This article was updated on the 5th of September 2023 for clarity and freshness.
If you’re wondering what to serve with your mushroom risotto, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I list 15 of the most popular side dishes for mushroom risotto.
In a rush? Here’s the short answer.
The best dishes to serve with mushroom risotto are shrimp scampi, pan-seared steaks, baked chicken thighs, and spinach salad. Try seared scallops, cajun honey butter salmon, or crispy soy tofu for more protein options. Or consider serving garlic bread!
For each side dish, I’ve provided alternative options to cater to various diets and lifestyles, including vegan, quick and easy, and health-conscious options.
Great Flavor Pairings for Mushroom Risotto
Mushroom risotto is a classic Italian dish known for its creamy flavor and velvety consistency. The mushrooms also add a distinct earthy, umami flavor.
- Fresh flavors: Risotto can be quite dense and creamy so pairing it with fresh ingredients can lift the entire meal. A simple sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or basil will do the trick.
- Acidic flavors: These can easily cut through the richness of the mushroom risotto, creating a more balanced bite. You can use a balsamic glaze to finish off the risotto or even a simple spritz of lemon juice.
- Meaty flavors: main dishes like steak, lamb, or pork have a robust, meaty flavor that holds up well to the creaminess of your mushroom risotto.
Meaty Mains
Risotto pairs perfectly with meaty main dishes like steaks or lamb chops for a restaurant-worthy meal. These are decadent combos that are guaranteed to impress and leave you satisfied.
Pan-seared Steak
5.0 ⭐️ (467 ratings) | 20 mins
Making dinner for your significant other? You can’t go wrong with a classic seared steak and risotto combo – they’re the epitome of date night food.
To get started, all you need is a steak with good marbling, like New York Strip, top sirloin, and ribeye. Not only do they have a robust beefy flavor, but they’re delightfully tender and juicy when cooked right.
Psst… Top your steak with a knob of garlic herb butter for extra flavor.
What readers are saying…
“You did not disappoint once again and I could have sworn I saw tears in my son’s eyes as he took his first bite. He told me it’s the best steak he’s ever had…”
“… this was AWESOME, I followed all the advice and steps, it came out exactly as you pictured, moist, tender, and very tasty.”
“We just made these and the hubby was skeptical about not firing up the grill for a steak and after he tried these he is a believer! These are wonderful!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
💵 Flank Steak
🍄 Grilled Honey Balsamic Portobellos
Lemon Roast Chicken
5.0 ⭐️ (6 ratings) | 2 hrs 45 mins
Serving mushroom risotto for a family dinner? Add more protein to your meal with these baked chicken pieces.
No one will be able to resist flavorful, juicy chicken with a lightly crisp skin. Especially when it’s bursting with a bright, citrusy flavor that helps offset the creaminess of your mushroom risotto.
And the best part? This dish will make your kitchen smell amazing as it bakes.
What readers are saying…
“I just pulled this out of the oven. OMG it is beautiful and my house smells like a bistro and it was so easy.”
“I made this last week and it was the best Lemon Chicken I have ever had. So juicy and perfectly scrumptious!”
“It was a HUGE hit for Sunday night dinner with my hubby & my 86yo mother! “
Deliciously different alternatives…
🔥 Grilled CIlantro Lime Chicken
🤩 Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Herb Marinated Lamb Chops
4.6 ⭐️ (12 ratings) | 31 mins
These lamb chops are a fantastic choice if you want a change from your usual go-to steak recipe. They have a gamey flavor that pairs well with risotto’s creaminess.
If you have a meat thermometer, it’s a great tool to help you get that perfect cook on these chops. But even if you don’t, Super Golden Bakes has an in-depth guide to getting them cooked just right (I prefer mine medium-rare).
And if you want to know how to reheat your lamb chops, I have a great guide.
What the chef says…
“Look for chops that are all roughly the same size and thickness, with a nice marbling of fat at the edges. Allow for three medium chops per person unless you are feeling particularly hungry!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🤩 Rack of Lamb
🥵 Harissa Lamb Meatballs
Roasted Sausage and Peppers
4.6 ⭐️ (9 ratings) | 31 mins
Thinking of what to serve with your mushroom risotto for family dinner?
This sheet pan sausage and peppers is the dish you’re looking for. It’s such an effortless crowd-pleaser. And you can multitask and cook your mushroom risotto over the stovetop as this one-sheet pan dinner roasts in the oven.
Time things right, and you’ll be able to finish both dishes on time and serve them hot and fresh.
What the chef says…
“Make sure when you are prepping the veggies and sausages that you chop everything to be about the same size so that it all cooks uniformly and makes it more enjoyable to eat.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🇮🇹 Peperonata
🍳 Sauteed Bell Peppers
Light Proteins
Think the previous main dishes are too rich to pair with risotto? These light proteins are an excellent alternative. They won’t weigh you down, but will still make for a satisfying meal.
Shrimp Scampi
4.9 ⭐️ (418 ratings) | 35 mins
Who would’ve thought something so simple could make your risotto even more delicious?
Aside from the seasoning, you’ll only need five ingredients to make this tasty dish. Plus, everything comes together in one pan. It’ll be difficult to find anyone who can say no to these flavorful, buttery morsels.
Pop a couple of pieces of shrimp scampi on top of your risotto and drizzle everything with the wine and butter sauce for extra flavor. Yum!
What readers are saying…
“OH MY GOODNESS. I made your recipe as written and it was perfect.“
“This was really excellent! We loved it so much that we ate it two days in a row! I didn’t want to open white wine so I used chicken broth and it was still devious!“
“This was so easy to make and absolutely delicious. I will definitely make this again.- Even my 14 year old son loved it!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🌿 Chimichurri Shrimp
🧄 Spanish Garlic Shrimp
Marinated Tofu
5.0 ⭐️ (40 ratings) | 40 mins
Planning to serve vegan mushroom risotto? Marinated tofu is the best meat-free accompaniment.
You won’t find bland tofu here – the soy sauce-based marinade does wonders in loading the tofu with delicious umami flavors.
Even if you’re not the biggest tofu fan, marinated tofu is guaranteed to change your mind.
Pro-tip: Make sure to press your tofu so it can better soak up the marinade.
What readers are saying…
“This was amazing! I marinated for about 30-40 minutes, added gochujang to mine for spicy element, and used a mix of soy and coconut aminos.”
“SO DELICIOUS! I was hesitant because I’m not used to cooking with tofu, but this was simple and tasty. The texture really amazed me, too.“
“I made this recipe for my husband tonight and he rated it higher than any other marinated tofu recipe I’ve made! He kept munching on it and then realized the whole recipe was gone.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
🍆 Grilled Eggplant with Chimichurri
🌱 Seitan Kebabs
Seared Scallops
4.7 ⭐️ (182 ratings) | 40 mins
Turn your risotto into an even classier dish by serving it with these seared scallops.
You don’t need to do much with these morsels – just by searing them, they develop nice, crisp crusts to contrast their tender texture.
Another great thing about this dish is it comes with a garlicky, lemony butter sauce that pairs superbly with the natural sweetness of your scallops and the richness of your risotto.
What readers are saying…
“Great dish. Super easy and quick. My wife loved it and so did I. Its a keeper for sure.”
“So delicious. My scallops were smaller, so I should have adjusted the cook time. Definitely a recipe I will make again. Even company-worthy!
“Easy, quick and delicious! I didn’t have dijon so I used maybe a 1/2 teaspoon of grated horseradish.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
⏲ Baked Sea Scallops
🔥 Grilled Lemon Garlic Scallops
Cajun Honey Butter Salmon
5.0 ⭐️ (2 ratings) | 20 mins
Inject some Cajun flavor into your mushroom risotto with this salmon dish.
The cajun honey butter gives your humble salmon a lip-smacking sweet and spicy flavor boost. It’s an easy dish that can be served in 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Pro-tip: Drizzle the remaining honey butter over the salmon and risotto for an easy and elegant finishing touch.
What readers are saying…
“I made this for dinner and it turned out perfect!”
“This was delicious!! I made a few tweaks based on what I had available but it still came out great. Such good flavor – will definitely be a go-to when I make salmon.“
“PHENOMENAL! That’s the only word I could think of as I ate this dish.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🧀 Parmesan-Herb Baked Salmon
😋 Pistachio-Crusted Baked Salmon
Vegetables and Salads
If you want your mushroom risotto to take center stage, a veggie side or salad is the perfect accompaniment. They’ll add a refreshing pop of color to your spread and complete the meal without overwhelming your palate.
Apple Spinach Salad
5.0 ⭐️ (79 ratings) | 15 mins
Mushroom risotto can be a complete meal on its own, so if you want to keep it light with the side dish, give this spinach salad a go.
The crunchy textures from the apple and walnuts provide an excellent contrast to your creamy risotto and tender mushrooms.
Plus, the apple cider vinaigrette adds a zingy flavor that can counteract the richness of your risotto.
What readers are saying…
“So good and EASY – the colorful presentation wows guests. Thanksgiving crowd devoured this!”
“I made this salad for company in order to offer them something different than my usual tossed green salad. Everyone loved it.”
“One of the best-tasting salads I’ve ever eaten. Not difficult to make and super healthy and filling!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🍐 Pear and Rocket Salad
🥗 Bistro Salad
Spicy Roasted Broccoli
5.0 ⭐️ (2 ratings) | 20 mins
Make your mushroom risotto meal more nourishing with a serving of this spicy roasted broccoli.
It’s a straightforward, low-effort dish, making it perfect when you’re too busy to monitor the stovetop. The florets are tossed in a mayo, olive oil, and lemon juice mixture spiced with Sriracha before being roasted.
The resulting dish? Spicy, tender florets with irresistibly crisp edges in just 20 minutes!
What readers are saying…
“This recipe is AMAZING! Very addictive.”
“Roasted veggies and broccoli are my favorite! I love the idea of adding Sriracha…“
“I love the idea of roasting broccoli, Christin! Gives it so much flavor, especially with the spices…”
Deliciously different alternatives…
😎 Lemon Steamed Broccoli
🥗 Broccoli Slaw
Blistered Tomatoes
5.0 ⭐️ (12 ratings) | 10 mins
Want to make your mushroom risotto the star of the meal?
These blistered tomatoes are the perfect dish to play the supporting role. They won’t overpower your mushroom risotto. Instead, these charred toms provide a juicy burst of sweet and savory flavors that complement the earthy mushrooms and creamy risotto. They also have a vibrant red color that makes your plate look Insta-worthy.
Nestle them over your mushroom risotto and finish them off with a drizzle of balsamic glaze to tie everything together.
What readers are saying…
“I make these all the time with whole garlic cloves, then grate fresh parmesan over them. Fabulous.”
“SO good! My boyfriend ate most of them because they were so yummy and I let him because he usually never eats veg.”
“I love that these take such a short amount of time! These tomatoes are absolutely delicious and so so juicy!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
⏲ Cherry Tomato Confit
🌿 Marinated Tomato Salad
Prosciutto-wrapped Asparagus
5.0 ⭐️ (16 ratings) | 15 mins
Roasted asparagus spears are such a classic side dish, but if you want to elevate them a notch, try wrapping them in tasty prosciutto slices.
It seems simple, but prosciutto has a delicious savory flavor that pairs perfectly with your asparagus. Serve these easy prosciutto-wrapped asparagus alongside your mushroom risotto for an extra special dinner.
What readers are saying…
“The combination of prosciutto and asparagus was wonderful!”
“So easy, elegant and delicious, it’s a favorite go-to for entertaining!”
“I took your suggestion of a sprinkle of cheese at the end and they were amazing!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🍋 Lemon and Feta Grilled Asparagus
🥗 Asparagus Salad
Sauteed Broccoli Rabe
5.0 ⭐️ (10 ratings) | 7 mins
Stick to risotto’s Italian roots and whip up this sauteed broccoli rabe as an accompaniment.
These leafy greens have a prominent bitter flavor, but no worries — this mellows out when the greens are cooked until tender. And the addition of garlic, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes infuses the broccoli rabe with a vibrant, savory kick.
I also liketopping them with freshly grated parmesan for a bit of decadence and extra flavor.
What readers are saying…
“The recipe was very easy. I’m not a fan of this type of broccoli but thank you for the easy to follow recipe.”
“Love this recipe! It’s so simple and really makes the broccoli rabe shine.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
⏲ Roasted Broccoli Rabe
🤤 Lemony White Beans with Broccoli Rabe
Extra Sides
These sides are excellent if you think your mushroom risotto just needs an extra little something and not an entirely different dish!
Garlic Bread
4.4 ⭐️ (85 ratings) | 30 mins
Don’t feel like going with a protein or veggie side for your mushroom risotto?
Just make a delectable loaf of garlic bread – after all, everything pairs nicely with it. And it has a lovely crunch to contrast the tender mushrooms and the creamy risotto.
Most importantly, it’s a fool-proof dish anyone can make. You only need five pantry staples to make it!
What readers are saying…
“This was the best garlic bread I’ve had/made in years, and will now be the only one I ever make. The flavor was outstanding.”
“This garlic bread was FABULOUS! Had my kids over for dinner and served this with lasagna and salad.”
Oh wow! This garlic bread looks absolutely fantastic. I love how easily it comes together with just a handful of ingredients.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
😇 Keto Garlic Bread
🧘♀️ Cauliflower Breadsticks
Parmesan Crisps
5.0 ⭐️ (7 ratings) | 30 mins
Mushroom risotto is almost always finished off with freshly grated parmesan, but why not shake things up and garnish it with these cheesy crisps instead?
Not only do they add nutty, herby notes, but they also bring a light crunch to contrast the tender mushrooms and risotto.
The key to this simple extra side is using high-quality parmesan cheese. Cafe Sucrine recommends Parmigiano Reggiano!
What readers are saying…
“I made this recipe recently and adore it! I have a hint that IMHO is pretty easy.”
“Holy amaze-balls! I didn’t have any croutons for my caesar salad so I found this little gem of a recipe and made these instead. Waaaaayyy better than croutons any day!”
“These are so much better than the regular parm crisps we used to serve at the restaurant I worked at.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🥬 Parmesan Kale Crisps
🏃♀️ Mediterranean Roasted Chickpeas
Read Next: The Best Way To Reheat Leftover Risotto
What To Serve With Mushroom Risotto – 15 Best Side Dishes
Ingredients
- 1 portion marinated lamb chops
- 1 portion cajun honey butter salmon
- 1 portion marinated tofu
- 1 portion blistered tomatoes
- 1 portion seared scallops … and more
- 1 portion roasted broccoli
Instructions
- Prepare your mushroom risotto according to your favorite recipe.
- In the meantime, choose one of the following sides to serve alongside it.
- Side dishes include: shrimp scampi, pan-seared steak, seared scallops, lemon chicken roast, cajun honey butter salmon, spinach salad, blistered tomatoes, prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, roasted broccoli, marinated tofu, roasted sausage and peppers, garlic bread, and marinated lamb chops.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
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