Balsamic Vinegar is made from fermented wine grapes barrel-aged for years and years which creates a well balanced, rich, tasty vinegar. A vinegar so versatile it can be used in everything from snacks, appetizers, main dishes, side dishes.... and desserts! We are sharing four of our favorite, not so typical ways to enjoy balsamic. 

Balsamic, Prosciutto, & Pecorino Watermelon

Watermelon is at its peak freshness during summer and we can’t get enough this year. This dish is perfect for anyone who craves a great sweet and salty combo. Watermelon is often enjoyed with cheeses like feta and goat cheese. We took this idea, put an Italian twist on it, and the result just might top the original inspiration. This recipe is perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or little snack. Make the watermelon bites into skewers, or plate as a salad and enjoy.

Ingredients

¼ Average Size Watermelon, cut into 1 inch cubes

4 ounce wedge Pecorino Toscano, cut into thin 1 inch slices

3 ounces Volpi Prosciutto, cut into 1 inch pieces 

Malpighi Saporoso Riserva Balsamic Vinegar (to taste)

Fresh Ground Pepper (to taste)

Arrange cubed watermelon onto a large plate. Top with a slice of Pecorino Toscano and Volpi Prosciutto. Finish with fresh ground pepper and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. If you choose to serve as a salad, leave as is. If you choose to make as an appetizer, secure with a wooden appetizer skewer.

Recipe makes 40-50 skewers

Balsamic Gelato

This recipe is as simple as it sounds! Balsamic Gelato enhances the balsamic to a sweetness not usually experienced in typical balsamic recipes. For this recipe, we are using a simple vanilla gelato, but a balsamic drizzle goes great on chocolate, hazelnut, and chocolate chip as well. Topped with fresh fruit, this dessert is sophisticated and refreshing. 

Ingredients

3 scoops of favorite gelato or ice cream

Balsamic Vinegar (to taste)

Fresh Fruit (optional)

Some of our favorite balsamic to enjoy over gelato! 

Ritrovo Organic Rasberry Balsamic Vinegar

Ritrovo Organic Apple Balsamic Vinegar

Malpighi Saporoso Riserva Balsamic Vinegar

Scoop gelato of choice into a bowl. Top with fresh fruit such as strawberries, peaches, or rasberries. Finish off with a drizzle of balsamic and enjoy!

Avocado Balsamic 

Inspired by DITALIA guru Vince Di Piazza's daughter Lia, avocado with balsamic is the ultimate treat. Avocado addictions are showing no signs of slowing down, and just when we thought it couldn't get any better, it did. Lia recommends this healthy combo be enjoyed at breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a midday snackiceddu. 

Ingredients

1 Ripe Avocado 

Malpighi Saporoso Riserva Balsamic Vinegar (to taste) 

Piranske Soline Fior di Sale "Salt Flowers" (to taste) 

Simply slice your avocado in half, and gently use a knife to cut into slices, keeping the avocado within the rind. Top with salt. Add a drizzle of balsamic and enjoy. For variation, try topping with Parmigiano Reggiano! 

Tomato Balsamic Vinaigrette 

We couldn't get through a whole balsamic article without providing a new balsamic vinaigrette. Tomato Balsamic by Ritrovo Selections has an invigorating sweet and savory flavor. Its rich, unique flavor is best used in dishes complimented by the flavor of tomatoes. 

Ingredients 

1 tablespoon Ritrovo Selections Organic Tomato Balsamic Vinegar 

3 tablespoons Olio Tre Casi Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil 

Salt and Pepper (to taste) 

Tomato Balsamic Vinaigrette is so simple, yet it adds a new dynamic flavor to an otherwise original dressing. This vinaigrette works on essentially everything from salads, to seafood dishes, meat and more. Next time you go to pull the ketchup out of the fridge, try swapping for a drizzle of this vinaigrette, you won't be disappointed! 

Discover DITALIA's Selection of Balsamic