Rosé is one of the most food-friendly wines on the planet. Its bright acidity, gentle fruit, and low tannin allow it to bridge the gap between dishes that typically call for a white and those that need a red. But with so many styles, how do you choose the right one? At Drink Fab, our team of wine experts has tasted hundreds of rosés, building connections with the best organic producers to curate a collection we truly believe in. This guide is our way of sharing that expertise with you, helping you find the perfect bottle for any meal. Let's get pairing.
But what exactly should you serve with it?
The good news is, you don’t need to be a sommelier to get it right. The key is to opt for dishes that sit in the “middle-weight” lane—think fresh herbs, moderate fat, and a touch of salt or spice. With that in mind, our team has put together 20 fool-proof dinner ideas that will shine with almost any style of rosé, from the palest blush to the deepest ruby.
- A classic Niçoise Salad, with its salty olives and rich tuna, mirrors the Provençal flavours of rosé's homeland. Quick Tip: Chill the salad and wine equally for balance.
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The tangy notes of a Goat Cheese and Strawberry Salad echo the wine's red-fruit character, while the acidity cuts through the cheese's richness. Quick Tip: Add pistachios for a lovely crunch.
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Simple and fresh, Tomato-Basil Bruschetta is a perfect match, as the high acidity in ripe tomatoes complements the wine's zip. Quick Tip: Use ripe heirloom tomatoes for the best flavour.
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Lightly charred Grilled Shrimp Skewers with a squeeze of lemon are a fantastic pairing, as the sweetness of the shellfish works with both pale and darker rosés. Quick Tip: Don’t over-char the shrimp—keep it light.
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For a truly harmonious pairing, try Mussels Steamed in Rosé itself. The briny broth loves the wine's minerality. Quick Tip: Serve with plenty of crusty bread for dipping.
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The acidity in a pale, dry rosé is perfect for cutting through the richness of fatty fish like Salmon Sashimi, keeping the delicate flavours clean. Quick Tip: Add pickled ginger instead of wasabi heat.
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The classic combination of fat and salt in Crispy Fried Chicken meets its match with the refreshing acidity of a dry or even off-dry rosé. Quick Tip: Extra points for a sparkling rosé!
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A Charcuterie Board laden with prosciutto and salami is a classic for a reason; the wine’s fruit and freshness tame the salt and fat of the cured meats. Quick Tip: Include cornichons for a sharp, acidic contrast.
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The simple, beloved flavours of a Margherita Pizza—tomato, mozzarella, and basil—echo the sweet-savory balance found in a good rosé. Quick Tip: Grill the crust for a subtle, smoky nuance.
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A platter of Smoky Grilled Vegetables, drizzled with a fresh, herbal pistou, will emphasize the savoury edge of your rosé. Quick Tip: Serve the vegetables warm and drizzle with pistou at the last minute.
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A flavourful Seafood Paella, with its saffron rice and hint of chorizo spice, can stand up to fuller-bodied rosés without overpowering paler styles. Quick Tip: Finish with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon.
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The moderate chili heat and creamy coconut milk in a Thai Red Curry with Prawns are beautifully balanced by a rosé with a hint of residual sugar. Quick Tip: Keep the spice level medium, not scorching.
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The sweet-smoky glaze of BBQ Chicken Tacos, topped with a fresh pico de gallo, highlights both the fruit and the acid in the wine. Quick Tip: Use corn tortillas for a touch of sweetness.
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A classic Provençal vegetable stew like Ratatouille mirrors rosé’s birthplace, with a depth of flavour that pairs beautifully with medium-bodied styles. Quick Tip: Serve at room temperature for garden freshness.
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For something richer, try Herb-Marinated Lamb Chops. The subtle tannin in darker rosés can handle the meat's richness, while paler styles stay refreshing. Quick Tip: Add a mint salsa verde to echo the wine's acidity.
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A light Pasta Primavera, tossed with fresh vegetables and olive oil, matches the delicacy and citrus lift of a crisp rosé. Quick Tip: Splash a little rosé into the pan sauce while cooking.
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The sweet-savory gochujang glaze on Korean BBQ Pork Lettuce Wraps is a perfect match for the wine's fruit and acidity. Quick Tip: Offer kimchi on the side for a tangy kick.
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The citric lift of rosé cuts through the oiliness of Poached Salmon, while a light dill yoghurt sauce echoes the wine’s herbal notes. Quick Tip: Keep the sauce light—Greek yoghurt and lemon is all you need.
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The classic summer combination of a Watermelon, Feta, and Mint Salad syncs perfectly with rosé’s red-fruit profile and brisk finish. Quick Tip: Crack a little black pepper on top to finish.
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For a truly integrated dish, try a Rosé-Braised Cherry Tomato Pasta, where using the same wine in the sauce melds all the flavours together. Quick Tip: Finish with fresh basil and a shaving of parmesan.
How to Use This List for Your Next Gathering
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Mix & Match: Build a buffet with 4-5 dishes from this list, covering seafood, poultry, and vegetables, so every style of rosé finds a perfect partner.
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Serve Cool, Not Cold: Aim for 10-12°C. This lets the aromas bloom without muting the wine's refreshing acidity. Read more: A Guide to Finding the Best Organic Rosé in Australia >
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Keep the Intensity Moderate: Avoid heavy red-meat stews or super-sweet desserts that can flatten the delicate character of most rosés.
These twenty crowd-pleasing plates will let you and your guests explore the wonderful diversity of rosé without a single pairing misfire.
