Looking for a quick and elegant dessert that captures the essence of Italian flavors?
These Italian macerated strawberries are the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and just a hint of spice.

Fresh strawberries are marinated in balsamic vinegar with a touch of sugar and freshly ground black pepper, creating a simple yet sophisticated treat that’s ready in minutes.
Topped with a sprinkle of grated unsweetened chocolate, this dish offers a surprising twist that will impress your guests or add a special touch to any meal.
Whether you’re entertaining or just craving something unique, this easy recipe is sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 pints fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
- 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate, grated (optional, to taste)
Instructions:
Step 1:Prepare the Marinade
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the balsamic vinegar, white sugar, and freshly ground black pepper until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the balsamic vinegar, white sugar, and freshly ground black pepper until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Step 2:Add the Strawberries
- Gently stir in the quartered strawberries, making sure they are well-coated with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to chill for about 10 minutes. This will allow the flavors to blend.
Step 3:Serve and garnish
- Once chilled, take the strawberries out of the fridge. Just before serving, sprinkle the grated unsweetened chocolate over the top.
- Enjoy immediately!
FAQs:
How long should I marinate the strawberries for the best flavor?
Marinating the strawberries for about 10 minutes allows them to absorb the flavors of the balsamic vinegar, sugar, and black pepper without becoming too soft. If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can marinate them for up to 30 minutes, but any longer may cause the strawberries to release too much juice.
Can I use a different type of vinegar instead of balsamic vinegar?
Yes, you can substitute balsamic vinegar with apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar if you prefer a slightly different flavor.
However, keep in mind that balsamic vinegar adds a unique sweet and tangy depth to the dish that may be altered with other vinegars.

Simple Italian Macerated Strawberries
Ingredients
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp white sugar
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 pints fresh strawberries hulled and quartered
- 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate grated (or to taste)
Instructions
Prepare the marinade
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the balsamic vinegar, sugar, and freshly ground black pepper until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Add the strawberries
- Gently stir in the quartered strawberries, making sure they are well-coated with the marinade.Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to chill for about 10 minutes. This will allow the flavors to blend.
Serve and garnish
- Once chilled, take the strawberries out of the fridge. Just before serving, sprinkle the grated unsweetened chocolate over the top. Enjoy immediately!
hey Sandra, quick q: can i marinate these strawberries overnight or is that too long? wanna make sure they’re extra flavorful for brunch tomorrow!
TerryJ, overnight should be fine! Just make sure they’re covered well in the fridge. Adds a nice depth to the flavour.
lol thought this was gonna be hard but its actually easy, gonna try it out!
imagine soaking strawberries in soda instead of vinegar, now that’s a fizzy treat I wanna try! Sandra, what ya think?
Oh, another strawberry recipe. As if we needed more ways to eat them. Groundbreaking, Sandra.
Love the simplicity and health benefits of using balsamic vinegar with strawberries. It’s a delightful combination that boosts the fruit’s natural flavors. Excellent choice, Sandra!