8 Healthy Summer-Friendly Food and Wine Pairings

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There’s nothing more “summer” than kicking back on the patio in the evening with a delicious meal — and a glass of the perfect wine to go with it.

Keep in mind that not all wines are created equal, and you can make your meal even more enjoyable by pairing it with the kind of wine that enhances those flavors to the next level.

With that in mind, we rounded up 8 summer-friendly, healthy recipes — and the wines to pair with them!

1) Balsamic Chicken with Mushrooms

Serves: 6
Calories: 215
Pair It With: Pinot Noir

Earthy flavors that use ingredients like mushrooms and truffles go great with the light-bodied, savory flavor you get in a Pinot Noir. Plus, this easy-to-make recipe literally tastes like something you’d get at a five-star restaurant!

Get the recipe at Slender Kitchen.

2) Lemon Garlic Salmon

Serves: 4
Calories: 266
Pair It With: Chardonnay

With its light, fresh flavor and nutrient-dense protein, salmon is definitely an item that should be on your summer menu. This particular recipe gives it a bit of a citrusy kick, making it just the thing to enjoy with a silky glass of Chardonnay right as the sun is setting and the slightly cooler air moves in.

Get the recipe at The Stay At Home Chef.

3) Garlic & Herb Lamb Chops

Serves: 2
Calories: 180
Pair It With: Cabernet Sauvignon

Whether you use a broiler or grill, the mouth-watering flavors of lamb chops are where it’s at. They hold flavor well and are great for a special occasion or a romantic dinner with your honey. Bust out a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon and the rich, complex flavors that come with it, and you’re in for something extra special.

Get the recipe at Healthy-Delicious.

4) Zucchini Noodles

Serves: 2
Calories: 320
Pair It With: Grüner Veltliner

Zucchini noodles are a healthy alternative to traditional pasta dishes. Adding in ingredients like garlic, basil and olive oil, pine nuts and cheese elevate them further, and go quite nicely with the citrusy taste of Grüner Veltliner.

Get the recipe at Feasting At Home.

5) Baked Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks

Serves: 6
Calories: 520
Pair It With: Malbec

It wouldn’t be summer without a barbecue, and if you’re looking for the perfect chicken recipe, look no further. These chicken drumsticks are made with a tangy BBQ sauce which so happens to go great with Malbec, a wine with bold enough flavors to sip along happily with the crispy chicken deliciousness.

Get the recipe at Healthy Fitness Meals.

6) Light & Lemony Scampi

Serves: 4
Calories: 380
Pair It With: Pinot Grigio

Forget a shrimp cocktail! That little sea creature can star as the main dish with this light shrimp scampi recipe that cuts way back on the calories and fat typically found in the traditional version. And the simple, fresh flavor of Pinot Grigio is just the thing to enjoy with it!

Get the recipe at A Taste of Home.

7) Cauliflower Rice Paper Samosas With Tangy Mint Chutney

Serves: 6-8
Calories: 495
Pair It With: Sauvignon Blanc

Ready to put your creativity gloves on? Try mixing the zippy flavor of Sauvignon Blanc with this samosas recipe that replaces the typical potato filling with cauliflower and leverages the easy baking power of rice paper. The knock-your-socks-off tangy mint chutney is just the thing to go with it.

Get the recipe at One Green Planet.

8) Indonesian Beef Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce

Serves: 6
Calories: 300
Pair It With: Syrah

You’ll have to get an early start with the marinating aspect of this recipe ahead of grilling it, but wow, is it worth it, especially if you like a little heat in your dish. This popular Southeast Asia dish leverages spices like cumin, turmeric and coriander for a mouth-watering flavor, plus includes a spicy peanut dipping sauce. It’s just the thing to enjoy with a glass of Syrah and its own spicy flare of flavor.

Get the recipe at Eating Well.



 

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Author: Caitlin H
Diet-to-Go Community Manager

Caitlin is the Diet-to-Go community manager and an avid runner. She is passionate about engaging with others online and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. She believes moderation is key, and people will have the most weight loss success if they engage in common-sense healthy eating and fitness.

 

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