Wondering what the best salmon wine pairings are? Whether you’re ordering out at a restaurant or cooking at home, these are the best wines to pair with salmon.
I’m all about a great salmon dish – Miso Salmon, Smoked Salmon Dip, or even these Salmon Sushi Bowls all pair amazingly well with wine.
But, are you wondering what kind of wine goes well with salmon? I’ve got you covered!
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First thing’s first…
Is red or white wine better with salmon?
The short answer is – both! It depends on what type of wine you like, and the cooking method in which your salmon is prepared.
For example, grilled salmon pairs really well with a Pinot Noir, or other low-tannin red wine. Whereas a buttery sous vide salmon pairs best with a bright, acidic wine like a Sauvignon Blanc. Baked salmon served with a buttery sauce, like this lemon butter sauce, pairs best with a rich Chardonnay.
8 favorite salmon wine pairings
- Pinot Gris / Pinot Grigio
- Chenin Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc
A bright, crisp, green Sauvignon Blanc is delicious paired with salmon. Especially when it is prepared with fresh herbs. Try it paired with a salmon steak with chimichurri sauce.
Dry Rosé
Rosé is a fun, flirty wine, perfect for sipping on the patio. With aromas of strawberry, watermelon, and citrus, fruity rosé has a good amount of acidity to it that stands up to grilled foods. Try it out with a brown sugar cedar plank salmon fillet or a salmon burger.
Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio is always a great seafood pairing. But, it’s especially delicious alongside citrus sauces. Try this glass of wine paired with a salmon filet with lemon butter.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is one of the most food-friendly red wines out there. Its flavors are delicate enough to not overpower the food that you’re eating it with and it makes a great match for seafood. It is particularly tasty paired with grilled salmon with BBQ sauce since Pinot Noir has an earthy, smoky quality to it.
Chardonnay
If the salmon dish you’re serving has a butter or cream sauce, like beurre blanc, it is best to pair it with a full-bodied, oak aged Chardonnay that will complement the rich flavors of the dish.
Sparkling Wines
Sparkling wines are especially delicious with sushi. Look for affordable bottles like cava or prosecco. They’re fun wines that bring a feeling of fancy to an otherwise casual get together. Try pairing a glass with these Spicy Salmon Sushi Bowls.
Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc has citrus notes and is particularly delicious with Asian-style salmon dishes. Try a glass out with this Salmon with Ginger Butter Sauce.
Dry Riesling
Rieslings help tame down the heat of spicy dishes. Think Thai Salmon Curry. Or, try a glass with this Sriracha Glazed Salmon.
FAQ
What kind of wine goes with grilled salmon?
Pinot Noir and grilled salmon are a match made in heaven. Pinot Noir has an earthy, spicy quality to it, and a bright acidity which is delicious with grilled fish.
What red wine goes with salmon?
You’ll want a lighter-bodied red wine to pair with salmon. That’s why Pinot Noir is a great pairing. Oregon Pinot Noir in particular has a spicy characteristic that is especially delicious with grilled salmon that’s been slathered in BBQ sauce. Or, try it with cedar plank salmon. Other red wines that pair well with salmon are Beaujolais and Gamay.
What wine goes with salmon with cream sauce?
An oaky, full-bodied Chardonnay is a great choice if your salmon has a creamy sauce. The rich flavors of the wine really compliment cream-based or buttery sauces.
What is traditionally served with salmon?
- I tend to serve salmon with some asparagus, an arugula salad, or a fennel & celery salad on the side. Here are 45+ more amazing side dishes for salmon.
- You can also really elevate your dinner with a great sauce. So, be sure to check out these 15+ sauces for salmon.
- But, the most important accompaniment (as always) is the wine!
Please feel free to take these wine pairings suggestions with a grain of salt. There is no “right wine”. Enjoy what you like best! You can pair your salmon dinner with a Cabernet Sauvignon if that’s what you enjoy. The only way to find out the very best pairing for yourself is to taste different wines, and experiment.
More Wine Pairings Advice
Did you try any of these salmon wine pairings?
If you tried any of these salmon pairing suggestions, I would love your feedback! Also, be sure to snap a picture of your pairing and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.
For more great Platings and Pairings recipes and wine pairings, be sure to follow me on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest and Facebook.
Be sure to check out all my yummy salmon recipes.
Note: These wine pairings also work well with trout. Learn about the differences between trout and salmon here.
Full Recipe
8 BEST Salmon Wine Pairings
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (5- to 6-oz. each)
- 1 pound red potatoes (halved)
- 1 pound fresh green beans (trimmed)
- 5 tablespoons Italian dressing (divided)
- 1 lemon (halved)
- Kosher salt and pepper (to taste)
- Tartar Sauce (for serving (if desired))
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°.
- Add potatoes to a large bowl. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons Italian dressing and season with salt and pepper; toss to coat. Arrange potatoes cut-side down on a rimmed baking sheet and roast until potatoes are tender, 20-25 minutes.
- While the potatoes roast, trim green beans and place in the same large bowl used for the potatoes. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons Italian dressing and season with salt and pepper; toss to coat.
- When potatoes are tender, remove from oven and preheat broiler to high.
- Arrange salmon in center of baking sheet with potatoes and add green beans. Drizzle remaining tablespoon Italian dressing over the salmon and season with salt and pepper. Squeeze lemon halves over entire baking sheet and, if desired, slice lemon slices and add to baking sheet.
- Broil salmon, green beans, potatoes, and lemons 10 minutes, or until salmon is no longer translucent but still moist in center and green beans, potatoes, and lemons are lightly browned. Serve with tartar sauce, if desired.
Notes
- If your potatoes are browning too quickly under the broiler, tent them with some tin foil.
- Feel free to use fat-free Italian dressing in this recipe too for a healthier option.
- Swap out the green beans or potatoes for your favorite vegetable. The options are endless!
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