Sweet & Tangy Strawberry Balsamic Sauce – A Galley Staple with Endless Possibilities
Spring is the season of fresh produce, and what better way to celebrate than with a sauce that captures sunshine in a spoon? My Sweet and Tangy Strawberry Balsamic Sauce is a simple, four-ingredient recipe that I whip up right in my boat’s tiny galley — proof that you don’t need a full-size kitchen to create big flavor.
This sauce combines the natural sweetness of strawberries with the deep, rich tang of balsamic vinegar, all smoothed out with a touch of honey and salt. It’s ready in 15 minutes, incredibly versatile, and stores beautifully for those days you want a quick way to jazz up a meal.
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Why I Love It (and Why You Will Too)
Living aboard means every ingredient needs to earn its keep — and this sauce does just that. It’s equally at home on pancakes as it is on grilled salmon, and it brings that “something special” to everything it touches. Whether you’ve got fresh-caught fish, a simple cheese snack, or a bowl of yogurt, this sauce is your go-to.
🍽️ How to Use It — Boat Galley to Backyard Grill
Here are just a few ways to let this sauce shine — whether you’re docked, anchored, or landlocked:
1. Dessert Companion
Ice Cream or Sorbet – A beautiful drizzle for creamy or fruity scoops.
Pancakes or Waffles – Turn breakfast into something worthy of a brunch spread.
Cheesecake – Classic meets modern with a tangy strawberry topping.
2. Fruit Salad Enhancer
Mix it into fresh berries, melon, or citrus fruit bowls for added dimension.
3. Savory Dishes
Grilled Salmon or Chicken – A drizzle over perfectly cooked protein = flavor magic.
Roasted Veggies – Toss carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus in this sauce before serving.
4. Salads with Flair
Drizzle over spinach, arugula, or mixed greens with strawberries, goat cheese, and toasted nuts.
Add a twist to Caprese salads with a sweet-savory touch.
5. Yogurt or Oatmeal Topper
A dollop of Greek yogurt or your morning oats, topped with granola and nuts, is pure joy.
6. Cheese Board Favorite
Serve it as a companion to Brie, goat cheese, or blue cheese on your next snack spread.
7. Toast or Crostini
Spread on toast with cream cheese or ricotta for a quick appetizer or light lunch.
8. Cocktail or Spritzer Mixer
Stir a spoonful into sparkling water, prosecco, or gin for a seasonal refreshment.
9. Whole Grain Booster
Toss with cooked quinoa, couscous, or rice as part of a grain bowl with roasted veggies.
Strawberry Balsamic Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar
- 1-2 tbsp Honey
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
Instructions
- Combine strawberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat.Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until strawberries are soft and the mixture thickens slightly.Use an immersion blender to blend the sauce to your desired texture Let cool slightly. The sauce will thicken a bit more as it cools.Store in a jar in the fridge for up to two weeks.