What to Serve with Risotto

Risotto is a classic Italian dish known for its creamy texture and rich flavours. Made from Arborio rice and cooked slowly with stock, this comforting meal has been a favourite for centuries. It can be difficult to know what to serve with risotto.

There are numerous side dishes and main course options to pair with risotto, from the more traditional Italian-inspired selections to more unique international options. The key is to balance flavours and textures while keeping the meal enjoyable and satisfying.

Classic Side Dishes

When it comes to enjoying risotto, pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate the entire meal. Here are a few classic side dishes that complement the flavours and textures of risotto.

Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is a simple, yet tasty side dish to serve with risotto. It’s one of those side dishes that goes with pretty much any meal. The crunchy texture of the bread provides a delicious contrast to the creamy, soft texture of the Arborio rice in risotto.

Antipasto

Antipasto, a traditional Italian appetiser, consists of an assortment of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables. It makes for a perfect side dish to accompany risotto, as it offers a range of flavours and textures. The salty, tangy elements in antipasto balance well with the creaminess of the risotto. The great thing about antipasto is that you can pick and choose what you include to suit your tastes.

Italian Salad

An Italian salad provides a light and refreshing contrast to a rich, flavourful risotto. A simple recipe for an Italian salad consists of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, olives, and thinly sliced red onion, tossed with a light lemon and olive oil dressing. The vibrant greens, along with the sharpness of the red onions, work well to cut through the richness of the risotto, and the lemon dressing adds a brightness that ties everything together.

Roasted Vegetables

A side dish of roasted vegetables is a fantastic way to incorporate a variety of colours and nutrients to your risotto meal. Select your favourite seasonal vegetables, such as bell peppers, courgettes, and shallots. Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast them in a hot oven until tender and caramelised. Add a sprinkle of Italian herbs or breadcrumbs for added flavour and crunch. The natural sweetness of the roasted vegetables adds depth to the meal and complements the savoury nature of the risotto.

Meaty Complements

Risotto is often used as a side dish for meats. Here are a couple of tasty ideas to get your tastebuds tingling.

Seared Scallops

Seared scallops work wonderfully with a plate of risotto. The tender, mildly sweet flavour of the scallops complements the rich creaminess of the dish. For a truly indulgent experience, pair the scallops with a shrimp risotto or a white wine and cheese-based risotto.

When serving scallops alongside risotto:

Sear the scallops in butter or olive oil until golden brown.
Season lightly with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavours.
A squeeze of lemon over the top can add brightness and balance the overall richness of the meal.

Oven Baked Chicken

Oven baked chicken is another fantastic accompaniment to risotto, providing a hearty and satisfying protein source. Chicken thighs work particularly well, as their juicy succulence pairs well with the creamy textures of Arborio rice. You can jazz up the chicken further by coating it in breadcrumbs, creating a delicious contrast with the soft risotto.

To serve baked chicken with risotto:

Marinate the chicken thighs in your choice of seasonings and herbs.
Bake until cooked through, with a crispy outer layer.
Slice and plate alongside the risotto, or serve on top of the dish for an appealing presentation.

Fish and Seafood

A wide variety of fish and seafood can be paired with risotto, resulting in a delightful medley of flavours. Roasted shrimp is an excellent choice, offering succulent bites in concert with the dish’s creaminess.

For a seafood-based risotto:

Combine your choice of fish, shrimp, or sausage with Arborio rice.
Integrate wine to enhance the overall flavours and aromas.
Accompany your risotto with bruschetta or an Italian salad to round out the meal.

Keep in mind, fish and seafood should be cooked properly to ensure both flavour and safety. With the right preparation, these meaty complements will lend your risotto a vibrant array of textures and tastes, creating a complete meal you and your guests are sure to relish.

Tasty Veg

When it comes to pairing delightful vegetables with risotto, there are a few winning options that will enhance the flavour, texture, and overall enjoyment of the meal.

Steamed Broccoli

Steamed broccoli is a simple, nutritious choice to serve alongside a variety of risottos, such as a mushroom risotto. To prepare steamed broccoli, simply steam it until it’s bright green and crisp-tender. Drizzle some olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of salt to enhance the flavour. If you’d like to make it a little fancier, you can also add feta cheese or roasted pine nuts on top of the broccoli when serving.

For an alternative take on broccoli, you can try roasted broccoli. Place your broccoli florets on a baking sheet, drizzle them with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast them in the oven until they’re tender and golden brown, about 20 minutes. This adds a delightful crunchy texture that pairs well with a creamy risotto.

Green Beans

Green beans bring a vibrant colour, tender texture, and a mildly sweet flavour to your risotto meal. Whether you have a classic pea and mushroom risotto or a rich and hearty version with roasted veggies, adding steamed or blanched green beans creates a beautiful contrast.

To keep it simple, steam or blanch the green beans and toss them with some olive oil, lemon zest, and roasted almonds. If you want to experiment with flavours, try sautéing the beans with garlic and shallots, or add a splash of lemon juice for a bright, zesty twist.

Sautéed Asparagus

Sautéed Asparagus is another delightful vegetable that pairs exceptionally well with risotto dishes. Not only does it add a lovely colour to the plate, but it also introduces a tender yet crunchy texture that complements the creaminess of the risotto.

To prepare sautéed asparagus, heat some olive oil or butter in a pan, add trimmed asparagus, and cook until it’s slightly browned and tender-crisp. Season this aromatic vegetable with salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic, making sure not to overpower the flavour profile. For a final touch, sprinkle your asparagus with toasted pistachios or roasted walnuts to introduce a crunchy element to the dish.

Tasty Salads

A lovely way to complement and balance the creamy richness of risotto is to serve it with a refreshing salad. I love experimenting with different salads, particularly in the warmer months when I want something light and refreshing that doesn’t involve using the oven.

Caprese Salad

The Caprese Salad is a classic Italian favourite, boasting vibrant colours and fresh flavours. To prepare this salad, slice ripe tomatoes and fresh mozzarella cheese and arrange them on a plate, alternating between the two. Sprinkle a generous handful of fresh basil leaves on top, and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Season with a pinch of kosher salt and a dash of cayenne pepper for an added kick.

A spoonful of pesto can be dolloped onto the salad for an additional burst of flavour. This simple yet delicious Caprese Salad is an excellent side dish to serve with risotto, as the tanginess of the tomatoes and the creaminess of the mozzarella balance the heartiness of the main course.

Fennel and Orange Salad

Fennel and Orange Salad is a refreshing alternative to the classic arugula salad often served alongside risotto. To prepare this salad, thinly slice the fennel bulb and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning. Next, peel and segment a few oranges, releasing their zest, as this will add brightness to the dish.

Combine the fennel, orange segments, and a handful of toasted hazelnuts in a serving bowl, and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Season with salt to taste and garnish with reserved orange zest. This zesty salad will contrast beautifully with the rich flavours of the risotto, refreshing the palate between bites and creating an enjoyable dining experience.

What Protein to Eat with Risotto

Adding protein into your meal doesn’t need to be difficult. There are lots of protein-rich foods that work really well with risotto.

Braised Lemon Chicken

Braised lemon chicken works particularly well with creamy garlic or butternut squash risotto, as the lemon juice and zest add a light and zesty contrast to the rich flavours of the rice. To prepare braised lemon chicken, use chicken thighs, which tend to be more tender and juicy. Marinate the chicken with lemon juice, garlic, and your preferred seasoning before braising it in a mixture of wine and stock. This combination creates a deliciously tender and flavourful dish perfect for pairing with risotto.

Baked Salmon

Another excellent protein choice to accompany risotto is baked salmon. It complements a variety of risotto dishes, providing a boost of heart-healthy proteins and delicate flavours. Baked salmon can be easily seasoned with a simple blend of herbs, lemon, and olive oil. Bake it in the oven until it is cooked through, resulting in a flaky and tender fillet. The delicate flavours of the salmon can enhance the creamy textures and flavours of the risotto while maintaining a light and well-balanced meal.

Tofu

For a vegetarian alternative, consider serving tofu with your risotto. Tofu is a versatile protein source that easily absorbs the flavours of herbs and seasonings used in cooking. To prepare the tofu, cube it, and season it generously before pan-frying or roasting in the oven. The tofu will bring a complementary texture to the creamy risotto while adding nutritional value, such as essential amino acids and B vitamins.

Chickpea Salad

Another plant-based protein option to serve with risotto is a refreshing chickpea salad. Chickpeas, sometimes known as garbanzo beans, are high in protein and a versatile ingredient to work with. They can be mixed with fresh vegetables (like cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers), herbs, and a light vinaigrette for a simple and delicious salad. The fresh and vibrant flavours of the salad provide a delightful contrast to the warm, creamy risotto, and together they create a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Extra Tips

Thoughts on Wine to Serve with Risotto

Generally, a crisp white wine is the most fitting choice for a rich, creamy risotto as it balances the dish’s richness with acidity. For example, a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc would complement the dish nicely. However, if your risotto features a stronger flavour like seafood or mushrooms, a Chardonnay or light red might be more suitable. Remember to choose a wine that enhances the dish and doesn’t overpower the delicate flavours.

Spice It Up

Adding a touch of spice or zest can be a smart way to elevate your risotto and make it even more delightful. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices or even lemon zest, which can brighten the flavours and provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy rice.

Lemon Zest: A dash of lemon zest can add a zippy contrast to the risotto and enhance the dish’s overall flavour.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil can offer a rich, velvety finish to the risotto, especially when served alongside a side dish with a runny yolk, like a poached egg.
Aromatic Spices: Incorporating aromatic spices, such as saffron or paprika, can provide an additional dimension to the flavour of your risotto, while complementing the dish’s creamy texture.
Caramelised Onions: Adding caramelised onions can offer a sweet yet savoury element, enhancing the overall taste of your risotto.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best side dishes for risotto?

There are a variety of side dishes that can complement risotto well. Some popular options include steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, green beans, or asparagus. These vegetables not only add colour and texture to the plate but also enhance the overall flavour profile of the dish.

Which meats pair well with risotto?

Meats that pair well with risotto typically include those with tender, juicy textures and robust flavours. Chicken, particularly crispy chicken thighs, is a popular choice, as are seared scallops, roasted shrimp, and oven-baked pork chops. These protein options help to create a satisfying and well-rounded meal alongside the creamy risotto.

What salad complements risotto?

Salads that complement risotto should provide a contrasting flavour or texture to the dish. Simple green salads with a tangy vinaigrette, or those that include ingredients like feta cheese and olives, offer a fresh and lively contrast to the creaminess of the risotto. Additionally, a salad with some bitter greens, such as arugula or radicchio, can help to balance the rich taste.

What appetisers can be served before risotto?

When choosing appetisers to serve before risotto, focus on options that are light both in texture and flavour. This can include a fresh and vibrant caprese salad, an antipasto platter with a selection of cheeses and cured meats, or a light, vegetable-based soup or broth. These options will leave your guests eager for the main course without feeling overwhelmed.

Is risotto a main or side dish?

Risotto can be served as both a main or side dish, depending on the context and accompaniments. When risotto is served on its own, with vegetables or a protein mixed in, it is typically considered a main dish. However, if served alongside other menu items such as a salad or protein, it can also function as a side dish, providing a rich and satisfying complement to the meal.

What proteins can be added to risotto?

A variety of proteins can be added to risotto to create a more filling and satisfying meal. Common options include chicken, shrimp, scallops, and even vegetarian proteins such as sautéed mushrooms or firm tofu. These proteins can be mixed directly into the risotto or served on top to create a visually appealing and flavourful dish.