When the creamy, savory taste of mushroom risotto is on the menu, you want to find the perfect sides to make your meal complete.

Here you can find 18 tasty side dishes that complement the rich flavors of mushroom risotto. These sides bring variety and balance, making your meal even more satisfying and enjoyable.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with mushroom risotto are Caesar salad, garlic bread, blistered tomatoes, homemade wine, chicken kiev, arugula salad, zucchini fritters, salmon with dill, crispy green beans, pork tenderloin, bacon wrapped asparagus, halibut, steamed vegetables, roast beef, and honey garlic shrimp.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Caesar Salad

A Caesar salad brings a crisp and refreshing touch to your mushroom risotto meal. The crunchy romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and savory Parmesan cheese create a perfect balance. Add some croutons for extra crunch. This classic salad's bold flavors and textures contrast nicely with the smooth risotto, making it a great pairing.

2. Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is a classic side that never disappoints. The crunchy exterior and soft, buttery inside, with a hint of garlic, are perfect for sopping up the creamy risotto. You can make it quickly with a baguette, butter, garlic, and parsley. Toast it until golden brown and serve it warm for the ultimate comforting side.

3. Blistered Tomatoes

Blistered tomatoes add a burst of freshness and acidity that pairs wonderfully with mushroom risotto. Simply sauté cherry tomatoes in a hot pan until they blister and soften. The slight char and juicy sweetness of the tomatoes provide a light and flavorful contrast to the rich and creamy risotto. This easy side dish is a vibrant addition to your plate.

4. Homemade Wine

A glass of homemade wine can elevate your mushroom risotto dinner. Whether you prefer red or white, a well-chosen wine complements the earthy flavors of the mushrooms. Homemade wine adds a personal touch and makes the meal feel special. The right wine enhances the dining experience, making every bite and sip more enjoyable.

5. Chicken Kiev

Chicken Kiev is a delicious addition to your mushroom risotto. The crispy breaded chicken filled with herbed butter brings a wonderful texture and flavor contrast. The rich, buttery filling oozes out and mingles perfectly with the creamy risotto, creating a delightful combination. Serve it hot for the best experience, and watch your guests enjoy every bite.

6. Arugula Salad

An arugula salad is a simple yet elegant side dish. The peppery arugula leaves, tossed with olive oil, lemon juice, and shaved Parmesan, add a bright and fresh element to your meal. The lightness of the salad complements the rich and creamy mushroom risotto without overpowering it. This side dish is quick to prepare and adds a nice green touch to your plate.

7. Zucchini Fritters

Zucchini fritters are a delightful side that pairs well with mushroom risotto. These crispy, golden patties are made from grated zucchini, mixed with flour, eggs, and seasonings, then fried to perfection. They add a light and crunchy element to the meal, balancing the creamy texture of the risotto. Serve them hot with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt.

8. Salmon With Dill

Salmon is an excellent pairing for any risotto dish. The rich flavors and creamy texture of a mushroom risotto can be overwhelming if paired with something else that is heavy.

Add some steamed broccoli to serve alongside the salmon and risotto for an even healthier main course.

9. Crispy Green Beans

Wondering what to serve with mushroom risotto recipes? These crispy green beans are a classic risotto side dish that is fast and easy to make with incredible flavor.

You can even chop your beans and add them to your creamy risotto resulting in a healthy and delicious one-pot meal.

10. Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin is a lean meat that is an excellent side dish if you are wondering what to serve with mushroom risotto.

Season your tenderloin with fresh herbs from the garden or your favorite spices from the pantry. Serve your tender pork loin alongside your smooth and creamy mushroom risotto or on top as a complete meal.

Any pork side will work with this creamy rice dish, including your favorite sausage links, pork chops, or crumbled sausage.

11. Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

If you are wondering what to serve with mushroom risotto, check out my simple bacon-wrapped asparagus. They will make your taste buds and anyone at your dinner table happy.

For a more elevated side dish, you can swap out the bacon for prosciutto, drizzle with high-quality olive oil and balsamic reduction, then serve with risotto for a delicious meal you won't soon forget.

12. Halibut

Halibut is a light-tasting option that is versatile to work with, easy to make, and a delicious option to serve with risotto.

You can sear it with some olive oil, lemon juice, half the butter, and white wine.

Serve risotto alongside your halibut and a fresh arugula salad for a healthy and delicious meal you will want again and again.

13. Steamed Vegetables

This simple side dish recipe featuring steamed broccoli, cauliflower, and green beans is so easy to make and can always be altered to your personal preference.

Add some olive oil, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Steam and serve with risotto. Add some restaurant-quality scallops, pork chops, sliced chicken breast, or smoked prime rib for a tasty, satisfying, and elevated dish.

14. Roast Beef

This roast beef recipe is an excellent dish to serve with risotto and will likely yield plenty of leftovers to be used for later meals.

If you save half the mushrooms from the risotto recipe, you can melt butter in the roast drippings and add the reserve mushrooms for some amazing gravy to pour over potato wedges or sweet potatoes.

15. Honey Garlic Shrimp

Honey garlic shrimp adds a sweet and savory twist to your mushroom risotto. The shrimp are quickly sautéed with honey, garlic, and a splash of soy sauce, creating a glossy, flavorful coating. This side dish is easy to prepare and brings a touch of sweetness that balances the earthiness of the mushrooms in the risotto. Serve it hot for a delightful combination.

16. Rack of Lamb

Take your mushroom risotto to the next level with some herb-crusted lamb chops.

If you can't find lamb at your local grocery store, oven-baked pork chops will also work well in a pinch to serve with risotto.

Cook some reserved mushrooms in the same pot as your lamb or pork for some rich and flavorful gravy drippings.

17. Steamed Broccoli

Steamed broccoli is a healthy and simple side that pairs well with mushroom risotto. The bright green florets add color and a fresh, slightly bitter contrast to the rich and creamy risotto. Lightly steam the broccoli until just tender, and season with a bit of salt and lemon juice. This side dish is quick to make and complements the meal without overpowering it.

18. Braised Greens

Braised greens, such as kale or collard greens, are a hearty and flavorful side dish for mushroom risotto. Slowly cooked with garlic, onions, and a splash of vinegar, these greens become tender and rich in flavor. The slight bitterness and tanginess of the braised greens provide a nice counterbalance to the creamy risotto, adding depth and variety to your plate.

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