Wine Pairing with Salads

The classic vinaigrette can often clash with wine, potentially leading to a mediocre pairing. So how do you choose a wine to complement your salad? First, avoid vinaigrettes and opt for lightly sweet sauces or simply omit vinegar.

There isn't just one answer; rather, there are multiple considerations based on the various ingredients that can make up a salad. The wine pairing will logically depend on the salad's components.

Tips for Choosing a Red Wine for Your Salads

Red wines and their aromas pair well with salads that include hearty ingredients, adding substance. This includes tomatoes, carrots, and salads containing meat (such as gizzards or ham) or cheese.

When pairing red wine with a salad, go for a light red wine. Look to wines from the northern regions, particularly those made from Pinot Noir, Gamay, Cabernet Franc, or Pineau d’Aunis. If you prefer stronger red wines, head to the Rhône Valley, where wines offer more pronounced aromatic power while maintaining balance suitable for salads.

Rosé wines also offer excellent pairings, combining some of the aromas of red grapes with a light profile. Some rosés, with citrus notes, can add a refreshing and exotic touch to your salads.

Tips for Pairing White Wine with Your Salads

Dry white wines are an excellent choice for salads and generally make for a safe pairing. The freshness of vegetables pairs elegantly with the freshness of most dry white wines from France.

For a successful match, consider the wine’s aromatic profile: a Sauvignon Blanc will provide freshness and citrus, a Viognier will offer some roundness and stone fruit aromas (apricots, peaches), and a Chardonnay or Chenin Blanc will bring pastry notes, white fruits, or white flowers.

If your salad features a sweet and savory mix, a slightly sweet wine can also be suitable!

Examples of Wine Pairings with Crudités

Here are some examples to illustrate these pairings:

• A salad with gizzards or duck liver pairs perfectly with a Burgundy or Jura Pinot Noir, or a Côtes du Rhône.
• A Niçoise salad naturally pairs with a Provençal rosé, while a tabbouleh goes well with a Loire rosé.
• The classic tomato-mozzarella salad can be paired with a rosé or an aromatic white from Provence, much like a Greek salad.
• For a Caesar salad with grilled chicken, opt for a round, smoky dry white wine such as a Burgundy Chardonnay.
• Finally, a Périgord salad with foie gras is a perfect match for a sweet wine, such as a Sauternes or its equivalent.