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When summer arrives, there’s nothing more satisfying than a creamy, flavorful bowl of risotto.
Perfectly suited to the season, summer risotto recipes highlight fresh, vibrant ingredients like ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, sweet peaches, and delicate seafood.
Whether you’re looking for a light, vegetarian option or a hearty, seafood-infused dish, these summer risottos are versatile, easy to prepare, and packed with bright, seasonal flavors.
From fresh herbs to tangy citrus and succulent fruits, each recipe offers a unique twist on the classic Italian comfort food.
Get ready to indulge in these 27+ delicious summer risotto recipes that will bring sunshine to your table all season long!
27+ Refreshing Summer Risotto Recipes to Savor This Season
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply want a quick, light meal on a warm day, these 27+ summer risotto recipes have you covered.
Each dish combines the comfort of classic risotto with the bright, seasonal flavors that summer brings.
With so many variations to choose from, you can enjoy endless options that cater to all tastes and dietary preferences.
Grab your favorite summer ingredients and get cooking—your next risotto masterpiece is just a few steps away!
Lemon Zucchini Risotto
This refreshing risotto captures the essence of summer with vibrant zucchini and a burst of zesty lemon.
The citrusy aroma fills the kitchen as Arborio rice simmers slowly, absorbing vegetable broth and delicate seasonings.
Creamy yet light, this dish balances richness with garden-fresh brightness, making it a perfect standalone entrée or a stunning side for grilled fish.
A final dusting of Parmesan melts into the risotto, adding a savory depth that lingers on the palate.
Tomato Basil Risotto
Plump, sun-ripened tomatoes and fragrant basil come together in this sunny, Italian-inspired risotto.
Each bite bursts with the juicy sweetness of tomatoes, balanced by the subtle peppery notes of fresh basil.
The creamy rice creates a luxurious texture that contrasts beautifully with the fresh ingredients.
It’s a versatile dish that can be served warm or at room temperature, pairing effortlessly with roasted vegetables or seared chicken.
Corn and Scallion Risotto
This summery risotto delivers a delightful crunch and natural sweetness from fresh corn, offset by the mild oniony sharpness of scallions.
The rice cooks slowly in a bath of stock until tender and creamy, allowing each grain to soak up the sweet-savory flavors.
A hint of butter and a touch of Parmesan lend just the right richness without overpowering the seasonal ingredients.
Served as a side or main, it brings a taste of the farmer’s market to your table.
Asparagus Pea Risotto
Celebrate peak-season greens with this light and elegant risotto brimming with crisp asparagus and sweet green peas.
Its vibrant green hue hints at the fresh, grassy aroma and gentle earthiness within.
Creamy but not heavy, this risotto is a nourishing yet comforting choice that shines with a drizzle of lemon-infused olive oil.
Pair it with grilled chicken or enjoy it on its own for a wholesome vegetarian delight.
Mushroom Herb Risotto
Though earthy mushrooms are often reserved for cooler months, this version lightens things up with the inclusion of fresh summer herbs.
Thyme, parsley, and chives mingle with golden sautéed mushrooms to create an aromatic and umami-rich experience.
The risotto’s creamy base is enhanced by the herbs’ brightness, making it feel both hearty and refreshing.
Ideal as a standalone meal, it also complements grilled meats or a chilled glass of white wine.
Roasted Red Pepper Risotto
With smoky-sweet roasted red peppers and a silky texture, this risotto delivers bold summer flavor in every forkful.
The deep red hue draws you in, while each mouthful reveals layers of garlic, onion, and a hint of smoked paprika.
Finished with a swirl of mascarpone or cream cheese, it becomes luxuriously smooth without being heavy.
Whether served hot or at room temperature, it’s a dish that dazzles at picnics, dinners, or elegant lunches.
Pea Mint Risotto
This vibrant risotto combines the natural sweetness of peas with the refreshing coolness of mint, perfect for a warm summer evening.
Each creamy bite offers a burst of freshness, with the mint elevating the natural flavors of the peas while lending a cooling aroma.
The delicate, velvety texture of the risotto complements the bright green color, making it both a treat for the eyes and the palate.
It pairs wonderfully with light proteins like fish or chicken, but also shines on its own as a vegetarian delight.
Spinach Ricotta Risotto
This creamy risotto gets a healthy boost from fresh spinach and ricotta, offering a comforting yet light meal.
The spinach provides an earthy depth while the ricotta adds a luscious creaminess that enhances the texture.
It’s the perfect way to enjoy leafy greens without losing any indulgence, making it a great side or a fulfilling main course.
A squeeze of lemon at the end brings a zesty kick, making each spoonful feel refreshing.
Shrimp Lemon Risotto
Sweet, tender shrimp combined with tangy lemon create a fresh and flavorful summer risotto you’ll crave all season.
The shrimp adds a delicate brininess, while the lemon brightens the dish with a citrusy aroma that lingers in the air.
The creamy Arborio rice provides the perfect base, soaking up all the flavors and creating a rich but light texture.
Serve it as a main dish or alongside a fresh salad for a complete summer meal.
Basil Pesto Risotto
This herb-infused risotto captures the essence of summer with vibrant basil pesto swirled throughout.
The nutty, garlicky richness of the pesto blends seamlessly with the creamy rice, delivering an aromatic and satisfying flavor in every bite.
Each spoonful brings a burst of green freshness, making this dish perfect for a light lunch or as an elegant side for grilled meats.
A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts on top adds a lovely crunch and depth of flavor.
Sweet Potato Risotto
With the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes and a subtle hint of cinnamon, this risotto offers a cozy yet summery twist.
The creamy rice pairs perfectly with the caramelized edges of the sweet potato, creating a comforting, velvety texture.
Topped with a drizzle of honey or a pinch of nutmeg, it becomes a savory-sweet dish that’s both hearty and light.
Ideal as a vegetarian main or as a side for grilled pork or chicken.
Broccoli Parmesan Risotto
This healthy yet indulgent risotto combines tender broccoli with the rich, nutty flavor of Parmesan for a simple yet satisfying dish.
The earthy broccoli balances perfectly with the creamy risotto, and the Parmesan gives the dish a savory depth that lingers.
The combination of textures—creamy rice and crisp-tender broccoli—makes every bite a delightful experience.
This dish is wonderful as a standalone meal or as a hearty side to accompany grilled meats.
Garlic Herb Risotto
This aromatic risotto is bursting with the flavors of fresh garlic and mixed herbs, perfect for a summer meal.
Each spoonful is infused with the savory depth of garlic, balanced by the lightness of fresh, fragrant herbs.
The creamy texture of Arborio rice soaks up all the flavors, making it both rich and refreshing.
It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or grilled meats, or can be enjoyed as a light, satisfying meal on its own.
Lemon Risotto
Light, zesty, and incredibly refreshing, this lemon risotto is the ultimate summer comfort food.
The bright citrusy notes from the lemon peel elevate the creamy rice, filling the dish with a refreshing burst of flavor.
A perfect balance of creamy and tangy, it’s a wonderful accompaniment to seafood or a stand-alone dish when you need a quick, light bite.
The final touch of lemon zest adds a fragrant aroma that will leave your kitchen smelling divine.
Avocado Risotto
This creamy risotto features ripe avocado, adding a smooth richness to each bite while keeping the dish light and fresh.
The avocado’s mild, buttery flavor balances the creamy texture of the rice, creating a comforting yet refreshing dish.
Topped with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and lime, it’s the perfect dish for a warm summer evening.
It pairs wonderfully with grilled shrimp or chicken, or can be served solo as a nutrient-packed meal.
Cucumber Dill Risotto
This cool and crisp cucumber dill risotto is the perfect summer dish for hot days when you crave something light yet satisfying.
The cucumber provides a refreshing crunch, while the dill adds a fragrant, slightly tangy note that complements the creamy rice.
Each bite feels like a summer breeze, with the rice absorbing the flavors and creating a delightful texture.
This risotto is ideal as a side dish for grilled fish or as a refreshing standalone meal.
Carrot Ginger Risotto
Bright and earthy, this carrot ginger risotto combines the sweetness of carrots with the zesty heat of fresh ginger.
The tender carrots offer a natural sweetness that’s perfectly balanced by the warm, spicy kick from the ginger.
The creamy rice acts as the perfect base to showcase these bold flavors, creating a satisfying and aromatic dish.
It pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken or can be enjoyed on its own for a flavorful vegetarian option.
Roasted Beet Risotto
This vibrant risotto is made with sweet roasted beets, which not only add a pop of color but also a rich, earthy flavor.
The earthy sweetness of the beets is beautifully complemented by the creamy, velvety texture of the rice, making each bite a treat.
A sprinkle of goat cheese or ricotta on top brings a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the beets.
It’s perfect as a side for grilled meats or as a light main dish, offering a beautiful combination of flavors and textures.
Cherry Risotto
This unique cherry risotto combines the sweet-tart flavor of fresh cherries with creamy rice for a delightful summer twist.
The cherries bring a burst of sweetness that perfectly complements the creamy, rich texture of Arborio rice.
Infused with a hint of balsamic vinegar, the dish has a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.
Serve it as a side dish to grilled meats or enjoy it on its own as a bold, refreshing summer treat.
Roasted Garlic Risotto
This roasted garlic risotto is a flavor-packed dish that combines the deep, savory richness of slow-roasted garlic with creamy rice.
The caramelized garlic adds a sweet, rich depth, while the risotto remains velvety and comforting.
Perfectly balanced with a touch of Parmesan, it’s ideal as a standalone dish or as a side to roasted meats.
The aroma of roasted garlic will fill your kitchen, making every bite even more enticing.
Summer Squash Risotto
Packed with the flavors of summer, this risotto highlights tender summer squash sautéed to perfection.
The squash adds a delicate, slightly sweet flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy texture of the rice.
Infused with fresh herbs like thyme or basil, it’s a light, refreshing dish perfect for warm evenings.
This versatile risotto can be enjoyed on its own or paired with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
Prawn Risotto
This prawn risotto is a seafood lover’s dream, combining succulent prawns with creamy risotto for a dish full of flavor.
The prawns add a delicate brininess that enhances the rich, velvety texture of the rice, while garlic and lemon infuse the dish with brightness.
A perfect dish for a summer dinner party, it’s quick to prepare but full of complex, satisfying flavors.
Serve it alongside a light salad or a glass of chilled white wine for an elegant, summery meal.
Roasted Tomato Risotto
Sweet, roasted tomatoes bring a smoky depth to this creamy risotto, making it a perfect summer dish.
The slow-roasted tomatoes infuse the rice with a rich, slightly tangy flavor that is complemented by fresh basil.
Creamy yet light, this risotto can be served as a main or paired with grilled meats or cheese.
Each bite offers the warmth of roasted tomatoes and the richness of perfectly cooked risotto.
Coconut Lime Risotto
This tropical coconut lime risotto is an exotic, refreshing dish that combines creamy rice with the flavors of coconut milk and zesty lime.
The coconut milk adds a velvety texture while the lime brings a fresh, citrusy burst that brightens the dish.
Infused with a hint of ginger or chili, this risotto has a subtle warmth that perfectly balances the sweetness.
It’s ideal for pairing with seafood or enjoying on its own as a unique summer meal.
Peach Risotto
This sweet and savory peach risotto combines the juicy flavor of ripe peaches with the creamy richness of Arborio rice.
The peaches caramelize as they cook, adding a touch of sweetness that perfectly balances the savory, rich risotto.
A drizzle of honey and a hint of thyme elevate the dish, making it a delightful combination of fresh summer flavors.
It’s an excellent choice for a unique side dish or a light main course, perfect for warm, sunny days.
Cucumber Risotto
This refreshing cucumber risotto is a light, cooling dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings.
The crisp cucumber slices lend a cool crunch, while the creamy rice adds a rich contrast in texture.
Infused with a touch of dill and lemon, this risotto offers a zesty and fresh flavor that’s both soothing and satisfying.
Ideal for pairing with grilled seafood or as a light vegetarian main, it’s a delightful summer meal.
Fig Risotto
Sweet, luscious figs bring a deep, caramelized flavor to this luxurious risotto, perfect for a summer celebration.
The figs add a touch of natural sweetness, beautifully complemented by the creamy texture of the risotto.
A hint of balsamic vinegar gives the dish a tangy undertone, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
This fig risotto is ideal as a side to roasted meats or as a sophisticated main course on a warm evening.
Pesto Risotto
This vibrant pesto risotto brings the fresh, herby goodness of pesto into a creamy, comforting dish.
The basil pesto infuses the rice with its bright, garlicky flavor, while Parmesan adds a savory depth to the richness.
It’s the perfect dish to showcase summer’s finest herbs and can be paired with grilled vegetables or chicken.
This versatile risotto can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it ideal for picnics and casual meals.
Conclusion
There’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a bowl of delicious, creamy risotto made with the best of summer’s offerings.
From vibrant vegetables to fresh herbs, these 27+ summer risotto recipes showcase the flavors that make summer so special.
Whether enjoyed as a light main or a savory side, each recipe offers a delightful experience, bringing the warmth and freshness of the season straight to your table.
So, why wait?
Start exploring these mouthwatering recipes today!
