What Starter Goes With Risotto? BEST Choices!

Light and Refreshing Starters

When serving risotto as a main course, it’s important to consider pairing it with light and refreshing starters to complement the dish.

Below are some delicious and easy-to-prepare options in three categories: salads, vegetable-based dishes, and cold soup options.

Salads

Salads are an excellent choice for a starter before risotto. They can be simple or elaborate, depending on your preference and time constraints. A few salad ideas to consider include:

• Sicilian-style salad featuring watermelon, chicory, salty pecorinos, toasted pistachios, and fennel herb
• Caprese salad with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar
• Arugula salad with shaved parmesan, lemon zest, and a light vinaigrette

Vegetable-Based Dishes

In addition to salads, vegetable-based dishes are a delicious and healthy way to start your meal before diving into the risotto. Try one of these delightful options:

• Grilled vegetable antipasti – this make-ahead option can include an assortment of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant, drizzled with a balsamic glaze
• Bruschetta topped with a mixture of diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, basil, and a touch of balsamic vinegar
• Stuffed bell peppers with a mixture of mushrooms, garlic, and soft goat cheese, baked until tender

Cold Soup Options

A chilled soup served in small portions can add a touch of sophistication to your dinner party. The following cold soup ideas perfectly pair with risotto:

• Sweet melon gazpacho – a refreshing light summer soup topped with crispy Parma ham
• Chilled cucumber soup with Greek yogurt, dill, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
• Tangy and refreshing cold tomato soup with a hint of spice, garnished with fresh basil

Armed with these light and refreshing starter ideas, your guests are sure to enjoy a perfectly balanced Italian-inspired meal that begins with a delightful appetiser and ends with a satisfying risotto.

Seafood Appetisers

When it comes to serving starters before a delicious risotto, seafood appetisers are an excellent choice. They provide a light and flavourful introduction to the main course, leaving just the right amount of room for the rich, creamy risotto to follow.

In this section, we’ll explore three delectable options: Prawn cocktail, mussels and clams, and ceviche.

Prawn Cocktail

Ah, the classic Prawn Cocktail! This retro favourite has been gracing dinner tables since the swinging ’60s, and for a jolly good reason. It’s simple, elegant, and utterly scrumptious.

To prepare, simply layer some crisp iceberg lettuce on a plate, top with juicy prawns, and drizzle a generous portion of tangy Marie Rose sauce.

A cheeky sprinkle of paprika and a lemon wedge for garnish will have your guests singing your praises, and it’s only the first course!

Mussels and Clams

These tasty shellfish can’t help but make a splash at any dinner party. Steamed mussels and clams, served with a garlic and white wine sauce, are flavoursome, fun, and as fresh as a dip in the North Sea!

Just make sure your guests have a bowl for their empty shells, and a slice of crusty bread for… well, who are we kidding, it’s for sopping up all that glorious sauce! Now, that’s an appetiser worthy of a standing ovation.

Ceviche

Transport your guests to the sun-kissed shores of Latin America with a vibrant and zesty Ceviche! This delightful dish is made by marinating fresh raw fish (think sea bass, snapper, or halibut) in a lively bath of citrus juices.

Add some chilli peppers, red onion, and coriander, and you’ve got yourself a salsa-dancing, maraca-shaking appetiser that’s light, tangy, and absolutely irresistible. Just keep an eye out for any guests trying to sneak extra servings while you’re busy with the risotto!

Antipasti Platters

Antipasti platters are a fabulous way to kick off your meal before tucking into a delightful risotto main. These platters boast a colourful and mouth-watering array of nibbles, perfect for sharing and satisfying every palate.

Cured Meats and Cheeses

When selecting the perfect cured meats for your platter, consider a mixture of textures and flavours. Suggestions include prosciutto, genoa salami, soppressata, and panino (Fifteen Spatulas). For the cheese lovers, variety is key! Offer rich and indulgent options like blue cheese, smoked gouda, and havarti. 

Marinated Vegetables and Olives

For a little garden magic at your table, include marinated artichokes, red peppers, pickled garlic and salty olives, along with seasonal vegetables like asparagus and baby bella mushrooms. And remember, a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary can elevate any veggie medley to new heights.

Bruschetta Variations

Bruschetta provides a delightful base for creative toppings to further enhance your antipasti platter. Consider classic tomato and basil, or perhaps experiment with roasted red peppers, olive tapenade, or even a melon and prosciutto combination. 

Now that your antipasti platter is bursting with flavours and textures, it’s time to gather your friends around the table, delight in the art of sharing, and enjoy the first course of what is sure to be a risotto feast worthy of the finest Italian trattoria! Buon appetito!

Considering Dietary Restrictions

When it comes to serving starters before risotto, it’s essential to consider the dietary restrictions and preferences of your guests. In this section, we’ll explore some delightful options for those following vegetarian and vegan diets, as well as gluten-free choices.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

For a lovely vegetarian starter that complements risotto beautifully, consider a Caprese salad – a simple combination of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil. Keep in mind that vegan mozzarella is widely available to accommodate vegan guests fully.

Another vegetarian and vegan-friendly option would be a vibrant roasted vegetable salad, featuring seasonal veggies like bell peppers, courgettes, and aubergines, tossed in a zesty vinaigrette. Add a sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch and flavour.

Gluten-Free Choices

Fret not, gluten-free folks; we’ve got you covered too when you’re wondering what starters go with risotto! You can’t go wrong with a classic Greek salad as a starter. This refreshing combination of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese is naturally gluten-free and just bursting with flavour.

If you’re looking for something a bit more hearty, try a warm, gluten-free quinoa salad loaded with roasted vegetables and topped with crumbled feta or goat’s cheese. Not only is this dish gluten-free, but it’s also packed with nutrients – talk about a win-win situation!

So there you have it, a selection of starters to suit everyone’s dietary needs and preferences. Remember, the key to a successful dinner party is keeping your guests’ unique tastes and restrictions in mind, and you’ll have them coming back for seconds and thirds!