15 Best Salads To Go With Risotto

Risotto is one of those dishes that can stand on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the perfect side.

If you are wondering what salad to go with risotto, then you are in the right place.

I’m sharing 15 of my most popular and best salads to serve with risotto.

From green salads to grain salads, there are plenty of delicious ways to complete your meal.

So go ahead and give one (or more!) of these salads a try for a delicious and nutritious dinner!

Why Serve A Salad With Risotto?

• Texture: Salad provides a crunchy contrast to the creamy texture of risotto, making for an interesting and enjoyable combination.
• Color: Salads are often brightly colored with vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and carrots that can add visual appeal to the plate.
• Flavor: The freshness of salad greens helps to cut through the richness of risotto while adding flavor complexity with herbs or other ingredients like nuts or cheese.
• Nutrition: Salads provide essential vitamins and minerals that help balance out a meal made up mostly of carbohydrates from the rice in risotto.
• Variety: Serving a salad alongside your risotto gives you more options when it comes to creating different dishes; you can switch up flavors by changing what type of greens or toppings you use in your salads each time you make them!

15 Best Salads To Go With Risotto

Risotto is a delicious and comforting meal, but it often needs something to accompany it.

Salad is a great choice since it can add some freshness to the dish.

Here are fifteen salads that go perfectly with risotto, each offering an interesting combination of flavors and textures:

1. Greek Salad

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A classic Greek salad is a tasty and easy-to-make dish that goes great with any meal.

I love the combination of freshly chopped tomatoes, crisp red onions, crunchy cucumbers, briny olives, creamy feta cheese, and a tart dressing.

It’s perfect as an appetizer or side dish to complement dishes like risotto or pasta dishes.

2. Caesar Salad

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Caesar salad is one of my go-to’s when I’m looking for something light but flavorful. It has romaine lettuce mixed with croutons and parmesan cheese in a classic caesar dressing.

This sharp and savory salad pairs perfectly with hearty meals like risotto or steak entrées.

3. Coleslaw

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Another favorite side dish of mine is coleslaw–crisp cabbage tossed in a mayonnaise-based dressing often filled out with carrots and other crunchy veggies.

This classic makes the perfect accompaniment to rich main dishes like risotto because it provides freshness without overpowering the main flavors of the meal.

4. Caprese Salad

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This classic Italian salad is a delightfully simple and timeless dish.

Made of fresh slices of tomato, creamy mozzarella cheese, fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, this hearty side pairs perfectly with all kinds of meals – like risotto.

Every bite is full of flavor and texture, making it an easy winner at the family dinner table.

5. Potato Salad

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Potato salad might be one of the most versatile salads out there.

Whether you’re having barbecue or pasta, this classic side always fits right in!

I usually make my potato salad with loads of mayonnaise and dijon mustard to create that oh-so-satisfying creaminess.

Plus, I add plenty of dill for an extra kick that goes perfectly with many main dishes – like risotto!

6. Spinach Salad

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If we want something light but still satisfying on the side?

Spinach salads are always up for the job! Baby spinach leaves tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette give any meal an elegant touch.

Adding some feta cheese cubes makes it even better as they add depth to each bite along with the tangy sweetness from dried cranberries or strawberries.

When paired with risotto (or any other meal), it’s hard to resist such deliciousness!

7. Waldorf Salad

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A classic Waldorf salad is the perfect way to elevate any meal.

It’s a sweet and savory amalgam of diced apples, walnuts, celery, grapes, and mayonnaise (or the vegan-friendly version, made with plain yogurt).

I love serving this side at dinner gatherings—not only can you customize it according to dietary preferences, but it also enhances the overall flavors of whatever main dish you choose.

8. Tomato Cucumber Salad

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My go-to summer staple is tomato-cucumber salad.

Ripe tomatoes paired with crisp cucumbers make for a vibrant combination that stands out alongside any other sides within your meal.

To enhance this combo even further, consider adding feta cheese or olives for additional tangy flavor and texture contrast.

9. Pesto Potato Salad

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If you’re looking for an elegant yet comforting complement to your risotto or other entrées, consider pesto potato salad.

Toss cubed potatoes in fragrant homemade pesto sauce; add crunchy vegetables like bell peppers or radishes; then balance out the flavor profile with salty olives and freshly grated parmesan cheese.

The results will be worth every bite!

10. Roasted Beet Salad with Walnuts, Goat Cheese, and Honey Balsamic Dressing

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This is one of my go-to salads for any meal. The earthy beets are roasted to perfection, paired with crunchy walnuts, creamy goat cheese, and a sweet honey balsamic dressing.

It’s a hearty combination that pairs perfectly with creamy risottos or savory dishes like grilled meats.

11. Chickpea Salad

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This simple salad packs so much flavor!

I love the mild sweetness of chickpeas mixed together with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives in an incredibly tasty vinaigrette dressing.

Whenever I’m making risotto or another Mediterranean-style dish, this salad is always on my list.

12. Quinoa Salad

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Quinoa has become quite popular over the last few years – and no wonder! With its nutty texture and high nutritional content, it makes a great base for salads.

Adding diced fresh bell peppers, red onion slices, and feta crumbles create plenty of texture variety as well as added flavors that work nicely alongside dishes like risotto.

13. Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

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Arugula salad has been a favorite of mine for years.

A combination of peppery arugula, sweet cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, and a bright lemon vinaigrette is an easy side dish that goes well with any meal.

Plus, it adds a light and refreshing flavor to richer dishes like risotto without overpowering them.

14. Three Bean Salad

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Three-bean salad is the perfect way to sneak some extra protein into your meals with minimal effort.

I love using black beans, kidney beans, and garbanzo beans in this classic dish – their textures contrast beautifully against one another and provide plenty of fiber and nutrients as well.

The addition of bell peppers gives the salad extra crunchiness while a paleo-friendly dijon vinaigrette brings all the flavors together.

15. Broccoli Salad

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This herby broccoli salad has become something of an obsession for me lately – I just can’t get enough!

Blanching the broccoli ensures it retains its crunchy texture after tossing it in dried cranberries, slivered almonds, fresh herbs, and balsamic vinegar or lemony mustard dressing. It’s amazing on its own or served alongside comfort food like risotto or macaroni & cheese!