What To Serve With Risotto

When it comes to making risotto, there are endless possibilities for what you can put in it. From meats and seafood to vegetables and cheese, the combinations are practically endless. But what about the side dishes? What should you serve with your favorite risotto recipes?

In this article, we’ll explain what goes well as a side dish for risotto and give you some ideas for recipes that will complement your meal perfectly.

Let’s start!

Sauteed Spicy Spinach
Marinated Olives
Sausage Patties
Kneaded Kale Salad
Roasted Green Veggies
Caprese Salad
Asparagus With Poached Eggs
Fresh Pea And Mint Soup
Parmesan Garlic Roasted Green Beans
Green Salad With Lemon Vinaigrette

Sauteed Spicy Spinach

Sauteed Spicy Spinach is a great side dish for risotto. This dish is high in vitamins A and C, and it is a good source of iron. It is also a low-calorie food.

It can be used as a side dish for other recipes, such as chicken or fish. It is also a good side dish for pasta dishes.

This dish can be made with fresh spinach or frozen spinach. All you will need are olive oil, garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt. You can also add Parmesan cheese to this dish. Moreover, this side dish is best served hot.

Marinated Olives

Marinated olives are a delicious and healthy side dish that can be used in many different recipes. Olives are a good source of fiber and antioxidants, and they can help to regulate blood sugar levels.

Marinated olives are also low in calories and fat, making them a great option for those on a weight-loss diet.

When choosing a recipe to pair with marinated olives, it is important to select a dish that will complement the flavors of the olives.

Recipes that are heavy on spices or have strong flavors may overwhelm the delicate taste of the olives. Instead, opt for simple recipes that allow the olives to shine.

Risotto is a perfect example of a dish that is both flavorful and simple. The creamy rice pairs well with the salty and acidic flavors of the olives and the dish can be easily made in one pot.

Additionally, marinated olives are also a great addition to pasta dishes, salads, and pizzas. For a unique twist on traditional pizza, try topping your pie with marinated olives instead of traditional tomato sauce.

Sausage Patties

Sausage patties are a great way to add some extra protein and flavor to your risotto. Risotto is a rich and creamy rice dish that is typically served as a main course.

Adding sausage to your risotto will make it even more filling and satisfying. Sausage patties can be made from a variety of different meats, such as chicken, pork, or beef.

They are also usually seasoned with herbs and spices, which will add even more flavor to your dish.

When pairing sausage with risotto, make sure to choose a sausage that has a robust flavor that can stand up to the rich creaminess of the rice.

Sausage patties can be cooked in the same pot as your risotto, or they can be grilled or pan-fried and added on top of the finished dish.

Kneaded Kale Salad

Kale salad is an excellent side dish for risotto. It is healthy and nutritious, and it adds a beautiful pop of color to the dish.

The kale salad also has a nice crunch that pairs well with the creamy risotto. I like to use massaged kale in my salad, as it gives the salad a lovely texture.

To massage the kale, simply massage it with some olive oil for a few minutes. This will help to soften the kale and make it more palatable.

I also like to add some shredded Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon juice to my kale salad. This gives the salad a bit of tang and saltiness that complements the risotto perfectly.

Roasted Green Veggies

There are many reasons to love roasted green veggies as a side dish for risotto. For one, they are an excellent source of nutrients. They are also low in calories and fat, making them a healthy option for those watching their weight.

Additionally, roasted green veggies add a beautiful pop of color to any dish. When paired with risotto, they provide a delicious and healthy balance of flavors.

And last but not least, roasted green veggies are extremely versatile. They can be used as a side dish for almost any recipe, from chicken to fish to pork.

Caprese Salad

Caprese Salad is a great side dish for Risotto. Here are some benefits of using Caprese Salad as a side dish:

The acidity in the tomatoes helps to cut through the richness of the risotto.
The sweetness of the basil and mozzarella helps to balance out the savory flavors in the dish.
The colorful presentation of the salad makes it a great addition to any plate.

Caprese Salad is a great alternative to traditional side dishes such as bread or a salad. Moreover, it can be used as a light side dish or a hearty side dish, depending on the ingredients that you use.

Asparagus With Poached Eggs

Asparagus with poached eggs is an excellent side dish for risotto. There are several benefits to using this side dish.

First, asparagus has a delicate flavor that pairs well with the richness of the risotto.

Second, the eggs add a beautiful creaminess to the dish that helps to balance out the heaviness of the risotto.

Finally, the asparagus and eggs provide a nice contrast in texture, with the crispy asparagus complementing the creamy eggs.

This side dish is also suitable for other recipes, such as pasta dishes or chicken breasts.

Fresh Pea And Mint Soup

Fresh pea and mint soup is a light and refreshing side dish that can be paired with a variety of different recipes. This soup can be served cold or hot, depending on your preference.

The peas and mint provide a subtle sweetness that pairs well with the creamy texture of risotto.

This soup can also be spiced up with a bit of pepper or chili flakes if you prefer.

Parmesan Garlic Roasted Green Beans

Parmesan garlic roasted green beans make an excellent side dish for risotto. Risotto is a traditional Italian dish made with rice, broth, and Parmesan cheese. The rice is cooked until it is tender and creamy, and the Parmesan cheese adds richness to the dish.

Green beans are a perfect complement to risotto because they are also tender and have a similar creaminess.

Additionally, the roasted garlic gives the green beans a savory flavor that pairs well with the Parmesan cheese.

The green beans can also be served with other dishes, such as pasta or chicken.

When choosing a side dish for risotto, it is important to consider how the flavors will work together. For instance, if the risotto is made with a tomato-based sauce, then a lighter side dish like roasted green beans would be a good choice.

On the other hand, if the risotto is made with a cream-based sauce, then a heavier side dish like sauteed mushrooms would be better.

Green Salad With Lemon Vinaigrette

A green salad with lemon vinaigrette is the perfect accompaniment to risotto. The bright acidity of the vinaigrette helps to cut through the creaminess of the dish, while the crisp greens provide a refreshing contrast.

The salad also helps to lighten the overall meal, making it more suitable for a casual supper or summer lunch.

When choosing a recipe for risotto, be sure to look for one that includes a light and bright side dish like this green salad.

Some Tips When Choosing What To Serve With Risotto

What to consider when choosing side dishes for risotto

When it comes to choosing what to serve with your risotto, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, think about what flavors will complement the dish. Risotto is typically made with either a tomato or cream-based sauce, so you’ll want to choose a side dish that will compliment that flavor.

Second, consider what texture will best balance out the risotto. Risotto is a very creamy dish, so you’ll want to choose a side dish with a contrasting texture, like roasted vegetables or a green salad.

Finally, think about what will lighten the overall meal. Risotto is a hearty dish, so you’ll want to choose a side dish that will help to lighten things up. A fresh soup or green salad are always good options.

What you should NOT serve with risotto

When it comes to what not to serve with risotto, there are a few things to avoid.

First, steer clear of anything too heavy or rich. Risotto is a very creamy dish, so you don’t want to add another heavy element to the meal.

Second, avoid anything with strong flavors that will compete with the delicate flavor of the risotto.

And finally, avoid anything that will make the dish too messy or difficult to eat. When in doubt, stick with simple side dishes that will complement the flavors of the risotto without competing with them.

Conclusion

Choosing the right side dish for your risotto can be a bit of a balancing act.

With a little careful planning, you can easily find a side dish (or two) that will complement the flavors of your favorite recipe.

So go ahead and experiment, and don’t be afraid to try something new.

After all, that’s half the fun of cooking!