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Home » Easy Rice Dishes For Dinner

Side Dishes for Risotto

Mar 22, 2023 · Modified: Nov 27, 2023 by Emily · Leave a Comment

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Classic Italian risotto.

This creamy and rich dish is a great way to impress your guests, make something elegant for yourself, or just to indulge a little on those cold winder nights.

Side dishes for risotto such as a fresh salad or meatballs add even more delicious flavor and texture to risotto.

Collage of different images for side dish recipes for risotto.
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  • 18 Easy Dishes to Serve with Risotto
  • FAQ
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Side dishes can add both texture and flavor to meals that make them even more delicious.

Risotto is a great dish on it's own, but when served with a side dish they can make a meal more filling and tasty.

There are many different recipes from risotto such as saffron risotto, risotto for one, risotto marinara, and risotto ai funghi (mushroom risotto).

The right side dish can enhance and satisfy the meal by balancing the risotto's flavors and textures.

A classic green salad is one of the most traditional accompaniments to risotto.

A light, crisp salad can add some much-needed fiber and nutrients to the meal while also serving as a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty, creamy risotto.

Any type of greens, including arugula, spinach, or a combination of baby lettuces, can be used to make a salad, which can then be dressed with a straightforward vinaigrette or a creamy dressing.

Roasted vegetables are another great option as they add texture and are neutral in flavor.

Without mentioning cheese, no discussion of risotto side dishes would be complete. According to the risotto's flavor profile, cheese can be used in a variety of ways as a traditional accompaniment to risotto.

Naturally, parmesan is a requirement, but other cheeses like gorgonzola, fontina, or pecorino can also be used to give the dish more depth and complexity.

The key is to choose sides that complement the flavors and textures of the risotto without overpowering it.

Depending on your preferences and the occasion, a variety of side dishes can be served with risotto.

You can make a meal that is not only tasty and satisfying but also healthy and well-balanced by experimenting with various flavors and textures.

Side dishes for risotto are so versatile and there is much to choose from. So, what are you waiting for?

Scroll down to be inspired and maybe cook something delicious with your risotto!

18 Easy Dishes to Serve with Risotto

1. BBQ Chicken Meatballs

Three plates of BBQ chicken meatballs on rice, garnished with chopped green onions.

These succulent and flavorful meatballs are the ideal accompaniment to risotto.

The creamy risotto is complemented by the tangy sweetness of the BBQ sauce, while the chicken adds some protein and substance.

Additionally, these meatballs are simple to prepare and can be flavored with your preferred BBQ sauce and seasonings.

BBQ Chicken Meatballs

2. Roman Style Artichokes

Roasted Roman artichokes on a white plate.

These artichokes are a great option if you're looking for a vegetable side dish to go with your risotto.

The artichokes themselves are tender and flavorful, and the lemon and garlic give the dish some brightness and zing.

This dish is a great choice for entertaining because it is simple to prepare and can be done in advance.

Roman Style Artichokes

3. Grilled Chicken Breast

Close up image of grilled chicken on an oval plate with a fork.

Risotto pairs well with this traditional side dish, which is grilled chicken breast.

The chicken itself offers some much-needed protein, and the charred and smoky flavors of the grilled chicken go well with the creamy rice.

This dish is a great choice for hectic weeknights because it is also very simple to prepare.

Grilled Chicken Breast

4. Air Fryer Asparagus

Roasted asparagus on a plate with grated parmesan cheese on top.

Asparagus is a great vegetable to serve with risotto.

Crispy and flavorful asparagus with a hint of char complements the creamy risotto perfectly.

This dish is also very simple to prepare and clean up thanks to the use of an air fryer.

Air Fryer Asparagus

5. Shrimp and Mango Salad

Shrimp and mango salad on an oval shaped plate.

During the warmer months, this light and tropical salad is a great addition to risotto.

The creamy rice and sweet, juicy mango go well together, and the shrimp gives the dish some protein and substance.

The dish is brightened and made more acidic by the lime and cilantro dressing, which makes it the ideal accompaniment to the savory and rich risotto.

Shrimp and Mango Salad

6. Brussel Sprouts Recipe

Cut and fried brussel sprouts in a bowl with a spoon.

This Brussels sprouts recipe is a great choice if you're looking for a hearty and flavorful vegetable side dish to serve with risotto.

With a crispy exterior and tender interior, the Brussels sprouts are perfectly roasted.

The maple syrup adds sweetness and balance, while the bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor.

This recipe is simple to prepare and can be personalized with your preferred herbs, spices, and seasonings.

Brussel Sprouts Recipe

7. Green Beans in Tomato Sauce

Green beans in tomato sauce in a square white bowl.

Tangy tomatoes and green beans. Add some crunch to your risotto with this green beans in tomato sauce.

This dish is easy to make and is packed full of nutrients and fiber.

Green Beans in Tomato Sauce

8. Pan Seared Salmon

Seared salmon with rice and green beans on a plate with a fork.

Flaky and tender salmon. This is always a great match with creamy risotto.

Pan seared salmon is simple to prepare and can be customised with your preferred herbs and seasonings.

Pan Seared Salmon

9. Cornish Game Hens

Cornish game hen with green beans on a plate.

Cornish game hens are a flavorful and hearty side dish.

While the herbs and spices give the dish some depth and complexity, the tender and juicy meat goes well with the creamy rice.

Cornish Game Hens

10. Italian Sauteed Mushrooms

Close up image of sauteed mushrooms in a white bowl.

Italian Sauteed Mushrooms are a delicious side dish to accompany risotto because their earthy flavors go so well with the creamy rice.

The mushrooms themselves offer some much-needed protein and fiber, while the garlic and herbs give the dish some depth and complexity.

This recipe is simple to prepare and can be personalized with your preferred herbs, spices, and seasonings.

Italian Sauteed Mushrooms

11. Arugula and Prosciutto Salad

Close up image of prosciutto salad in a bowl with a spoon and fork.

Take your salad game to the next level with this arugula and prosciutto salad. This is an elegant side dish that pairs great with risotto.

The Parmesan cheese adds richness and depth to the dish while the balsamic vinegar dressing adds brightness and acidity.

This dish is simple to prepare and can be used as either a filling side dish or a light and refreshing starter.

Arugula and Prosciutto Salad

12. Ricotta Crostini

Whipped ricotta on crostini on a wooden board.

Ricotta crostini are a delicious option to serve as an appetizer or side dish with risotto. They are creamy and flavorful.

The herbs and spices give the dish some depth and complexity, while the ricotta gives it a rich, creamy texture.

It's simple to prepare and adaptable with your preferred toppings and seasonings.

Ricotta Crostini

13. Hearts of Palm Salad with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette

Hearts of palm salad with lemon slices on a white plate.

This tangy and zesty salad is a great choice to serve with risotto because it pairs so well with the rich rice.

The dish is given some depth and complexity by the herbs and spices and some crunch and texture from the hearts of palm.

Hearts of Palm Salad with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette

14. Marinated Olives

These salty and flavorful olives go well with risotto because of how well their briny flavor complements the creamy rice.

While the olives themselves offer some heart-healthy fats and nutrients, the herbs and spices give the dish some depth and complexity.

This dish is simple to prepare and can be personalized with your preferred spices and seasonings.

Marinated Olives

15. Caprese Salad

Add some color to your risotto with this traditional Italian salad.

The rich and savory risotto is the ideal partner for the sweet and acidic balsamic glaze, which gives the dish some sweetness and tang.

This recipe is simple to prepare and can be personalized by adding your preferred herbs and seasonings.

Caprese Salad

16. Roasted Broccoli with Chili Garlic Oil and Parmesan

This hearty and flavorful vegetable side dish is an excellent choice to serve with risotto.

The roasted broccoli adds some texture and crunch and the chili garlic oil and Parmesan give the dish some depth and complexity.

Roasted Broccoli with Chili Garlic Oil and Parmesan

17. Thai Beef Salad

This light and flavorful salad goes well with risotto because the tender, juicy beef is a good match for the creamy rice.

Lime juice, fish sauce, and cilantro are some of the Thai-inspired flavors in the salad that give it some brightness and complexity.

Thai Beef Salad

18. Roasted Garlic and Kale Caesar Salad

This filling and flavorful salad pairs well with risotto because the roasted garlic and kale give the dish additional depth and complexity.

The Parmesan cheese adds some richness and flavor, and the creamy and tangy Caesar dressing pairs beautifully with the creamy rice.

It's simple to prepare and adaptable with your preferred toppings and seasonings.

Roasted Garlic and Kale Caesar Salad

FAQ

What side dishes go with risotto?

There are many side dishes that go with risotto, from salads, grilled and roasted vegetables, and even meat dishes.

Is risotto a main or side dish?

Risotto can be served as both a side dish or as a main dish. Risotto is a filling main dish that pairs well with a side salad or vegetables.

Risotto can be served as a side dish to a meat or seafood dish or as a main course.

Risotto is a delicious and adaptable dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, regardless of how it is presented.

Collection of images of side dishes for risotto.

After some delicious dessert recipes to go with your risotto meal?

Why not try one of these:

  • Arroz Doce
  • Nutella Mochi
  • Ube Baked Mochi Donuts
  • Flaked Rice Pudding
  • Banana Cinnamon Baked Rice Flakes
  • Biscoff Cheesecake
  • Milk Rice Cake
  • Matcha Cookies
  • Condensed Milk Brownies
  • Chak Hao Kheer

Recipe

Collage of images of side dish recipes for risotto.

Side Dishes for Risotto

Emily
This creamy and rich dish is a great way to impress your guests, make something elegant for yourself, or just to indulge a little on those cold winder nights.
Side dishes for risotto such as a fresh salad or meatballs add even more delicious flavor and texture to risotto.
PRINT RECIPE PIN RECIPE
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
ESTIMATED COST : $6.50, or $1.62 a serve.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Western
Servings 4 serves
Calories 230 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • BBQ Chicken Meatballs
  • Roman Style Artichokes
  • Grilled Chicken Breast
  • Air Fryer Asparagus
  • Shrimp and Mango Salad
  • Brussel Sprouts Recipe
  • Green Beans in Tomato Sauce
  • Pan Seared Salmon
  • Cornish Game Hens
  • Italian Sauteed Mushrooms
  • Arugula and Prosciutto Salad
  • Ricotta Crostini
  • Hearts of Palm Salad with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette
  • Marinated Olives
  • Caprese Salad
  • Roasted Broccoli with Chili Garlic Oil and Parmesan
  • Thai Beef Salad
  • Roasted Garlic and Kale Caesar Salad

Instructions
 

  • Choose your favorite recipe from the list above.
  • Gather all the ingredients.
  • Follow the recipe directions and cook up something delicious to serve with risotto.

Notes

Nutrition, serving size and cook times are based on the first recipe on the recipe card.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serve (3 meatballs +sauce)Calories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 28gFat: 12gCholesterol: 47mgSodium: 927mgPotassium: 94mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3g
Nutrition Disclosure
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it went!

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Author image.

Hi, I'm Emily! There's much more to rice than just cooking it on the stove. It's so versatile and you can create so many beautiful dishes with it. From puddings and desserts to main meals and even finger foods. There is something for everyone!

More about me →

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