5 Spring Dinner Ideas—with Wine Pairings
Spring is finally here, and with it comes a renewed sense of excitement for all the fresh, vibrant ingredients that we've been missing. As a food lover and at-home-recipe-developer, I'm always looking for ways to create delicious and nourishing meals that highlight the best of what each season has to offer. So today, I'm sharing some of my favorite meals to enjoy during the springtime, along with wine pairing suggestions to elevate the experience.
Salads
As the weather warms up, I find myself craving lighter and fresher meals, and salads are the perfect solution. I love incorporating a mix of greens, such as arugula, spinach, and butter lettuce, and then adding in some seasonal vegetables like asparagus or snap peas. To make it a meal, I like to add some protein like grilled chicken or salmon, and then finish it off with a simple vinaigrette.
For light, green salads, a light-bodied white wine like a Chenin Blanc or a dry Riesling can be a good choice. These wines have delicate fruit flavors and a hint of minerality that can complement the fresh, green flavors of the salad.
For spring salads that feature grilled or roasted vegetables, a medium-bodied, fruity red wine like a Grenache, Merlot, or Tempranillo can be a good choice. These wines have enough body and tannin to stand up to the heartier flavors of the vegetables while still being light enough to not overwhelm the salad.
Grilled Vegetables
Spring is the perfect time to fire up the grill and experiment with different vegetables. Grilling adds a smoky and delicious flavor to vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers, and it's a healthy way to cook them, too. I like to toss them in some olive oil and season with salt and pepper before grilling, and then serve them as a side dish or alongside some grilled fish, steak, or chicken.
To enhance the flavors of the grilled vegetables, I suggest pairing them with a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Merlot, Grenache, or Tempranillo. A fruity rosé would be another great option, especially on a warmer day.
Light Soups
Even though it's getting warmer outside, there are still chilly days in the springtime that call for a comforting bowl of soup. I love making light soups like pea soup or minestrone, which are packed with fresh vegetables and herbs. They're filling enough to be a meal on their own, but they won't leave you feeling weighed down.
For light soups that are made with a clear broth, a dry rosé can be a good choice. The light fruit flavors in the wine can enhance the soup's flavors, while the acidity helps to cut through any richness in the broth.
If your light soup is primarily made with vegetables, consider pairing it with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These wines have a bright acidity that can complement the flavors of the vegetables without overwhelming them.
Seafood
Spring is the season for seafood, and I love incorporating it into my meals during this time. Whether it's grilled salmon, seared scallops, or a light and refreshing ceviche, seafood is a great way to add some healthy protein to your diet. I like to pair it with some seasonal vegetables or a fresh salad to make it a complete meal.
To complement the lightness of the seafood, I suggest pairing it with a light and citrusy white wine that has a touch of minerality like Gavi, Albariño, Sancerre, or Chablis. A dry rosé would work well, too, and add some depth.
Fresh Fruit
Spring is the time when all the best fruits start to come back into season, and I can't get enough of them. From juicy strawberries to sweet apricots, I love incorporating fresh fruit into my meals whenever possible. Whether it's adding some berries to my morning chia seed pudding or serving a fruit trifle for dessert, it's a great way to add some natural sweetness to my plate.
To balance the sweetness of the fruit, I recommend pairing it with a sweet white wine like a Mosel Riesling or Moscato or a light and fruity red wine like Beaujolais or Pinot Noir.
Spring is a time to celebrate all the fresh and delicious ingredients that the season has to offer. By incorporating seasonal vegetables and fruits, experimenting with different cooking methods, and focusing on nourishing and satisfying meals, we can make the most of this exciting time of year. So why not head to your local farmers market or grocery store, pick up some fresh ingredients, and start cooking up some delicious springtime meals?