ll cook more quickly and evenly.
Balsamic-Butter Salmon Bites
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
These tender and buttery salmon bites are coated with a sweet balsamic glaze that clings nicely to the salmon after a few minutes under the broiler. Serve this easy appetizer with wooden picks and pack away any leftovers to use as a salad topper or wrap filling. Turn this appetizer into a main dish by making it the star of your next grain bowl.
Balsamic Steak & Mushroom Skewers
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Melissa Gray, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
Sweet balsamic vinegar packs a punch in these balsamic steak and mushroom skewers. Top sirloin is tender and less expensive compared to other cuts of meat, but for a little more flavor, strip steak is a good alternative. If you have leftovers, use them up in salad or tuck them into pita bread with hummus for a delicious lunch the next day.
Crispy Smashed Balsamic-Parmesan Mushrooms
Rachel Marek
These crispy smashed mushrooms take up the flavors of sweet and tangy balsamic vinegar and savory Parmesan cheese. Making an X in each cap helps them smash evenly.
Slow-Cooker Balsamic Short Ribs
Blaine Moats
Now here’s a beef short ribs recipe you can serve to company—even on a holiday.
Crispy Smashed Broccoli with Balsamic & Parmesan
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
Flattening broccoli florets increases their surface area, which means more space to absorb the flavors of Parmesan cheese and a sweet balsamic vinegar drizzle.
Sautéed Mushrooms with Balsamic & Parmesan
Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf
Tender cremini mushrooms soak up the tart-sweet flavor of balsamic vinegar, while nutty Parmesan cheese adds a savory note. This easy technique works well with other mushrooms too, like oyster mushrooms or shiitakes, so feel free to mix it up. Serve this big-flavored side alongside grilled steak, or make it a main dish by serving the mushrooms topped with a poached egg and a slice of grilled bread.
20-Minute Balsamic Mushroom & Spinach Pasta
Antonis Achilleos
This 20-minute veggie pasta dish is super savory, thanks to meaty mushrooms, while the natural sweetness from the balsamic vinegar, basil and pistachios brighten up this quick, healthy vegetarian dinner.
Crispy Smashed Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic & Parmesan
Photography / Brie Passano, Styling / Sammy Mila / Holly Raibikis
Topped with Parmesan cheese and balsamic vinegar, these flavorful Brussels sprouts will be the star on any table. Smashing the sprouts creates a wide surface area that gets mouthwateringly crispy in the oven.
Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Balsamic Glaze & Parmesan
This whole roasted cauliflower recipe is incredibly easy—and requires just 5 minutes of active time—but delivers a healthy side dish that’s impressive enough for entertaining. A mixture of Parmesan cheese and balsamic glaze adds tons of flavor. Serve the whole roasted cauliflower with roast chicken, turkey or pork or as part of a vegetarian meal.
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