What to Serve with Pinot Noir? 10 BEST Side Dishes

Pinot Noir is a red-wine grape variety belonging to the Vitis vinifera species.

It can also refer to wines created with pinot noir grapes.

This article is, however, about the wine and not the fruit.

Pinot noir is a popular wine frequently served at various events, including special dinner parties.

While you can enjoy the wine independently, you'll also need some items.

So, if you're thinking about what to serve with pinot noir, you don't have to search elsewhere.

We'll mention the ten best dishes to have with pinot noir, including Seared salmon, meatballs, savory cheesecake, and charcuterie.

Best Food Pairings with Pinot Noir

The dishes below are some of the best you can serve with pinot noir - and lighter options like angel food cake side ideas for desserts work well with fruit-forward bottles.

1 - Lamb Chops

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If we go by reviews, pinot noir matches almost all kinds of meat.

Hence, you won't go wrong, no matter what you choose.

For the first item, we added lamb chops - try similar preparations and sides from lamb kebab side suggestions for grilling if skewers suit the menu better.

The meat pairs nicely with the wine, and you'll have an ideal combo.

You can cook lamb chops in the oven, over a grill, or on a skillet.

While the spices work, a chicken broth or dry white wine adds extra flavor.

You can cook the chops on a skillet as it's the simplest way of cooking the meat.

Just make sure to let the inner temperature reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

2 - Stuffed Mushrooms

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Mushrooms are neither meat nor veggie, but they're versatile and taste good with almost everything.

You can also cook mushrooms in different ways, and each type will taste lovely.

Stuffed mushrooms pair exceptionally well with pinot noir and can serve as appetizers - find more mushroom-focused starters in stuffed mushroom side options for gatherings.

When done, the mushrooms look lovely and elegant.

But making them is pretty straightforward.

You can also use different types of items for stuffing.

However, Parmesan cheese and cream cheese are the most widely used.

You can use hearty, rich portobellos or cremini mushrooms to make the dish.

3 - Meatballs

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Earlier, we learned that pinot noir pairs nicely with various types of meat.

Hence, we decided to add at least a few meat dishes.

Meatballs also make a great pairing with pinot noir - consider classic Italian accompaniments found in spaghetti and meatballs side pairings for dinners.

You can use only one variety of ground meat or two-three varieties, depending on what you have and what you like.

Ground veal, ground beef, and ground pork are the usual types for making meatballs.

When making meatballs, you have to keep two aspects in mind.

First, you have to use a suitable binder, and secondly, it's important not to overwork the meat.

4 - Charcuterie

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You can also add a charcuterie platter to your menu to serve alongside pinot noir - include curated accompaniments from charcuterie board side suggestions for sharing.

Charcuterie is typically about prepared meat, but you can add various items on a platter.

Everyone can select their preference when you have multiple items on one plate.

Prosciutto, mortadella, rillettes, nduja, Spanish chorizo and genoa salami are some prepared meats served on a charcuterie.

You can also choose cheese types like Parmesan, aged gouda, gruyere, cheddar, gorgonzola, and Havarti.

Other items like jam, dried fruits, crackers, nuts, and fruits are suitable items to include on a charcuterie platter.

5 - Bacon and Onion Pizza

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Pizza is also a suitable item to enjoy with pinot noir.

It's one of the most popular snacks, and everyone loves it.

Hence, you won't regret serving it alongside the wine.

Pizza is available in multiple varieties, so you have many options.

Bacon and onion pizza isn't usually served elsewhere, but you can add it to this list - pair it with sweet-and-salty bites like bacon-wrapped date side ideas for parties for contrast.

It's incredibly delicious and also simple to make.

If by chance you can't make the pizza at home, you can also get ready-made stuff, especially if you can't spare the time.

All you have to do is order and serve once it arrives.

6 - Savory Cheesecake

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How about tasty and savory cheesecake to pair with pinot noir? The cake goes with the wine pretty well, and it's also popular.

Hence, you won't feel disappointed when you serve the cheesecake alongside the wine.

What makes savory cheesecake delicious? Cheese, crème fraiche, and cream cheese are the main ingredients besides herbs, spices, and veggies - try biscuit or scone-style sides listed in savory scone side ideas for cheese plates alongside it.

Add one or a few cayenne peppers if you're up for some heat.

Recipes for savory cheesecake differ from one to the other.

So, you can select the one which seems easiest and most delicious out of them all.

7 - Grilled Asparagus

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Asparagus often gets a bad rap since it gets smelly fast once it goes beyond its prime.

But when it's fresh, it's one of the tastiest veggies.

Grilling is one of the methods that bring out the veggie flavors.

Grilled asparagus is easy to make and also pairs well with pinot noir - serve it with light seafood options such as those in grilled swordfish side pairings for seafood when the menu leans coastal.

Hence, we couldn't leave it off the list.

You'll need only four items to make the dish: asparagus, salt, pepper, and oil.

As described earlier, the veggie tends to spoil fast.

Thus, you must try to buy fresh produce and cook the veggie as soon as possible.

Else, you'll have to throw out the veggie spears.

8 - Seared Salmon

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It's not only meat but also seafood that pairs exceptionally well with pinot noir.

Salmon is one of the tastiest and healthiest fish varieties.

It's also readily available and cooks fast.

Pan-seared salmon is a dish you can quickly whip up in a short time.

Hence, it can be a convenient dish to make when you don't have much time.

You'll also require only a few items to make the dish.

However, no amount of ingredients will make the fish tasty if it isn't fresh.

So, spare time to choose fresh fish.

Their eyes should be clear, bulging with dark pupils, and must have the smell of the ocean.

9 - Beet Salad with Goat Cheese

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Here is another salad that complements pinot noir quite well.

It's a sweet and sour beet salad with goat cheese.

The fresh salad will cleanse your palate and let you enjoy various foods.

Besides beets and goat cheese, you'll need some salad greens and candied walnuts.

Make sure to get fresh beet with deep maroon coloring and unblemished skin.

The salad gets its lovely flavor from the simple dressing made of several ingredients.

Orange juice, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil are the only items you'll require for the dressing.

When drizzled over the mixed veggies, your salad will be ready to go with the wine.

10 - Roast Turkey

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It's the last dish on the list but certainly not last when it comes to taste.

Roast turkey can also make a suitable side dish with pinot noir.

It's so good; we guarantee that everyone will want a bite.

The turkey takes about three and a half hours to prep and cook, but you won't be disappointed with the results.

When you're done cooking, you'll have juicy and delicious perfect for enjoying with the wine and other items.

Turkey comes in different sizes.

Hence, once you're sure of the number of guests you'll have, you can buy a suitable size to make the roast.

Make sure to let the meat rest for at least twenty minutes before serving for the best results.

A deeper look at tasting helps refine pairings. Pinot Noir tasting notes explained clarifies flavor cues. For comparing white alternatives, Pinot Blanc vs Pinot Gris comparison highlights which white complements the menu better.