Our favourite food and wine pairings right now

Spring is here, and with it the beginnings of the abundance of produce the season brings, as well as the opportunity to try out lighter, brighter dishes rather than hunkering down with winter warmers. It's also nice to pair said dishes with a delicious glass of wine (or two!), and we have partnered with Laithwaites Wine to discover thirteen bottles that go perfectly alongside our selected seasonal dishes.

1. Chicken pesto orzo salad

Chicken pesto orzo salad served on an oval plate

Elevate standard pasta salad by making your own mixed-herb pesto with flaked almonds for a springtime change. The dish also offers a good way to make the most of asparagus while it’s in season.

Pairs with: Hole in the Clouds Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, from one of the most popular places in the world to make Sauvignon Blanc, for good reason. This white wine is packed with tropical fruits and zingy lime freshness.

2. Spring greens carbonara

Spring greens carbonara

We have enjoyed our fair share of controversy when it comes to Italian staple dishes, so some may take umbrage to this twist on a carbonara with the addition of plenty of spring vegetables, but we think it's worth the risk. Sweet peas and asparagus balance the saltiness of the pancetta and richness of the egg yolks, and add a couple of your five-a-day into an easy midweek meal. Bellissimo!

Pairs with: Alessandro Gallici Pinot Grigio, a citrusy, crisp white from the vineyards of Northeast Italy, in an area called Fruili where the grapes are noted for their structure and refined fruitiness. Producer Gallici, having grown up in the area, gets dibs on many of the growers' best vines.

3. Honey & mustard chicken thighs with spring veg

Tray of chicken, potatoes and peas

This self-saucing one-pot is like a roast dinner without the fuss. Simply grab your favourite spring veg and nestle it around marinated chicken thighs for a delicious dinner with minimal clean-up needed. What's more, it's rich in iron, fibre and folate.

Pairs with: Le Parfum 2024, a light-bodied red wine made mostly from Gamay grapes. Though you may not usually think to pair red wine with roast chicken, the juicy berry fruit coming through in this red really helps to lift the dish.

4. Thai pork & peanut curry

Pan of pork curry with coriander

This curry balances creamy coconut with a fragrant hot red curry kick and the freshness of coriander and spring onions. Peanut butter adds to the moreishness.

Pairs with: Limited Release Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, from a top Marlborough estate who wishes to remain unknown... Nevertheless, their wine is vibrant and zesty, bursting with gooseberry and passionfruit flavours, and cuts through the richness of the curry brilliantly.

5. Halloumi traybake

Halloumi and vegetable traybake in a rectangular baking dish

Enjoy this easy veggie traybake with halloumi, roasted veg and chickpeas as a nutritious family dinner. Full of colour, it packs in four of your five-a-day without even trying, and doesn't compromise on flavour while doing so.

Pairs with: Maison Maillet Provence Rosé, hailing from the lavender hills of the South of France where the Mediterranean breeze sweeps up to keep grapes cool in the blistering sunshine. The blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah grapes results in a light wine full of ripe summer berry flavour.

6. Crab linguine with chilli & parsley

Crab linguine with chilli and parsley in a wide pan

Restaurant-style crab linguine with chilli and parsley may sound daunting, but it's actually a fairly simple recipe, focusing on a few good-quality ingredients and letting them shine for a taste of la dolce vita.

Pairs with: L'Épiphanie Côtes de Provence Rosé, from an estate founded in the 12th century – so they certainly know their way around wine! Creamy berry notes and some bright zest will help emphasise the freshness of the herbs and the zing of the chilli in this linguine dish.

Good food deserves great wine, so we've partnered with Laithwaites Wine to help you discover the perfect wine and food pairings. This new six-bottle case has been chosen to pair perfectly with Good Food recipes – but are just as good to enjoy on their own. New customers get 20% off using code 20OFF (minimum spend £75). Explore the case now.

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source https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/our-favourite-food-and-wine-pairings-right-now

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