An occasional serving of comfort food never goes amiss. An ultimate in soul food is mac & cheese and the recipe is easy to adapt for a healthy meal. Best of all, there are plenty of wines that pair like a dream with this nourishing, tasty dish.

For a healthier approach, use whole wheat macaroni, reduced-fat cheddar, cottage cheese, and low-fat milk to replace the traditional pasta and dairy ingredients. You can also add finely cut broccoli florets to add some greens. It’s delicious, protein-, fiber-, and energy-rich, and pairs with a great range of white wines.

We recommend a Napa Valley Chardonnay with loads of stone and tropical fruit like Aubert. The layers of ripe, honeyed melon and zesty lime in a creamy, opulent palate all complement the cheesy richness of this easy recipe. A silky texture matches the smoothness of the mac & cheese while this wine's fresh, energetic finish cuts through the dish’s creaminess.

When you’re exploring healthy superfood recipes for your favourite wines, grilled salmon is right up there. It’s rich in Omega-3 fatty acids for a happy heart plus is packed with high-quality protein and nutrients your body loves like vitamin B, potassium, and selenium. As if this wasn’t enough, it also promotes healthy skin and hair and, while being relatively low in calories, it’s satisfyingly rich and filling.

This recipe calls out for a wine that has concentrated fruit yet restraint – in short, a Pinot Noir! We suggest the perfect red for grilled salmon is a Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. This fragrant Beaux Freres boasts cranberry, blood orange, and notes of cherry blossom with herb and spice hints plus fine tannins. Earthy tones match the pleasingly charred salmon skin while the smooth texture complements the richness of the fish and the bright red fruit and vibrant acidity act as a pleasing backdrop to the umami of the dish. For an extra health boost, why not serve this grilled salmon with a nutty quinoa salad – a fellow superfood?

One of the challenges of a post-holiday detox is how to bring healthy salads, dishes that are a natural fit in the summer months, into the mix in the chill of January. Enter the warm salad! The beauty of salads is you can unleash your creativity, introducing warm, more substantial ingredients into a recipe for wintertime. A roasted vegetable salad sees cucumbers and tomatoes replaced with oven-baked sweet potato, Brussels sprouts, zucchini, and chickpeas sautéed with olive oil and garlic. Mix your favorite roast vegetables with classic greens like spinach, kale, arugula, throw in tangy feta cheese, toasted nuts, and your favorite herbs and spices. Voilà - a delicious, satisfying, and wholesome dish.

Winter salad ingredients balance depth and diversity of flavor and texture with lightness. A wine that reflects this profile is a good fit. With its fruity, fragrant richness and light, bright acidity, our pick is a Clos Ste Hune Trimbach Riesling. Hailing from the legendary Grand Cru Rosacker site, this expressive, elegant, old-vine white features lime, tangerine, hints of almond paste, lemon curd, toasty coconut, and a touch of sweet spice. Underpinned by appealing smoky notes, a wash of minerality, and lively tartness, its fruity freshness complements the salad greens while its smoky, spicy tones, and delicate sweetness contrast with the earthy flavors of the roasted veggies. Bright acidity cuts through the crispy textures and a long finish displaying coriander and mint finishes off the pairing harmoniously.

Lean meats are always a winner if you want a substantial dish minus the richness. You don’t have to look too far for a recipe that gives you a break from the rich fare of the festive season without scrimping on flavor.

A simple roasted chicken with a side of mushroom cous cous or steamed French green beans is packed with protein and nutrients with just enough crispy skin for a succulent texture without overdoing it on the fat front.

Our pick for this dish is a sleek, elegant Pinot Noir like Alain Hudelot Noellat, Romanee Saint Vivant. Its tart, intense red fruit contrasts with the juicy white meat and truffle nuances tease out the herbal, savory notes of the chicken while the classic acidity of Burgundy slices through the crackling, savory skin. Medium-bodied, it complements the dish’s light flavors without overpowering them.

Markus Molitor is a maverick winemaker known for his uncompromising quality and attention to detail. The Erdener Prälat vineyard, with its warm microclimate and red slate soils, produces wines of incredible intensity.

The Auslese 3* White Capsule is a powerhouse, offering a complex bouquet of tropical fruit, citrus, and smoky minerality. The palate is dense and layered, with a remarkable depth of flavor and a crystalline acidity that ensures a stunningly long finish. It's a wine that exemplifies Molitor's philosophy of crafting Rieslings with both power and finesse.