Get set for a fabulous season of flavour-packed alfresco dining opportunities featuring spring recipes and wine pairings. There’s no better time to lose those winter layers and enjoy lunch in the warming sun, so we’ve come up with some of our favourite spring recipes and wine pairings to help you savour and share a season of deliciousness.
Before we start, let’s look at what fruits and vegetables are in season in spring. In Australia, we’re blessed to access great quality fruit and vegetables all year round, but there’s something very special about creating beautiful meals with in-season produce. Not only is it more economical, but it’s also better for you and the environment.
What fruits and vegetables are typically in season in Spring?
Veggies: Artichoke, asparagus, several varieties of beans, beetroot, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, celery, eggplant, leek, lettuce, mushrooms, onion, parsnip, peas, potato, sweet potato, pumpkin, spinach, tomato, zucchini.
Fruits: Apples, avocados, bananas, blueberries, grapefruits, honeydew, lemon, lime, lychees, mandarins, mangoes, oranges, pineapples, rhubarb, strawberries, watermelon.
Herbs: Basil, chilli, chives, coriander, dill, kaffir lime leaves, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, tarragon and thyme.
Spring Salad Recipes
Lydney Milans's Warm Asparagus & Artichoke Salad
Sauvignon Blanc’s herbaceous undertones mean it works exceptionally well alongside spring vegetables and herbs like the artichoke, asparagus, baby spinach, rocket, coriander and thyme featured in this delicious salad. Other suggested white wine pairings include Pinot Grigio, Grüner Veltliner or Albariño.
Click here to view the recipe.
Lydney Milan's Avocado Spring Salad
Simple to prepare and with a riot of textures like crisp, crunchy, smooth and creamy, this avocado spring salad calls for an equally crisp white wine such as a Vermentino, Fiano or Riesling.
Click here to view the recipe.
Spring Vegetable Recipes
Lydney Milan's Eggplant Chips
A white wine with some natural acidity, like a Vermentino, Fiano or Pinot Grigio, perfectly balances the richness of the eggplant and the mayonnaise or aioli. A lovely dry Rosé is also a great pairing.
Click here to view the recipe.
Lydney Milan's Charred Spring Onions with Anchovy dressing and hazelnuts
A white wine with some natural acidity, like a Vermentino, Fiano or Pinot Grigio, perfectly balances the richness of the eggplant and the mayonnaise or aioli. A lovely dry Rosé is also a great pairing.
Click here to view the recipe.
Spring Soup Recipes
Danielle Alvarezs Green Soup
Spring in a bowl, this wonderfully vibrant green vegetable soup is so delicious and visually appealing. Filled with zucchini, peas, broad beans, butter beans, asparagus, spinach, and basil, it makes a beautifully fresh starter paired with Vermentino.
Click here to view the recipe.
Stracciatella Soup with Greens
Lyndey Milan's Stracciatella soup with greens is best paired with a fresh and light white like a Semillon or Riesling. Including poached chicken, eggs, zucchini, spinach, peas, parsley, and topped with freshly finely grated parmesan, it’s so healthy and delicious. Try it with the Winmark Icon 72 Chardonnay 2021.
Click here to view the recipe.
Spring Vegetarian Recipes
Roasted Beetroot Salad
Lyndey Milan's roasted beetroot, fennel, and goat's cheese salad recipe pairs well with Euro-style wines like Semillon. The wine's fresh acidity and crisp flavours complement textural salads like this one. Try it with the Andrew Thomas Synergy Semillon 2022.
Click here to view the recipe.
Alice Zaslavskys Bronzed Radicchio with Caper and Sour Cherry Dressing
A Shiraz Pinot Noir blend is the perfect wine to highlight the cherry flavours and red wine vinegar in this pretty and textural radicchio salad. Try it with the De Iuliis LDR Vineyard Shiraz Touriga 2019.
Click here to view the recipe.
Spring Chicken Recipes
Spring Chicken and Grapefruit
Chardonnay is always a great choice with poultry dishes especially when fresh seasonal vegetables and fruit like grapefruit, fennel and micro herbs are involved. Try it with the Silkman 2023 Chardonnay.
Click here to view the recipe.
Greek-Style Barbeque Chicken
Lyndey Milan's recipe for Greek-style barbeque chicken is delightful paired with Chardonnay. Try it with the Boydell's 2022 Chardonnay.
Click here to view the recipe.
This article has been supplied by Wine Selectors.
