How to Pair Wine with Salmon + 5 Delicious Recipes

If there’s one fish that doesn’t box you into a single wine style for pairing, it’s salmon. Its naturally rich texture and savory depth give it the range to shine alongside crisp, mineral-driven whites or light, elegant reds — depending on how it’s prepared and what else is on the plate. Keep reading to find several recipes along with pairing suggestions to make your home kitchen feel like a fancy restaurant!

Balsamic-Glazed Salmon

This zingy balsamic glaze is VERY easy to make and sure to please just about everyone. Young, light, and fruity reds play nicely with "dark" flavors like balsamic vinegar. Think Rosso di Montalcino, Beaujolais, or Dolcetto. If you're adding a little char on the grill, you could even go with a new world Pinot Noir, Grenache, or lighter Zinfandel. Get the recipe

Salmon Ceviche

When it's sweltering outside and you can't escape to a sandy beach in the Bahamas for a cocktail and a bowl of ceviche, the next best thing is to make your own. It's surprisingly easy to make - just make sure you get some high-quality, freshly caught salmon if possible. The fresh, delicate flavors of raw ceviche need something equally light on its feet and with ample acidity to cut through the fatty avocado and salmon. We're thinking Sancerre, Chablis, or dry Riesling. Get the recipe 

Baked Honey Garlic Salmon With Lime and Cilantro

This fresh recipe is simple to make and delivers a wallop of sweet, tangy flavor. The lively combination of sweet honey, savory garlic, and citrusy lime makes for a dish that should play nicely with several white wines, especially ones with complimentary citrus and honey notes like Riesling, Viognier and Savenierres. Get the recipe 

Oven-Baked Salmon with Lemon Cream Sauce

This is easily one of the most decadent options on the list, with a rich, creamy sauce framed by some nice acidity from the lemon. The lemon cream sauce begs for a refreshing white wine, something with substance and enough acidity to slice through the extra fat. An off-dry Vouvray, Riesling, or full-bodied Chardonnay with some oak aging (Meursault, Maconnais, California) should do the trick. Get the recipe  

Grilled Salmon Burgers

There are so many directions to spin this recipe — add some cabbage slaw, avocado mayo, or creme fraiche and arugula. Or stick with the tried-and-true combination of lettuce, onion, and tomato. Grill it for some char or pan fry 'em. With all these options for preparation and toppings, you have a broad choice of pairing options. A New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc or Chablis would make a refreshing compliment, or you could roll with a lighter red like Beaujolais, Pinot, or Grenache. Get the recipe

From weeknight dinners to something a little more elevated, these salmon recipes reward thoughtful pairings without demanding rigid rules. Choose a wine that complements the preparation, pour generously, and let the meal do the rest.