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This balsamic glaze is perfect for drizzling over a fresh Caprese salad. Making a balsamic reduction at home is quick and economical, and yields a glossy, sweet-tart glaze that pairs beautifully with tomatoes, mozzarella and basil.
Traditional Italian Caprese is typically served with only tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil and olive oil; adding a balsamic glaze is a popular American variation that adds a sweet and tangy finish.
Besides dressing a classic Caprese, this reduction is versatile — try it on summer salads, grilled vegetables, berries with cheese, or as a finishing touch for roasted meats.
Recipe Highlights
- This balsamic glaze brings a balanced sweet and tangy flavor that enhances fresh ingredients.
- Only one essential ingredient is required: balsamic vinegar (honey is optional if you prefer a sweeter glaze).
- Making the glaze at home is quick and generally more affordable than buying a pre-made reduction.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Balsamic Vinegar: Select a balsamic vinegar you enjoy; higher-quality vinegars yield a richer, more complex glaze.
- Optional: 1–2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup to add sweetness, especially if your vinegar is very sharp.
Equipment
- A small saucepan for simmering the vinegar.
- An airtight container or jar for storing the glaze.
Instructions
Step 1: Pour the balsamic vinegar (and honey, if using) into a small saucepan. Heat over medium to medium-high heat until the vinegar reaches a low simmer. Adjust the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
Step 2: Simmer the vinegar for about 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Reduce until the volume is about half and the liquid has thickened slightly — it should coat the back of a spoon.
Step 3: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the glaze cool for several minutes. It will continue to thicken as it cools. Drizzle over your Caprese salad just before serving.
Storage
Allow the glaze to cool completely to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 1 week.
If chilled glaze becomes too thick, let it warm to room temperature or microwave briefly (5–15 seconds) to loosen before using.
Expert Tips
- Avoid over-reducing. Stop simmering once the vinegar has reduced by roughly half — it will thicken as it cools. Overcooking can make the glaze excessively sticky and hard to pour.
- To sweeten slightly, whisk 1–2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup into the vinegar before simmering.
- Use this glaze beyond Caprese: it’s excellent on mixed greens, fruit-and-cheese plates, grilled peaches, and roasted vegetables.
FAQ
If the vinegar is boiled too long or at too high a temperature, it can reduce excessively and become very sticky once cooled. Remove it from heat once it’s reduced by about half.
No. A traditional Caprese consists of tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil and olive oil. Balsamic glaze is a modern addition often used in the United States.
Use fresh, ripe, juicy tomatoes. Heirloom, vine-ripe, or ripe cherry tomatoes all work well — choose the best-flavored tomatoes you can find.
📖 Recipe
Balsamic Glaze For Caprese Salad
- Author: Ali
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: ½ cup glaze
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This simple balsamic glaze is quick to make and elevates a Caprese salad with a glossy, sweet-tart finish. It’s an easy pantry recipe that adds bright flavor to many dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 to 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions
- Add the balsamic vinegar and honey (if using) to a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer, adjusting the heat so it doesn’t boil vigorously.
- Simmer for about 5–10 minutes until reduced by roughly half and slightly thickened, coating the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat and let cool 5–10 minutes. The glaze will continue to thicken as it cools. Drizzle over Caprese or other dishes and serve.
Notes
- Do not overcook the glaze. If reduced too far it will become sticky and hard to pour.
- Storage: Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to one week. Rewarm briefly if too thick to drizzle.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 56
- Sugar: 9.6g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Protein: 0.3g