Balsamic Strawberry Mango Salad
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl, Large Shallow Non-Metallic
- plastic wrap
- Serving Bowls, 4
- Serving spoon
Ingredients
- 500 g Strawberries hulled and thickly sliced
- 1 large Mango peeled, pitted and sliced
- 2 tablespoons Caster Sugar
- 3 tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Mint chopped
Instructions
- For the Fruit Salad
- Place the sliced strawberries in a large shallow non-metallic mixing bowl.
- Add the sliced mango.
- Sprinkle the caster sugar evenly over the fruit.
- Pour the balsamic vinegar over the strawberries and mango.
- Toss gently until all the fruit is lightly coated.
- Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate the fruit for 8 hours.
- For Serving
- Remove the fruit from the refrigerator.
- Let it stand at room temperature for 1 hour.
- Stir the fruit gently to redistribute the balsamic syrup.
- Divide the strawberries and mango among four serving bowls.
- Drizzle the remaining syrup over each portion.
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh mint.
- Serve at room temperature.
Notes & Wine Advice
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fruit at room temperature so the mango, strawberries, and balsamic syrup have their fullest flavour. Enjoy it on its own or spoon it over vanilla ice cream, Greek yogurt, panna cotta, pancakes, waffles, or sponge cake. For a larger fruit selection, add our Mojito Berry Fruit Salad.Recipe Notes
Use a glass, ceramic, or food-safe plastic bowl because balsamic vinegar can react with some metals. Choose ripe but firm fruit so it retains its shape during overnight chilling. Allowing the salad to stand before serving removes the refrigerator chill and improves its flavour.Variations
Replace the mango with 125 grams of blueberries for a berry-focused variation. Add several grinds of black pepper before serving to accentuate the sweetness of the strawberries. Fresh basil can replace the mint, while orange zest adds a brighter citrus aroma.Storage
Store the covered fruit salad in the refrigerator and use it within two days. The fruit will gradually soften and release more juice. Freezing is not recommended because the strawberries and mango will lose their fresh texture after thawing.Wine Advice
A lightly sparkling Moscato d’Asti complements the ripe strawberries and mango without overpowering them. A chilled dry Rosé provides a fresher contrast to the sweet fruit and tangy balsamic syrup.Nutrition values
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About Balsamic Strawberry Mango Salad
Balsamic strawberry mango salad combines ripe summer fruit with caster sugar, balsamic vinegar, and fresh mint. Overnight chilling allows the strawberries and mango to release their juices, creating a naturally colourful syrup with a balance of sweetness and acidity. The result is a simple no-cook dessert for four.
The fruit is served at room temperature rather than directly from the refrigerator. This small step makes the flavours more noticeable and allows the balsamic syrup to loosen. Fresh mint provides colour and a cooling herbal finish immediately before serving.
Why Balsamic Fruit Salad Works
Balsamic fruit salad works because the vinegar’s acidity balances the natural sweetness of ripe fruit. Good balsamic vinegar also contributes subtle caramel and grape flavours that complement strawberries particularly well. Mango adds tropical sweetness and a softer texture.
Caster sugar draws liquid from the fruit through osmosis. As the strawberries and mango rest, this liquid combines with the vinegar to form a thin syrup. The fruit therefore seasons itself without requiring cooking or a separately prepared dressing.
Choosing the Best Strawberries
Look for strawberries with an even red colour, fresh green leaves, and no soft or damaged patches. Large berries should be cut into thick slices so they remain recognisable after chilling. Very thin slices may soften too much overnight.
Wash the strawberries before removing their leaves. Washing them after hulling allows water to enter the fruit, which can dilute their flavour. Dry them thoroughly before slicing so the balsamic mixture remains concentrated.
Preparing the Mango
Choose a mango that gives slightly when pressed but does not feel mushy. An underripe mango will be firm and tart, while an overripe one may collapse when tossed with the strawberries. Slice the flesh into pieces similar in thickness to the strawberries.
Mango varieties differ in sweetness and fibre. Smooth, ripe flesh produces the most pleasant texture. If the mango is exceptionally sweet, the balsamic vinegar becomes particularly useful for keeping the dessert balanced.
Chilling and Serving the Fruit
Use a shallow non-metallic bowl so more fruit comes into contact with the sugar and balsamic vinegar. Glass or ceramic is ideal. Cover the bowl securely to prevent the fruit from absorbing refrigerator odours.
After eight hours of chilling, remove the salad and let it stand for one hour. Stir gently before dividing it among four bowls. Spoon the syrup from the bottom over every portion and add the mint only at the end so it remains fresh and green.
Easy Serving Ideas
Serve the salad plain for a light dessert or pair it with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, mascarpone, or Greek yogurt. It also makes a colourful topping for pancakes, waffles, French toast, cheesecake, or pavlova.
For another warm-weather dessert, browse the fruit recipes, dessert collection, and no-bake recipes. During colder months, our Spiced Red Wine Pears provide a warmer fruit-based alternative.
Variations and Flavour Additions
Blueberries can replace the mango or be added alongside it. Fresh raspberries, peaches, nectarines, or pineapple also work, although softer fruits should be folded in carefully. Black pepper may sound unusual, but a small amount intensifies the strawberry flavour.
Fresh basil creates a more savoury herbal note, while orange or lemon zest adds brightness. Chopped pistachios can provide crunch, but they make the dessert unsuitable for a nut-free diet. Avoid adding them when serving guests with allergies.
Storage and Food Safety
Keep the prepared fruit refrigerated and use it within two days. The texture becomes softer over time as the sugar and vinegar continue drawing out moisture. Always use a clean serving spoon and return leftovers to the refrigerator promptly.
Follow current FDA safe food-handling guidance when washing, preparing, storing, and serving fresh fruit. With ripe ingredients and enough resting time, balsamic strawberry mango salad delivers a bright and refreshing summer dessert.