Risotto is a classic Italian dish that can be served as a main course but can also be enjoyed as a side dish.
For a delicious and hearty meal, it’s important to pair risotto with other flavorful dishes. If you’re looking for inspiration on what to serve with risotto, this blog post has you covered!
Here are some delicious dishes that are perfect for pairing with risotto. From vegetable dishes to meaty entrees, you’re sure to find something that the whole family will love.
Read on to discover these tasty side dishes of what to serve with risotto and how to make them.
1. Cherry Tomato Salad with Roasted Lemons
A cherry tomato salad is a great accompaniment regarding what to serve with risotto.
Start by roasting some lemons in the oven for a few minutes until they start to turn golden and aromatic.
Slice them and mix with cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Then, serve as a side dish on top of your risotto for a light yet flavorful addition.
The roasted lemon adds an extra layer of flavor and texture, making this the perfect side dish for any risotto.
If you want to make this dish even more special, add some freshly chopped basil or parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
Combining sweet cherry tomatoes, tart lemons, and fragrant herbs will make for a delicious accompaniment to your risotto.
With a few simple ingredients and a few minutes of preparation, you’ll have a flavorful side dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eater.
2. Cheesy Baked Tomatoes
Cheesy baked tomatoes are a great side dish on this list of what to serve with risotto. This dish is easy to make, full of flavor, and is sure to be a hit.
Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and preparing your tomatoes by slicing them into thick rounds.
Then, place them on a greased baking sheet, sprinkle with salt, and top with mozzarella cheese.
Next, place in the oven for 25 minutes until the cheese has melted and is golden brown. Serve alongside your favorite risotto recipe for a complete meal!
This cheesy baked tomato dish is also incredibly versatile, allowing you to use whatever cheese you prefer.
Try feta, cheddar, or gouda for a different flavor profile. You can also add spices such as oregano, basil, and thyme for a more robust flavor.
For an extra kick of heat, add a dash of red pepper flakes or crushed red pepper to the top of the tomatoes before baking.
With so many options, this cheesy baked tomato dish will become a staple in your kitchen.
3. Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad with Mustard and Parmesan
If you’re looking for what to serve with risotto, why not try this shaved Brussels sprout salad with mustard and Parmesan?
It’s an easy and light salad that works perfectly as a side dish to risotto. Shave the Brussels sprouts using a mandoline or sharp knife.
Next, toss olive oil, a little dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Finish with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and serve alongside your risotto. It’s sure to make a wonderful accompaniment to the creamy risotto.
4. Arugula Salad
Arugula salad is a fresh and simple side dish regarding what served with risotto.
The peppery flavor of the arugula compliments the creamy texture of the risotto perfectly. It’s also a great way to add a bit of color and texture to the plate.
Start by mixing together arugula, chopped tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and freshly squeezed lemon juice in a large bowl.
Then add a light drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste, and toss it all together until everything is evenly coated. Serve your salad alongside your risotto for a delicious, easy meal.
5. Sauteed Green Beans
Green beans are a delicious side dish if you are confused about what to serve with risotto.
When sautéed, they provide a delightful crunch that pairs well with the creamy texture of the risotto.
To prepare green beans for this dish, trim the ends and slice them into 1-inch pieces. After, heat some olive oil in a pan, then add the beans and seasonings to taste.
Sauté the green beans until they are tender-crisp, about 5 minutes. Serve alongside your favorite risotto dish for an easy and delicious meal.
This recipe is a great way to use green beans if you have them in abundance. It’s also budget-friendly, as you don’t need many ingredients. Plus, it’s easy to make and will be ready in no time.
No matter what type of risotto you choose to make, sautéed green beans are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking for a tasty side dish to pair with your risotto, give this one a try!
6. Oven-Roasted Broccoli
Oven-roasted broccoli is the perfect addition to any risotto. This simple and healthy side dish is a great way to add a bit of extra flavor and texture to your meal.
Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any other spices of your choice.
Next, spread out on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the broccoli is golden and crispy.
Serve alongside your favorite risotto dish for a delicious and nutritious dinner. The combination of creamy risotto and crunchy roasted broccoli is sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
This dish is an easy way to turn a classic Italian dinner into a well-balanced meal. Add some grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal.
With its simple preparation and flavorful results, oven-roasted broccoli is an excellent choice for serving with risotto.
7. Bruschetta
Bruschetta is a classic Italian dish made of toasted bread and topped with olive oil, tomatoes, herbs, and garlic.
This simple yet delicious dish is the perfect accompaniment of what to serve with risotto.
Bruschetta can be served as an appetizer or side dish, or it can even be used as a topping for your risotto.
The ingredients can be customized to your liking, making it a versatile and flavorful addition to any meal.
When preparing bruschetta as what to serve with risotto, be sure to use the freshest ingredients possible.
Toasting the bread first will help it absorb the flavors of the other ingredients and bring out the best in the dish.
Serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and enjoy the combination of flavors!
Bruschetta is an ideal dish to serve with risotto as it is easy to make and also pairs well with various other dishes.
It can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to two days before serving.
When serving, try drizzling some extra-virgin olive oil over the bruschetta for an added flavor boost.
Whether you are looking for an appetizer or a side dish, bruschetta is sure to please all palates.
Enjoy this traditional Italian favorite today and discover why it’s one of the most popular dishes to serve with risotto.
8. Italian White Beans
Italian White Beans are a great side dish to use as what to serve with risotto.
The nutty flavor of the beans complements the creamy texture of the risotto while providing a pop of color.
This dish is easy to prepare and can be customized to fit any taste. To make Italian White Beans, start by heating some oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add chopped onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes and cook until softened. Add a can of white beans, salt, and pepper to taste, and then some chopped fresh herbs such as oregano, basil, or thyme.
Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve with risotto, and enjoy!
9. Tuscan White Bean Salad
This hearty and flavorful dish is the perfect accompaniment to a classic risotto. It’s simple to make, yet so flavorful and delicious.
The combination of creamy white beans, sweet tomatoes, crunchy celery, and pungent garlic makes this dish hard to resist.
Serve it as a side dish or top it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. The best part? This salad can be made ahead of time and enjoyed all week long. Enjoy!
10. Italian Stuffed Artichokes
Try making Italian stuffed artichokes for a delicious Italian-inspired side dish to accompany your risotto.
Artichokes are packed with flavor and can be easily filled with various fillings, including breadcrumbs, cheese, herbs, and garlic.
Roast the artichokes in the oven until they’re tender, then enjoy their delicious buttery flavor with your risotto.
This side dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Suppose you’re looking for a healthier alternative to what to serve with risotto.
In that case, you can also prepare Italian stuffed artichokes with a low-fat stuffing of vegetables such as mushrooms, onions, celery, carrots, and tomatoes.
For an extra flavor kick, add some sun-dried tomatoes or olives. This flavorful side dish will enhance your risotto’s flavors and satisfy everyone. So why not give it a try today?
11. Fennel and Chickpea Salad
Fennel and chickpea salad is a delicious and easy side dish that pairs perfectly with risotto.
The combination of fennel and chickpeas gives the salad a unique flavor that is both earthy and fresh.
To prepare, start by roasting the fennel in the oven until it is slightly caramelized. Once cooled, mix the roasted fennel with cooked chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and fresh herbs.
Dress the salad with a light vinaigrette, or add crumbled feta cheese or toasted pine nuts for a more flavorful option.
This colorful salad is sure to be a hit at any dinner party. Fennel is an incredibly nutritious vegetable with dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Additionally, chickpeas are a great source of plant-based protein, making this salad a healthy and filling side dish.
Serve the salad alongside your favorite risotto recipe for a complete meal everyone will love.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a unique side dish to pair with risotto, fennel, and chickpea salad is an easy and delicious choice to serve with risotto, fennel, and chickpea salad; it never disappoints!
12. Simple Italian Salad
What to serve with risotto? A simple Italian salad is a great way to accompany a risotto dish.
This light and flavorful salad comprise tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and a light vinaigrette dressing.
To add more flavor and texture, consider adding some parmesan cheese or capers.
For a more substantial salad, add some croutons or grilled chicken. This salad accompanies your risotto dish by providing a crunchy and refreshing bite to your meal.
13. Kale Caesar Salad
Kale Caesar Salad is a classic choice for delicious sides of what to serve with risotto.
Kale is packed with nutrients and makes a delicious, crunchy base for the salad.
Add a zesty dressing made of garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and anchovy paste, as well as croutons for a hearty texture.
Top with shaved Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper to finish this delicious dish. The nutty flavor of the risotto pairs perfectly with the creamy and salty flavors of the Kale Caesar Salad.
14. Flavor-Packed Italian Chopped Salad
This Italian chopped salad is sure to be a hit with the entire family. Loaded with fresh ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, artichoke hearts, and fresh herbs, it’s the perfect accompaniment to a comforting bowl of risotto.
To make the salad, chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and mix them in a large bowl.
Next, add some diced salami or prosciutto, crumbled feta cheese, and olives. Lastly, dress the salad with a simple vinaigrette of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and garlic. This flavorful salad is sure to liven up any dinner table.
This salad on our list of what to serve with risotto is not only incredibly tasty, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare.
You need a few minutes, the ingredients listed above, and you’re ready to go. The beauty of this dish is that you can customize it according to your tastes – feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, meats, and vegetables.
The best part? You can always make a large batch of this salad and enjoy it for days afterward. Serve it alongside some warm risotto for an easy and satisfying dinner. Enjoy!
15. Caesar Salad
A Caesar salad is the perfect accompaniment to a creamy risotto. The combination of crisp romaine lettuce, savory Parmesan cheese, tangy croutons, and a flavorful Caesar dressing creates an incredibly satisfying dish.
Add grilled chicken or shrimp for protein to make this a complete meal. This salad will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling full and satisfied.
You can also swap out the romaine for arugula or kale for an extra flavor kick. Enjoy!
16. Simple Shirazi Salad
A simple Shirazi Salad is a wonderful addition to risotto dishes. This classic Persian salad has a delicious flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of risotto.
It consists of cucumbers, tomatoes, parsley, mint, red onions, and a dressing made of olive oil, lime juice, garlic, and salt.
You can add feta cheese or crumbles to make it even more flavorful. For a complete meal, serve the Shirazi Salad alongside your risotto and some warm crusty bread.
You don’t need to think too much about what to serve with risotto; this salad does the magic.
17. Sauteed Zucchini and Squash
This combination of sautéed zucchini and squash makes a great side dish of what to serve with risotto.
The vegetables are lightly seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic, then cooked in a skillet until they are tender and lightly browned.
Plus, this dish adds flavor, texture, and color to the meal, making it a great accompaniment to any risotto recipe.
Serve this vegetable side with a generous sprinkling of parmesan cheese for an even more delicious experience.
18. Tomato Cucumber Salad
This simple and delicious salad pairs perfectly with risotto. It combines the crispness of cucumbers and the juicy sweetness of tomatoes with a hint of garlic and basil for added flavor.
It’s a refreshing side dish that goes great with a creamy risotto. All you need is cucumbers, tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper.
Slice up the vegetables and combine them in a bowl, dress with the oil, garlic, and seasonings, and serve chilled.
Of all the choices of what to serve with risotto, it’s an easy, light, and delicious accompaniment to any meal.
The tomatoes and cucumbers give this salad a great texture, while the basil adds a hint of freshness.
You can add feta cheese or olives for a more robust flavor if you like. The simplicity of the salad is perfect for a relaxed dinner party or family gathering.
Serve it alongside your risotto for a complete Italian meal that your guests will love. With its fresh flavors and ease of preparation, it’s sure to become a favorite!
19. Crostini
We are still talking about what to serve with risotto, and Crostini is a tasty and versatile accompaniment.
They are quick and easy to make and can be adapted to suit any palate. Crostini can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or topping on your risotto.
To make crostini, toast thin slices of baguette in a hot oven until golden and crisp. Then top with your favorite toppings.
For a classic combination, spread some ricotta cheese on each piece of crostini and top with slices of tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves.
Or, for a more flavorful twist, top with mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives. The possibilities are endless – let your imagination run wild! Serve your crostini alongside your risotto for a delicious combination.
20. Grilled Broccolini
Grilled broccolini is the perfect accompaniment to risotto. This dish is packed with flavor and is a great way to add some greens to your meal.
The charring of the broccolini adds a wonderful smoky flavor, which pairs nicely with the creamy risotto.
To make this dish, brush some olive oil over the broccolini and season with salt and pepper. Grill the broccolini over medium heat until it is slightly charred and cooked.
Serve as a side dish to your favorite risotto recipe for a delicious and nutritious meal. We’ll draw the curtains on our list of what to serve with risotto here!
Conclusion
Risotto is one of the most versatile dishes in Italian cuisine and can be served as a side dish, an entree, or even a dessert.
It’s a creamy, flavorful dish that can be made with various ingredients, making it a great addition to any meal.
If you’re looking for what to serve with risotto, look no further. Above are some delicious dishes that are sure to make your meal complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
When not utilized as a complete meal, risotto is a major dish in Italy. It is typically served with modest pieces of meat or a light side dish of vegetables. For instance, risotto is frequently served with lemon escalopes, bresaola, and arugula.
Pork chops are usually your go-to when deciding what to serve with risotto. The mild harshness of the pork chops provides a fantastic tactile counterpoint because the risotto is soft and creamy.
