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When the days get longer and the produce gets fresher, there’s no better way to capture summer’s vibrant flavors than with a bowl of creamy, seasonal risotto.
From the sweetness of corn and peas to the brightness of lemon, basil, and mint, these summer risotto recipes are light enough for warm nights but satisfying enough to serve as a main dish.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard dinner party or enjoying a quiet night in, these 21+ summer risottos showcase the season’s best ingredients in every bite.
Each recipe brings something unique to the table—some refreshing, some hearty, all delicious.
Let these summer risottos inspire your next fresh and flavorful meal.
21+ Delicious Risottos Recipes to Cook This Season
Summer is all about enjoying simple pleasures, and these risotto recipes prove that comfort food can still be fresh and seasonal.
With every spoonful of lemon, basil, corn, or mint, you’ll taste the best the season has to offer.
Try one tonight or cook your way through the whole list—your summer table will never be boring again.
Lemon Asparagus Risotto
Lemon Asparagus Risotto is a vibrant dish that perfectly captures the spirit of summer with its fresh, zesty flavor and creamy texture.
The nutty arborio rice absorbs the rich broth while asparagus tips add a crisp, green bite.
Lemon zest brightens each spoonful with its refreshing citrus notes.
This risotto is both indulgent and light.
It’s ideal for a standalone meal or as a side to grilled meats.
Pea and Mint Risotto
Pea and Mint Risotto offers a delightful balance of sweetness and coolness, bringing a garden-fresh taste to your plate.
The tender rice envelops the light yet creamy peas.
Fresh mint adds a subtle herbaceous lift, making every bite feel both comforting and rejuvenating.
It’s a versatile dish that pairs perfectly with anything from seafood to roasted chicken.
It can also stand alone as a light main dish.
Tomato Basil Risotto
Tomato Basil Risotto is a rich, comforting dish that balances the tangy sweetness of sun-ripened tomatoes with the fragrance of fresh basil.
The risotto’s velvety texture, achieved by slowly stirring in broth, carries the deep, savory flavors.
Fresh basil leaves a warm, aromatic finish with each bite.
This dish shines in its simplicity.
It’s perfect on its own or as an accompaniment to a summer BBQ.
Summer Vegetable Risotto
Summer Vegetable Risotto is a colorful celebration of the season’s best produce, bringing together zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes in a creamy, satisfying dish.
The vegetables soften as they cook, their natural sweetness melding with the creamy rice.
A squeeze of lemon adds brightness to the mix.
This dish is an excellent way to savor the bounty of the season.
It can be enjoyed as a main dish or a side to grilled meats.
Shrimp and Corn Risotto
Shrimp and Corn Risotto is a luxurious yet light option that brings together the briny sweetness of shrimp and the buttery flavor of fresh corn.
The rice is infused with a delicate seafood broth.
Plump shrimp and tender kernels of corn provide a delightful texture contrast.
This dish is ideal for those balmy summer nights.
It offers a refreshing, satisfying flavor that can stand alone or pair beautifully with a crisp white wine.
Spinach and Goat Cheese Risotto
Spinach and Goat Cheese Risotto is a rich yet earthy dish, with the creamy tang of goat cheese melding seamlessly into the velvety rice.
The sautéed spinach adds a vibrant, leafy bite.
Goat cheese introduces a smooth, slightly tart flavor that elevates the dish to a comforting, satisfying level.
Perfect as a standalone meal or paired with grilled vegetables, this risotto is ideal for anyone craving something indulgent but fresh.
Mushroom Risotto
Mushroom Risotto is an earthy and indulgent dish that draws out the natural umami of fresh mushrooms.
The creamy arborio rice soaks up the rich vegetable broth, creating a smooth and velvety texture.
Each bite delivers the savory depth of sautéed mushrooms, while a hint of Parmesan adds a nutty finish.
Perfect on its own or as a side to roasted meats, this dish is a comforting favorite for any season.
Zucchini Risotto
Zucchini Risotto is a fresh and light dish, ideal for celebrating summer’s bounty.
The tender zucchini adds a mild sweetness that balances beautifully with the creamy texture of the rice.
A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan bring everything together with just the right amount of richness.
It’s a versatile dish, whether enjoyed alone or paired with grilled fish or chicken.
Saffron Risotto
Saffron Risotto is a luxurious dish that dazzles with its golden hue and aromatic complexity.
The subtle floral notes of saffron infuse the rice, creating a rich, slightly sweet flavor that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
Each bite is velvety and satisfying, with a delicate balance of depth and fragrance.
This dish is perfect as a standalone meal or paired with seafood or roasted vegetables.
Butternut Squash Risotto
Butternut Squash Risotto is a creamy, autumn-inspired dish that combines the sweetness of roasted squash with the richness of Parmesan.
The rice absorbs the savory broth, while the squash breaks down into a smooth, velvety texture that contrasts with the slight crunch of toasted walnuts.
A hint of sage brings a warm, earthy fragrance, making this risotto perfect for cozy dinners.
It’s a filling, hearty dish that works wonderfully on its own or as a side.
Prawn Risotto
Prawn Risotto is a seafood lover’s dream, bringing together plump, juicy prawns with a creamy, flavorful base.
The rice takes on the delicate flavor of the prawns, enhanced by a splash of white wine and fresh lemon zest.
A dash of chili adds a gentle heat, perfectly balancing the sweetness of the prawns.
It’s an elegant dish that stands out on its own or pairs beautifully with a light salad or grilled vegetables.
Carrot Risotto
Carrot Risotto is a colorful and vibrant dish that combines the sweetness of roasted carrots with the smooth richness of risotto.
The earthy flavors of the carrots blend beautifully with the creamy rice, creating a comforting, satisfying texture.
A sprinkle of thyme and a drizzle of honey bring out the natural sweetness of the carrots, adding a touch of elegance.
This dish is versatile enough to serve as a main or side dish, perfect for any summer meal.
Garlic Risotto
Garlic Risotto is a rich, aromatic dish where the pungent garlic flavor shines through in every creamy bite.
The tender rice absorbs a savory broth, while the garlic becomes beautifully mellow, infusing the risotto with its deep, fragrant essence.
A touch of Parmesan brings a savory depth, making this dish both comforting and flavorful.
It’s perfect as a standalone meal or paired with roasted vegetables or grilled meats.
Spinach Risotto
Spinach Risotto is a vibrant and creamy dish that’s packed with fresh, leafy greens.
The delicate spinach wilts into the risotto, blending perfectly with the creamy rice for a satisfying texture.
A hint of nutmeg and Parmesan adds a layer of warmth and richness, making this dish a comforting choice for any meal.
It’s a versatile option, ideal as a main or side dish to complement fish or poultry.
Broccoli Risotto
Broccoli Risotto combines the earthiness of broccoli with the smooth, creamy texture of risotto.
The broccoli retains a slight crunch, adding contrast to the tender rice while contributing a subtle, vegetal flavor.
A squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of Parmesan elevate the dish, adding brightness and a savory finish.
This is a hearty and healthy dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side to roasted meats.
Pumpkin Risotto
Pumpkin Risotto is a creamy, comforting dish that highlights the natural sweetness of roasted pumpkin.
The risotto’s rich, velvety texture is complemented by the tender pumpkin, which adds a slight earthy sweetness.
A dash of cinnamon and nutmeg enhances the autumn-inspired flavors, while Parmesan brings a nutty finish.
It’s a perfect dish for cozy nights, whether as a filling main or a side to roasted meats.
Seafood Risotto
Seafood Risotto is a luxurious dish filled with the briny sweetness of fresh seafood.
The rice absorbs the rich seafood broth, while shrimp, scallops, and mussels add depth and texture.
A splash of white wine and a squeeze of lemon give the dish a refreshing lift.
This risotto makes for an elegant, indulgent meal that pairs beautifully with a crisp glass of white wine.
Truffle Risotto
Truffle Risotto is a decadent dish that takes risotto to the next level with the earthy, aromatic richness of truffle oil.
The creamy rice absorbs the rich broth while the truffle oil infuses it with a luxurious depth of flavor.
A touch of Parmesan adds the perfect amount of sharpness to balance the truffle’s richness.
This is a special-occasion dish that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as a standalone treat.
Artichoke Risotto
Artichoke Risotto is a delicate yet flavorful dish that highlights the tender, earthy notes of fresh artichokes.
The creamy rice absorbs the rich broth, while artichoke hearts add a slight sweetness and mild bitterness that balances the richness.
A squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of Parmesan brings brightness and depth, making each bite a satisfying experience.
This dish is perfect as a light main or paired with seafood or grilled meats.
Leek Risotto
Leek Risotto is a smooth, creamy dish with a subtle sweetness that comes from perfectly sautéed leeks.
The leeks gently infuse the rice with a mellow, savory flavor, creating a dish that’s rich but not overwhelming.
A touch of white wine and Parmesan cheese enhances the flavors, making it a comforting yet elegant meal.
It pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken or can be enjoyed on its own for a satisfying vegetarian option.
Beet Risotto
Beet Risotto is a vibrant and earthy dish that features the natural sweetness of roasted beets.
The beets blend into the creamy rice, giving the risotto a beautiful deep pink color and an earthy flavor.
A dash of balsamic vinegar and a sprinkle of goat cheese adds a tangy contrast, balancing the sweetness of the beets.
This dish is perfect for a light main or as a side to grilled meats or cheese. as a side to grilled meats or cheese.
Conclusion
Whether you’re cooking for guests or just craving something fresh and satisfying, these 21+ summer risotto recipes give you endless mealtime inspiration.
They’re easy to adapt, full of summer produce, and guaranteed to impress without a lot of effort.
Pick your favorite ingredients, pour a glass of wine, and stir up something truly delicious tonight.
