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    The Heirloom Pantry » Recipe Index » Roundups

    What to Serve With Risotto: 20 Tasty Sides

    Published: Mar 1, 2023 · Modified: Mar 15, 2023 by Kathleen Higashiyama · The following content may contain affiliate links. When you click and shop the links, we receive a commission.

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    20 delicious sides to serve with risotto, including fish, broccoletti, mozzarella-stuffed chicken pomodoro, and prosciutto arugula salad.

    Looking for What to Serve with Risotto? Below we list all of our favorite dishes that pair perfectly with risotto, including buttery fish, tender chicken, juicy steak, roasted veggies, and more.

    20 delicious sides to serve with risotto, including fish, broccoletti, mozzarella-stuffed chicken pomodoro, and prosciutto arugula salad.

    Risotto is one of our go to celebratory meals and we are always experimenting with sides to bring out its rich flavors. Below we've rounded up 20 dishes that pair deliciously with risotto so you know exactly what to make for your next risotto celebration.

    If you are looking for an easy and light risotto recipe, check out our Lemony Spring Risotto with Peas and Asparagus or our Instant Pot Risotto with Pancetta and Peas.

    For a more decadent risotto recipe, try our Truffle Mushroom and Leek Risotto. This restaurant-worthy dish features creamy al dente risotto with sautéed leeks, truffle purée, and a mushroom medley, topped with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano.

    1. Buttery Fish with Crispy Skin

    Buttery lemon chilean sea bass with crispy skin on a plate with sautéed broccolini.
    Buttery Fish with Crispy Skin
    Buttery Fish with Crispy Skin takes just 15 minutes to make and tastes delicious with risotto. Our easy recipe utilizes a pan-searing method that results in restaurant-quality succulent fish with perfectly crisp skin.
    Get the Recipe

    2. Mozzarella-Stuffed Chicken Pomodoro

    Mozzarella-stuffed chicken pomdoro in a pan in cherry tomato sauce with basil.
    Mozzarella-Stuffed Chicken Pomodoro
    Mozzarella-Stuffed Chicken Pomodoro is a mouthwatering 30-minute meal for the whole family! It features juicy Italian-seasoned chicken stuffed with mozzarella cooked in tomato sauce. Make this restaurant-worthy dish with your risotto, you won't be disappointed!
    Get the Recipe

    3. Burrata Caprese with Balsamic Glaze

    Burrata Caprese plated with parmigiano reggiano crackers, balsamic glaze, and wine.
    Burrata Caprese with Balsamic Glaze
    Burrata Caprese with Balsamic Glaze is a show-stopping appetizer or side. It features creamy burrata, juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze. Serve it with risotto and enjoy the mouthwatering combination!
    Get the Recipe

    4. Bavette Steak (Flank Steak)

    Bavette steak (garlic flank steak) sliced medium rare on a white plate au jus.
    Bavette Steak (Broiled Garlic Flank Steak)
    Bavette Steak is a juicy beef cut that broils perfectly medium rare in just a few minutes. All you need to do is stuff the steak with garlic cloves, season, broil, and slice! Serve it with risotto for a complete and decadent meal!
    Get the Recipe

    5. 10-Minute Sautéed Broccolini (Broccoletti)

    Easy delicious charred broccolini/broccoletti on a plate with seasoning, lemon wedges, and chili flakes.
    10-Minute Sautéed Broccolini (Broccoletti)
    Sautéed Broccolini (Broccoletti) is a tender, better tasting broccoli that goes well with everything and takes just a few minutes to make. Simply cook the broccolini in olive oil then toss it with red chili flakes, garlic, and lemon juice for extra flavor.
    Get the Recipe

    6. Hamachi Kama (Yellowtail Collar)

    Charred and broiled hamachi collar on a plate with lemon slices, yuzu ponzu, and soy sauce.
    Hamachi Kama (Yellowtail Collar)
    Broiled Yellowtail Collar, also known as hamachi kama, is a tender fish dish served at Japanese restaurants. It takes 15 minutes to make with only a few ingredients and is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Enjoy these collars with risotto for a flavor packed meal.
    Get the Recipe

    7. Pear and Prosciutto Rocket Salad

    Closeup shot of arugula salad with pear, crispy prosciutto, shallots, parmigiano-reggiano, and walnuts.
    Pear and Prosciutto Rocket Salad
    Pear and Prosciutto Rocket Salad is a delightfully sweet and hearty salad full of flavor and texture. It features crispy prosciutto, sliced pears, walnuts, shallots, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and peppery arugula tossed in a maple balsamic vinaigrette. Make it in 20 minutes and serve with risotto for a delicious flavor medley.
    Get the Recipe

    8. Healthy Corn and Zucchini Fritters

    Healthy corn and zucchini fritter stacked and topped with greek yogurt, roasted corn, and basil.
    Healthy Corn and Zucchini Fritters
    Healthy Corn and Zucchini Fritters are a quick and easy way to enjoy veggies with your risotto. They have the perfect blend of sweet and savory ingredients with lots of texture. Top the fritters with fresh basil, Greek yogurt, and roasted corn for extra flavor!
    Get the Recipe

    9. Elotes Style Corn with Furikake

    Elote-style corn with furikake and kewpie mayo on a plate flatlay.
    Elotes Style Corn with Furikake
    Elotes Style Corn with Furikake will add a delicious umami crunch to your risotto dinner. This recipe is inspired by Mexican street corn and flavored with Japanese ingredients. Enjoy it on the cob, cut into small servings, or cut off the cob and served as a salad beside your risotto.
    Get the Recipe

    10. Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts

    Maple Brussel Sprouts with Pancetta in bowl flatlay.
    Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts
    Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts are covered with olive oil and maple syrup, then roasted and tossed with your choice of rendered bacon or pancetta. The combination is rich, hearty, and nutritious.
    Get the Recipe

    11. Dutch Oven Whole Chicken with Meyer Lemon

    Whole roast chicken on plate stuffed with onion with lemons, artichokes, persimmons, pomegranates, and side dishes in background.
    Dutch Oven Whole Chicken with Meyer Lemon
    Dutch Oven Whole Chicken is a show-stopping centerpiece for a weeknight meal or family gathering. The whole chicken is cooked in one pot and has crispy skin, juicy meat, and a bright herby flavor. Serve it with risotto on the side for a complete and hearty meal.
    Get the Recipe

    12. Oven Roasted Onions

    Oven roasted onions with herbs baked and served on a Heath Ceramics platter.
    Oven Roasted Onions
    Oven Roasted Onions are a healthy, no-fuss vegan side that's flavor-packed and easy to make. Just roast sweet onions in olive oil, salt and pepper, thyme, and rosemary until tender.
    Get the Recipe

    13. Crispy Prosciutto

    Hand holding a piece of oven-roasted crispy prosciutto.
    Crispy Prosciutto
    Crispy Prosciutto is light, delicate and adds the perfect crunch to your risotto. It takes just 10 minutes and baking sheet to make this crispy and delicious addition.
    Get the Recipe

    14. Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan

    Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan and Lemon on plate.
    Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan
    Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan is a flavor-packed yet approachable side. Not only is it rich and flavorful, it only takes a few minutes of prep, and cooks in the oven while you prepare the risotto.
    Get the Recipe

    15. Prosciutto Wrapped Figs with Goat Cheese

    Drizzling honey on Prosciutto Wrapped Figs with Goat Cheese on cutting board.
    Prosciutto Wrapped Figs with Goat Cheese
    Prosciutto-Wrapped Figs with Goat Cheese is a sweet and savory appetizer bursting with flavor. Each fig is stuffed with creamy goat cheese, wrapped with prosciutto, and topped with rosemary, honey, and flaky finishing salt. These figs are the perfect appetizer for a special risotto dinner.
    Get the Recipe

    16. Oven Roasted Butternut Squash

    Oven roasted butternut squash on a serving platter with herbs.
    Oven Roasted Butternut Squash
    Oven Roasted Whole Butternut Squash is a delicious veggie packed with warm fall flavors. Our fool-proof method results in perfectly tender and caramelized butternut squash loaded with flavor. Its sweet flesh balances the savory risotto perfectly.
    Get the Recipe

    17. Furikake and Lemon Shishito Peppers

    Shishito Peppers with furikake and lemon on plate flatlay.
    Furikake and Lemon Shishito Peppers
    Furikake and Lemon Shishito Peppers are sweet, spicy, and will add a nice kick to your risotto dinner or whet your palate as a zesty appetizer. They only take 15 minutes to make and are loaded with umami flavor!
    Get the Recipe

    18. Fig Balsamic Glazed Chicken

    Fig Balsamic Glazed Chicken on a white serving platter with an olive wood serving spoon.
    Fig Balsamic Glazed Chicken
    Fig Balsamic Glazed Chicken is an impressive chicken dinner fit for weeknights and gatherings alike. Chicken thighs are baked in a tangy fig balsamic glaze with herbs, resulting in tender, flavorful meat that falls off the bone. This rich chicken dinner pairs perfectly with our Mushroom Truffle Risotto.
    Get the Recipe

    19. Sautéed Buttered Leeks

    Sautéed buttered leeks with shallots on a plate.
    Sautéed Buttered Leeks
    Sautéed Buttered Leeks are a flavorful, tender side featuring sautéed leeks and shallots cooked in butter and olive oil. Make this quick and tasty vegetable side for your next risotto dinner in under 15 minutes!
    Get the Recipe

    20. Harvest Salad with Quinoa and Arugula

    Harvest Salad with Quinoa and Arugula and lemon slices on plate.
    Harvest Salad with Quinoa and Arugula
    Harvest Salad with Quinoa and Arugula is a healthy, hearty salad recipe that can be enjoyed all year long. It's adorned with fall flavors, including dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, and sharp goat cheese. It also only takes 25 minutes to make and can be enjoyed as a risotto side or appetizer.
    Get the Recipe

    Related Recipes

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    • Truffle Mushroom and Leek Risotto
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    Did You Like These Recipes?

    All of the above recipes will bring a delightful new dimension to your risotto dinner. If you made and enjoyed any of these dishes, please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card below & leave a comment below. Thanks!

    Sign up for THP's newsletter and keep in touch on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, TikTok, and YouTube. If you made any of these recipes, tag #theheirloompantry so we can see your tasty creation!

    Buttery lemon chilean sea bass with crispy skin on a plate with sautéed broccolini.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    5 from 1 vote

    What to Serve With Risotto: 20 Tasty Sides

    Looking for What to Serve with Risotto? Below we list all of our favorite dishes that pair perfectly with risotto, including buttery fish, tender chicken, juicy steak, roasted veggies, and more.
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time9 mins
    Total Time13 mins
    Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Sides
    Cuisine: American, Italian
    Servings: 2
    Author: Kathleen Higashiyama

    Ingredients 

    • 2 fish fillets 6 oz each, black cod, halibut
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt
    • black pepper to taste
    • 2-3 tablespoon neutral cooking oil avocado oil, grapeseed oil, vegetable oil, sunflower oil
    • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
    • 2 lemon wedges
    • 1 tablespoon butter

    Instructions

    • Prepare fish - Gently pat both sides of the fish fillets dry with a paper towel. Then, season each side with sea salt or kosher salt and black pepper. Use your fingers to gently pat the seasoning into the fish.
      2 fish fillets, 1 teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt, black pepper to taste
    • Cook the fillets - Heat oil in a large skillet or braiser over medium-high heat. Once the pan gets hot, place the fish skin side down. Be sure the oil is hot before you add the fish. The oil should sizzle when you add the fish. Gently press down on the fish with a spatula or your knuckles for 10-20 seconds to prevent curling. Cook untouched for about 3-4 minutes.
      2-3 tablespoon neutral cooking oil
    • Turn over the fillets - Once the side of the fish shows it is cooked about about two thirds of the way, use a fish spatula to carefully turn the fish over. Lower the heat to medium and cook the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes. The fish will be caramelized around the edges. Add about a tablespoon of butter to the pan and baste the fillets as the butter melts.
      1 tablespoon butter
    • Serve and garnish - Serve the fish fillets immediately and garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges.
      1 tablespoon chopped parsley, 2 lemon wedges

    Notes

    Storage
    Store leftovers in an air-tight container or wrap in foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To reheat leftovers, heat the oven to 350˚F, remove the fillets from the refrigerator, and allow the fillets to reach room temperature (about 15 minutes). Once at room temperature, place the fillets on a baking sheet and heat for 7-10 minutes. These ingredients don't stand up well to freezing.
    Top Tips
    • For tender fish, don't overcook the fish! Cook only until just cooked and use a fork to check the doneness. Overcooking the fish can result in very dry, tough fish.
    • For easy cleanup, line the baking sheet or baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
    • Shrimp - You can also cook shrimp with the pan searing method used in this recipe. It's a great low maintenance way to cook shrimp.
     
    Keyword: risotto side dish, risotto side dishes, side dish for risotto, what to eat with risotto, what to serve with risotto
    Tried this recipe?Mention @theheirloompantry or tag #theheirloompantry!

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    About the Author

    Kat Higashiyama and Alec Totto are recipe developers, food photographers, and the authors behind The Heirloom Pantry. Since 2017, they have shared recipes inspired by their Japanese and Italian heritage and California and Hawaii roots. They reside in San Jose with their two dogs, Peeps and Paisley. Read More…

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