Wine Pairing With Salmon: 10 Great Pairing Ideas
Wine fanatics are always looking for new food pairings to pair with their favorite bottle of wine. Whether they are searching for their own enjoyment, their next party, or even date night, it feels like wine lovers are always searching for the next best pairing. One of the most versatile yet straightforward pairings with wine is salmon.
Salmon is one of the most well-rounded proteins to pair with a variety of meals, especially wine (specifically, white wine). It’s an unspoken rule that you generally don’t drink red wine when eating fish like salmon. While we may be recommending mostly white wines to go with your salmon, don’t let that stop you. If you enjoy red wine, drink the red wine! It’s entirely up to you.
If you want to dig into some fresh salmon at your next celebration and need the best wines for pairing, look no further. Our wine enthusiasts here at Ohza have broken down the best wines that pair with different salmon dishes for any occasion.
Whether the setting is casual or contemporary, we’ve got you covered. From appetizers to entrees, we’ve got all the best recipes for you. Here are our favorite wine and salmon pairings that are sure to spice up your next celebration.
5 Appetizer Ideas With Wine and Salmon
If you are looking to feature salmon in your next three-course meal, start with a delicious appetizer… and a glass of wine, of course. There are lots of creative and tasty ways to highlight the flavors of salmon in an appetizer that pair perfectly with different wines. Here are five of our favorite salmon-centered appetizers and which wine you should enjoy them with.
1. Smoked Salmon Platter
Imagine a charcuterie board with smoked salmon as the star. It’s as delicious as it sounds. You can pack a smoked salmon platter with tasty supporting characters like cucumber, hard-boiled eggs, or capers. Add a side of your favorite bread, and you’ve got a killer appetizer that is a great grab-and-go dish for any event or celebration.
The winning wine for this dish? Ding, ding, ding! It’s Riesling. Riesling can hold its own in flavor against the versatility of salmon and is a perfect pairing with a classic smoked salmon appetizer like this one.
2. Stuffed Pepperoncini With Smoked Salmon
Stuffed pepperoncini pack a spicy, savory punch, especially paired with a bite of smoked salmon. This simple appetizer will have you and your party guests going back for more. It’s retro and can be eaten on a variety of occasions.
The best wine to drink with these spicy stuffed pepperoncini is a buttery Chardonnay. The smoothness of Chardonnay paired with the bite of the pepperoncini is a beautiful pairing.
3. Scallion Salmon Dip
One of the best pairings of all time is smoked salmon and cream cheese. The flavors are truly a match made in heaven. This salmon dip is a perfect way to combine those iconic flavors. Make this dish even better by spreading it on a bagel or even some of your favorite crackers.
When pairing this salmon dip with wine, we recommend Sauvignon Blanc. It’s classic and clean, just like this dip which makes it an easy choice for your next event.
4. Smoked Salmon Brown Rice Onigiri
If you love cooking with Asian influences, this is the perfect appetizer for you. This smoked salmon and brown rice onigiri is simple, delicious, and full of flavor (and fiber). It takes a little time and preparation, but it’s easy to make and definitely worth any hassle.
Pair this Asian-influenced dish packed with full-bodied flavors with Pinot Gris. Pairing this light wine with the savory flavors of this onigiri appetizer is a sweet and salty duo that you will fall in love with.
5. Salmon Croquettes
Looking for a crunchy and crispy appetizer to kick off the party? These salmon croquettes are a crowd-pleaser that won’t stay on people's plates for long. They have a light, crisp casing with a delectable salmon filling inside. This dish will be a winner for any party and will have guests going back for seconds… and thirds.
When pairing your salmon croquettes with wine, lean towards a wine that won’t overpower the subtle flavor of this appetizer. Our recommendation is a White Burgundy wine. The bright flavors in the wine complement the delicate flavors found in the salmon.
5 Main Course Ideas With Wine and Salmon
Rather than creating dishes that just feature salmon, your main entrees can include salmon as the star player. Salmon is a great source of protein to have as a main course for any event.
When prepared properly, salmon is absolutely delicious, and it doesn’t just have to be for fancy occasions. Find any excuse to feel fancy and enjoy some salmon on a Tuesday because you deserve it. Here are five of our favorite salmon recipes and a glass of wine to drink with them.
1. Classic Lox
Here at Ohza, brunch is our jam, and nothing says classic brunch like lox. Our favorite way to enjoy lox is on an everything bagel, but there are a variety of different ways to enjoy this brunch-time staple. It’s packed with flavor, protein, and spices to wake you up in the morning.
Since you’re celebrating at brunch time, the best way to enjoy this lox is with sparkling wine mixed with your favorite juice in a good old-fashioned mimosa. If you’re enjoying your lox on the go, grab a can of Ohza to take with you wherever life does without missing a mimosa moment.
2. Smoked Salmon Pasta
For a satisfying, filling dinner, this smoked salmon pasta is the best. It’s full of flavors and feels fancy without being unattainable or insanely expensive. It’s perfect for a special date night or a high-end event worth celebrating.
With a creamy dish like this one, we recommend pairing it with a Pinot Grigio wine. The Pinot Grigio’s fresh, bright flavors balance out the creaminess and heartiness of this entree.
3. Honey Mustard Salmon
Roasting or baking salmon can bring out the subtle sweetness in the fish, and this honey mustard salmon is a delicious place to start.
With a savory yet subtly sweet salmon recipe like this one, you want to find a wine that complements these flavors. A surprisingly versatile selection is dry Rosé.
4. Salmon Rice Bowl
For a filling and nutrient-dense dinner, salmon and rice bowls are always a tasty idea. They are balanced with vegetables and fiber, easy to make, and perfect for leftovers.
When you have a flavor-packed entree like this, you want a wine with a subtle flavor and shine. Our personal pick for this is a Moscato. Moscatos are bright and lightly sweet, so they’ll highlight and dance with the spices in this bowl rather than hiding behind them.
5. Salmon Cakes
If you are looking for a salmon entree with texture and bright flavor, salmon cakes are the way to go. Salmon cakes are a fun main course that can be easily shared amongst guests and loved ones. You can easily prep these before your event or whip them up right before.
For a dish like salmon cakes, you will want a neutral wine that will help the main course shine. Our favorite? Champagne. Champagne is not only the best way to celebrate, but it's one of the best wines to enjoy salmon with.
Start Pairing Today!
Now you know which wines to pair with different salmon recipes. If you want to keep things simple, easy, and delicious, don’t forget to check out our mimosa selections!
Sources:
8 Wines That Go Best With Salmon | LoveToKnow
Wine with salmon: Ideas for great pairings | Decanter
50 BEST Salmon Recipes (Top-Rated!) | Foodie Crush
Salmon Cakes (+ Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce) | Foodie Crush
Smoked Salmon Pasta | Simply Recipes
Honey Mustard Baked Salmon | Simply Recipes
Easy Salmon Croquettes | The Recipe Critic
Recipe: Salmon and Black Sesame Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls) | Kitchn
