Pairing: Light Pasta Dishes and Salads

Light pasta dishes and salads offer a refreshing and versatile dining experience. They often feature ingredients like olive oil, fresh vegetables, herbs, and mild cheeses. These dishes pair well with delicate, crisp wines due to their lightness and subtle flavors. Whether it's a lemon-herb pasta, a simple aglio e olio, or a salad with greens and vinaigrette, these meals are perfect for warmer weather and casual dining. Pairing them with the right wine enhances the experience, bringing out the nuanced flavors of the ingredients without overpowering the palate.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • Olive Oil (Adds richness and depth, especially in pasta dishes like aglio e olio)
  • Garlic (Boosts flavor with a hint of pungency, great for pasta sauces)
  • Lemon (Provides acidity and brightness, especially for herb-based pasta or vinaigrettes in salads)
  • Fresh Herbs (Basil, parsley, or mint enhance freshness and aroma)
  • Parmesan Cheese (Adds a savory and umami element, balancing light ingredients)
  • Seasonal Vegetables (Tomatoes, zucchini, or asparagus offer texture and natural sweetness)
  • Greens (For salads, arugula or mixed greens add a peppery bite)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Boil your preferred pasta (like linguine or spaghetti) in salted water until al dente. Reserve some pasta water for later use.
  2. Prepare the sauce: In a large pan, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add zest and juice of one lemon, then stir in fresh herbs (basil or parsley).
  3. Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the pan, along with a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss to coat and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Finish: Stir in grated Parmesan and adjust seasoning. Garnish with more herbs and serve immediately.

Serve With

Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio

Learn More About the Best Pairings

Sauvignon Blanc

A highly aromatic white wine grape variety known for its refreshing acidity and diverse flavor profile

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Pinot Grigio

Also known as Pinot Gris, is a versatile white wine made from grapes that are actually pinkish-grey in color.

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