Perfect Pairings: Albariño with Easy Prawn Salad
When it comes to versatile and delightful white wines, Albariño stands out. This Spanish gem from the Rías Baixas region is famed for its fresh, zesty, and aromatic profile, making it a perfect companion for a variety of dishes. Its crisp acidity and vibrant fruit notes make it an excellent choice for pairing with seafood, especially an easy prawn salad.
What is Albariño?
Albariño is a white wine grape variety grown predominantly in the northwest of Spain. It's well-regarded for its bright acidity and the complex interplay of citrus, stone fruit, and mineral notes. The wine's refreshing nature makes it a favourite for hot summer days and seafood dishes.
Benefits of Pairing Albariño with Food
Enhances Flavours: The high acidity and citrus flavours in Albariño can enhance the delicate flavours of seafood.
Cleanses the Palate: Its crisp profile acts as a palate cleanser, making each bite of food taste fresh.
Versatility: Albariño pairs well with a range of dishes, making it a great choice for varied menus
Easy Prawn Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Large Prawns (Shrimp) – Peeled and deveined.
Romaine Lettuce – Forms the base of the salad.
Rocket (Arugula) – Adds a nice texture.
Avocado – Provides creamy texture and healthy fats.
Red Onion – For a little bite.
Medium Tomatoes – Adds bright flavour.
Mixed Seeds – Optional, for extra crunch and goodness.
Maple Dijon Dressing – A sweet and tangy dressing to tie it all together.
Instructions
Cook the Prawns:
Heat a pan over medium-high heat, add a little olive oil, and cook the prawns for 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink.
Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Prepare the Dressing:
In a small jar or bowl, mix together the ingredients for the Maple Dijon Dressing.
Chop the Veggies:
Roughly slice the romaine lettuce.
Chop the tomatoes into quarters.
Peel and roughly chop the avocado.
Thinly slice the red onion.
Combine Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, rocket, tomatoes, avocado, red onion, cooled prawns, mixed seeds, and dressing.
Toss everything together until well combined.
Substitutions and Variations
Prawns can be replaced with chicken, steak, or tofu for variety.
Vegetables can be swapped out for others like cucumber, radishes, or even fruits like mango or watermelon.
Dressings can be varied to your taste, from vinaigrettes to creamy dressings or even a Thai-inspired peanut dressing.
Recommended Albariños to Pair
Notes of ripe peaches, aromatic herbs, and citrus flavours. Perfect for enhancing the freshness of the prawn salad.
Fresh with mineral and marine characteristics, this wine pairs seamlessly with seafood dishes.
A complex blend with tropical fruit and floral aromas. Its good acidity complements the vibrant flavours of the salad.
Conclusion
An easy prawn salad paired with a refreshing glass of Albariño is a match made in culinary heaven. It's a simple yet elegant combination that promises to impress. Whether you're hosting a summer BBQ or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, this pairing is sure to delight your taste buds.
Ready to elevate your dining experience? Explore our collection of Albariño wines and discover the perfect bottle for your next meal. Cheers!