If you aren’t exactly sure what salad goes with risotto, don’t worry!

I’ve got you covered.

I’ve rounded up 10 of the best salads to serve with risotto.

Whether you are looking for a light and refreshing salad or something a little heartier, there is sure to be a recipe on this list that you’ll love.

So go ahead and give one (or all!) of these salads a try the next time you make risotto for dinner!

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What Salad Goes With Risotto? 10 Best Salads

I love how a salad has the ability to lighten up a dish while still complimenting the flavors.

When it comes to risotto, I always like to include a salad on the side.

Not only does it add a refreshing element to the dish, but it also helps to balance out the richness of the risotto.

If you’re looking for a great salad to serve with your risotto, here are 10 of the best salads:

1. Salad Caprese

If simplicity is something you’re looking for in a salad, this is the one for you. It only has 4 ingredients – tomatoes, mozzarella, basil and olive oil – but each one packs a flavorful punch. This salad is the perfect light starter or side dish.

Pro Tip: To take this salad to the next level, add some freshly cracked black pepper and a balsamic glaze.

3 Changes You Can Make:

Swap out the mozzarella for another type of cheese like feta or goat cheese.
Add some chopped up cooked chicken or bacon for some extra protein.
Mix in some chopped up fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries.

2. Nicoise Salad

This salad goes well with risotto for a light meal, or with grilled chicken for a heartier option.

It’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables, and can easily be made ahead of time.

Pro Tip: If you’re making this salad ahead of time, wait to add the dressing until right before you’re ready to serve.

This will keep the salad from getting soggy.

3 Changes You Can Make To This Salad:

Swap out the green beans for asparagus
Use feta cheese instead of goat cheese
Add Kalamata olives

3. Cobb Salad

I love this protein-packed salad for a few reasons.

First, it’s packed with flavor from the bacon, blue cheese and ranch dressing.

Second, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken.
And third, it’s really easy to make!
This salad is also a great option if you’re looking for something lighter – just swap out the ranch dressing for a vinaigrette.

Pro Tip: To save time, cook the bacon in advance and crumble it over the salad when you’re ready to eat.

3 Changes You Can Make:

Swap out the chicken for shrimp or steak
Add avocado for some healthy fat
Use a different type of cheese, like feta or goat cheese

4. Caeser Salad

Although this salad looks complicated (and a little bit fancy), it’s actually really easy to make.

And, it’s even easier if you use a store-bought caesar dressing.

I love that this salad has a good mix of crunchy and soft textures, and the Parmesan cheese adds a nice salty flavor.

Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked chicken or turkey. Just chop it up into bite-sized pieces and add it to the salad.

3 Changes You Can Make:

Add some chopped bacon for extra flavor and crunch.
Swap out the croutons for roasted nuts (like almonds or pistachios).
Use kale or spinach instead of romaine lettuce for a nutrient boost.

5. Waldorf Salad

You HAVE to try this salad with risotto.

I know it sounds weird, but the textures and flavors go so well together.

The creaminess of the risotto with the crunch of the apples and celery is heavenly, and the dressing ties it all together perfectly.

Pro Tip: If you’re not a fan of mayo, you can use Greek yogurt in place of it. Just make sure to use an equal amount.

3 Changes You Can Make:

Swap out the grapes for cranberries
Add some chopped up bacon
Use a different type of cheese, like Gruyere or Havarti

6. Thai Chicken Larb Salad

How about something Thai-inspired alongside that risotto?

This salad is healthy, flavorful and easy to make.

The dish traditionally uses ground meat, but I’ve swapped it out for chicken breasts to make it a little lighter.

And instead of the usual deep-frying, I’ve opted for a quick pan-fry.

The result is a crispy and refreshing salad that’s perfect as a side or main course.

Pro Tip: If you can’t find Thai chili powder, you can substitute with regular chili powder and add a pinch of cumin.

3 Changes You Can Make:

Omit the chicken and make this dish vegetarian.
Swap out the noodles for rice or quinoa.
Add some chopped peanuts or cashews for extra crunch.

7. Tabbouleh Salad

Why not try serving this salad with your risotto, or some grilled chicken or fish?

The combination of the fresh herbs, lemon juice, and olive oil makes for a flavorful and healthy meal.

Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, you can use pre-chopped parsley and mint.

3 Changes You Can Make to This Salad:

Add in some chopped cucumber for a refreshing crunch.
Swap out the lemon juice for balsamic vinegar.
Top with feta cheese or grilled shrimp for extra protein.

8. Russian Olivier Salad

This salad goes well with just about anything – I love to pair it with roasted chicken or a hearty steak.

The key to this salad is in the dressing – it’s a mayonnaise-based dressing that’s been lightened up with some sour cream.

The result is a rich and creamy dressing that’s not too heavy.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a little bit of crunch, add some chopped bacon or crumbled up feta cheese.

3 Changes You Can Make:

Use Greek yogurt in place of the sour cream for a tangier flavor.
Add diced avocado for a boost of healthy fats.
Swap out the white vinegar for apple cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter flavor profile.

9. Greek Salad

Delicious, not too heavy, and perfect for a summer day – this salad has it all.

The mix of fresh veggies, salty feta cheese, and zesty dressing is irresistible.

Plus, it’s so easy to make!

Just chop everything up and throw it in a bowl.

Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, you can use pre-chopped veggies from the grocery store.

3 Changes You Can Make:

Add some grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Use a different type of cheese – goat cheese would be delicious in this salad.
Mix up the dressing by adding some lemon juice or red wine vinegar.

10. Asian Slaw

Asian flavors are like a party in your mouth, and this slaw is no different.

The combination of sweet, sour, salty and savory is irresistible, and the crunch from the cabbage and carrots is the perfect contrast to the soft noodles.

This dish is also incredibly versatile – you can easily swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu, and add in any other veggies you have on hand.

Pro Tip: For an extra hit of flavor, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top.

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