Easy Summer Meals That Wow—Paired with Wines You’ll Love
Inspired by The Vineyard Mom
When I first started my blog focused on wine and what to pair it with, I stumbled across The Vineyard Mom on Instagram—and I instantly fell in love! (With her content, I mean. 😂) She creates incredible recipes, especially easy summer meals that are perfect for making at home, whether you’re cooking solo or hosting friends. And she often shares thoughtful wine recommendations to match.
She’s even been featured in several TV spots! I once messaged her asking for a recipe idea to pair with a bottle of wine I had on hand, and she came up with something absolutely spot-on.
Today, I’m excited to share three of my favorite easy summer meal recipes from Vineyard Mom for a relaxed summer meal—along with my personal wine picks to elevate the experience. Let’s dig in!
1. Grilled Caprese Portobello Mushrooms + Caliveda Pinot Noir
These hearty portobello mushrooms are marinated in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and rosemary, then grilled to perfection. Topped with a fresh Caprese salad of mozzarella pearls, cherry tomatoes, and basil, and finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze, this dish is a vegetarian summer staple.
I love how easy this recipe is—and how it checks the box for being a healthy and easy summer meal too. It’s a great option if you’re trying to work in that one night a week without animal protein (we try!). Plus, it brings in one of everyone’s favorite combos: a classic Caprese salad, but with a warm, savory twist. If you’re still a little hungry afterward? A second glass of wine will do just fine. 😉
Wine Pairing:
The 2022 Caliveda Pinot Noir from California is a great match. With juicy black cherry and pomegranate cola notes, plus a hint of vanilla, this wine adds depth without overpowering the dish. It plays especially well with the balsamic glaze and earthy mushrooms.
2. Easy Salmon Salad + Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc
This refreshing salmon salad layers flaked cooked salmon with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, avocado, and a light lemon-olive oil dressing. Toss it all on a bed of greens and you’ve got the ultimate easy summer meal.
I’m very blessed to live in the Pacific Northwest, where we’re close to the ocean and have access to incredible seafood. I’m also blessed because my husband gets to go fishing with his uncle every year on his boat to catch salmon, halibut, and cod. Last year I was a little worried we weren’t going to get any salmon, but toward the end of the season—bam! We had a bounty that’s kept our freezer (and bellies) happy all year long. Salmon is truly one of my all-time favorite foods, and I love serving it cold on a salad like this during warm summer nights.
Wine Pairing:
A chilled glass of Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand is the perfect partner. With vibrant citrus, gooseberry, and herbal notes, it brings out the brightness of the salad while complementing the richness of the salmon and avocado.
3. Lime Tilapia with Avocado and Citrus Salsa + Orballo Albariño
Seared tilapia topped with a salsa of avocado, jalapeño, honey, lime, grapefruit, and orange—it’s summer on a plate. Zesty, fresh, and just the right amount of heat.
My Personal Recommendation for a Recipe Twist: How many people have heard of Taco Tuesday? 🙋♀️ It’s probably the easiest summer meal during the week and makes recipe and menu planning a breeze. But let’s be honest—how many times can you eat the same kind of taco before it starts to feel… blah? This recipe is a refreshing take that uses tilapia as the star protein, and it gives taco night a major glow-up. Just break up the fish and add some street taco tortillas and a little cheese.
Now, I’ll admit—tilapia isn’t usually my first choice. But that’s because I’m lucky to have a husband who catches fresh cod and halibut during his yearly fishing trip. If you’ve got either of those on hand, I’d totally recommend swapping it in. But if not, tilapia is super easy to find and works perfectly in this recipe.
Wine Pairing:
Pair it with the 2023 Orballo Albariño from Rías Baixas, Spain. This white has a crisp acidity, juicy apricot and citrus notes, and just enough minerality to handle the salsa’s complexity without overwhelming the delicate fish.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will earn commission if you purchase from my links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps me continue creating free and valuable content. Thank you!
☀️ Final Sip on Easy Summer Meals
This last tip is very important, be sure and grab a portable wine chiller so that the wine will keep cool all through your summer meal.
Whether you’re throwing something together for a solo lunch or entertaining friends on the patio, these easy summer recipes from The Vineyard Mom are deliciously simple. Pair them with these standout wines and your summer just got a whole lot tastier. Be sure and check out my top wines to pair with your summer BBQ or even an upcoming wedding!
For more of her creative, craveable ideas, check out her blog: thevineyardmom.blogspot.com
Cheers! 🥂
#EasySummerMeals #RecommendationsForYou #EasyDinnerRecipes #Summer #Sommelier #Wine #WinePairing
