Healthy & Special Diets > Whole30 Recipes > Whole30 Sauces & Dressings > Whole30 Fruit-Based Sauces
Whole30 Strawberry Balsamic Glaze
A sweet and tangy Whole30-compliant glaze made with fresh strawberries, balsamic vinegar, and a touch of date paste for sweetness. Perfect for drizzling over grilled chicken, pork, or salads.
Ingredients
- 1 pint Fresh Strawberries
- 1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar
- 1-2 tablespoons Date Paste
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- pinch Sea Salt
Prepare the Strawberries
Wash and hull the strawberries. Roughly chop them and place them in a medium saucepan.
Simmer the Glaze
Add the balsamic vinegar to the saucepan with the strawberries. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the strawberries have softened and the mixture has thickened slightly.
Blend the Glaze
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Use an immersion blender to blend the strawberry mixture until smooth. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the mixture to a regular blender and blend until smooth (be cautious when blending hot liquids).
Adjust Sweetness and Season
Return the blended mixture to the saucepan. Stir in the date paste, starting with 1 tablespoon. Taste and add more date paste if needed, depending on the sweetness of your strawberries and your preference. Stir in the lemon juice and a pinch of sea salt.
Thicken the Glaze (If Needed)
If the glaze is not thick enough, return the saucepan to low heat and simmer for a few more minutes, stirring frequently, until it reaches your desired consistency. Keep in mind that the glaze will thicken slightly as it cools.
Cool and Store
Let the glaze cool completely before using. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts (Estimated per 100g)
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Other Important Considerations for Nutrition
This glaze is primarily carbohydrate-based due to the natural sugars in strawberries and the added date paste. While date paste is a Whole30-compliant sweetener, it should still be used in moderation. Consider the carbohydrate content when incorporating this glaze into your overall Whole30 meal plan, especially if you are managing blood sugar levels. Remember to focus on balanced meals with plenty of protein, healthy fats, and vegetables.
FAQ
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Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Thaw them slightly before using and drain any excess liquid. -
Can I substitute the date paste with another Whole30-compliant sweetener?
While date paste is the preferred sweetener for Whole30, you can experiment with a small amount of pure maple syrup or coconut sugar (although these are technically discouraged on Whole30, some people tolerate them in small amounts). Adjust the quantity to taste. -
What can I use this glaze on?
This glaze is delicious on grilled chicken, pork, fish, salads, or even drizzled over roasted vegetables. It also pairs well with breakfast items like sweet potato pancakes (if reintroducing non-Whole30 compliant items).