Unique Balsamic Vinegar Ideas

Summer is nearly here and we thought it would be fun to share some unconventional and unique uses for balsamic vinegar that are great year-round. We searched our archives of great recipes and also did some research to share with you some of our greatest finds when it comes to using balsamic vinegar in the kitchen and also for personal care.

Your imagination is your copilot in cooking and it is no different when coming up with unique ways to use one of your favorite foods, balsamic vinegar in a unique way. So, keep an open mind, and let’s have some fun with the ideas we are sharing today.

Have you ever thought of using balsamic vinegar for personal care? Balsamic vinegar is a great product to add to your personal care regime.

Balsamic Vinegar Poison Oak & Ivy Treatments

It’s beautiful weather outside and with that comes more outdoor activities which bring you in possible contact with poison oak, poison sumac, and poison ivy. OK, I hear the doubters, but balsamic vinegar can be used to treat poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac rash, by helping to stop the itching and discomfort.

The culprit that all three vines have in common is a potent chemical call urushiol. Seven out of 10 people are allergic to this chemical and you can get a rash from just a billionth gram of this icky stuff. Keep in mind when you are gardening that even if the vine has been removed along with the roots it remains potent on garden tools and other surfaces for up to 5 years. Also if you have gotten out the entire root system, which is tough to do, the urushiol still lives in the soil and it only takes a little bit to start a rash.

Use a half-cup of balsamic vinegar and pour into a pint container, add water to fill, and store in the refrigerator. Dab on the mixture with a cotton pad when the itching starts bothering you and it takes the itch away for a half-hour to an hour. You can also dampen a cloth or gauze with the same cold vinegar solution and apply it to the rash.

Balsamic Vinegar Mask

If you love balsamic vinegar, why not try a balsamic vinegar mask! This recipe smells good enough to eat, but it does wonders for your face. Mix 4 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar with 4 tablespoons of sea salt in a bowl. Leave the paste to set for a few hours, I like to refrigerate mine because it feels so good going on when it’s cool. When ready, scrub your face with the mixture and this mask will help cleanse your skin, exfoliate dea skin, but also give you a protective shield against clogged pores.

Balsamic vinegar can help restore the natural acidity of your skin, your skin’s protective layer, which can help clear up skin problems such as dryness, itching, flaking, and acne. Try substituting balsamic vinegar for your favorite facial toner and see the results. When using balsamic vinegar as a toner, mix equal amounts of balsamic vinegar with water and store it in your refrigerator until used.

Balsamic Vinegar Inventive Recipe Ideas

On to great ways to use balsamic vinegar for a whole variety of recipes, from desserts to barbecue, vegetables to salad dressings.

1. Add balsamic vinegar to your favorite barbecue sauce.
2. Try adding vinegar to sparkling water for an added zing.
3. Drizzle your favorite pizza with balsamic vinegar and try topping your pizza with mixed greens, trust me it’s delicious!
4. Try balsamic vinegar added to a cocktail for added zest.
5. Try roasting your vegetables in balsamic vinegar. One of my favorites is broccoli or brussels sprouts. As the vegetable roast, it turns the balsamic vinegar into a quickie reduction sauce that is so yummy.
6. Use balsamic vinegar as a glaze on flatbread or bruschetta.
7. Before you toss your kabobs on the barbeque, try brushing with balsamic vinegar before and as they cook.
8. Try one of our fruity balsamic vinegar drizzled on top of your favorite ice cream.
9. Have you thought of adding balsamic vinegar to your yogurt in the morning? One of my favorite additions is using one of Tastealotta fruit flavored balsamic vinegar, add yogurt, add granola, and a pinch of brown sugar on top. It’s an amazing combination of flavors that gets your morning off to a good start!
10. Try adding balsamic vinegar to your favorite stir fry recipe.
11. Try adding balsamic vinegar to a brownie recipe and add chopped praline pecans, trust me it’s delicious!
12. Roasted summer fruit drenched in balsamic vinegar and then barbequed is wonderful. Try peaches, they are one of my favorites!
13. Of course, add balsamic vinegar to your favorite salad dressing recipe.
14. Balsamic vinegar is great for whipping up your favorite reduction sauce for meats or even tofu!
15. Think of adding balsamic vinegar to your favorite meatball recipe to give it more zing! Try a combination of pork and beef or turkey and shredded vegetables for your next meatball recipe.
16. Roast your potatoes in balsamic vinegar, we love using heirlooms or fingerling potatoes and roasting them in balsamic vinegar.
17. Make stuffed potatoes or potato skins and drizzle with balsamic vinegar.
18. Last, but not least, use balsamic vinegar in your favorite dipping sauce recipe. Try adding a dash of red peppers to your favorite dipping sauce for an added flavor boost!

Whatever your food passion, you can find the best ingredients at Tastealotta.

We encourage you to try the suggestions above and let us know what was your favorite recipe that you added balsamic vinegar to for that extra flavor and zing! Keep cooking fellow foodies and have an enjoyable summer!