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Summer squash risotto is the perfect way to celebrate the fresh, vibrant flavors of the season.
Creamy Arborio rice gently absorbs the delicate sweetness of tender summer squash, creating a comforting dish that is both luxurious and light.
Whether you prefer a classic Parmesan-infused version or one bursting with fresh herbs, citrus, or garlic, these recipes showcase the incredible versatility of summer squash in risotto form.
From quick weeknight dinners to elegant meals for entertaining, summer squash risotto can stand alone as a satisfying vegetarian main or complement grilled meats and seafood with ease.
The silky texture, aromatic herbs, and bright vegetable notes make each bite a delight, capturing the essence of summer in a bowl.
Dive into these 22+ summer squash risotto recipes and discover your next favorite dish.
22+ Delicious Summer Squash Risotto Recipes to Try This Season
These 22+ summer squash risotto recipes offer a wonderful variety of flavors and textures that bring summer’s best produce to your table.
Whether you’re seeking a creamy, comforting dish or something light and herbaceous, there is a recipe here to suit every palate and occasion.
By incorporating fresh squash, fragrant herbs, and complementary
ingredients like lemon or Parmesan, these recipes elevate risotto beyond the ordinary.
Experimenting with these dishes allows you to enjoy the richness of risotto while embracing the fresh, seasonal qualities of summer squash.
Whether served as a standalone meal or paired with your favorite proteins, summer squash risotto is a versatile and satisfying choice that celebrates the season beautifully.
Summer Squash Risotto
The creamy Arborio rice is richly embroidered with tender, buttery summer squash.
Silky Parmesan cheese melts through each grain, offering a luxurious, comforting texture.
The scent of garlic and fresh basil fills the air as you stir, creating a homey yet elegant aroma.
Perfect as a standalone vegetarian main or paired with grilled shrimp or roasted chicken for a complete summer meal.
Its golden hue makes it an inviting dish for warm-weather gatherings.
Lemon Risotto with Summer Squash
Bright lemon zest and juice add a sparkling citrus kick to soft diced squash.
Creamy rice combines olive oil and tender vegetables in a light, refreshing base.
The fragrance is vibrant and uplifting, perfect for alfresco summer dining.
Enjoy it solo as a light vegetarian meal or alongside pan-seared fish for a refreshing dinner pairing.
This risotto shows how summer squash can shine with minimal butter—a healthier yet satisfying option.
Summer Squash Risotto (BBC Good Food)
Roasted chunks of crookneck and pattypan squash lend caramelized depth to creamy rice.
A gentle layer of thyme and garlic perfumes the kitchen with rustic charm.
Each bite delivers a rich, velvety texture warmed by savory Parmesan and butter.
A wonderful centerpiece for a summer supper, or a hearty side for grilled meats.
The vibrant mix of yellow and green squash makes it a visually stunning dish.
Creamy Lemon Summer Squash Risotto
Finely grated zucchini and yellow squash melt into a silky, cheese-laced rice.
Zesty lemon and fresh basil brighten the creamy Arborio rice with summery freshness.
The aroma is breezy and citrusy, evoking sunlit garden lunches.
Enjoy it on its own or pair with seared scallops or grilled chicken for a balanced meal.
The blend of Asiago and Parmesan adds a delightful nutty sharpness.
Zucchini Squash Risotto
Equal parts zucchini and yellow squash impart freshness and juiciness into rich, creamy rice.
Generous amounts of basil and parsley add herbaceous vitality without weighing the dish down.
Light vegetable broth ensures a clean, bright flavor profile perfect for summer evenings.
Naturally gluten-free and easily veganized with nutritional yeast—ideal as a wholesome main.
Its soft texture and subtle sweetness make it a favorite even with picky eaters.
Corn and Summer Squash Risotto
Sweet summer corn adds pop and crunch to the creaminess of squash-studded risotto.
A touch of white wine enhances the depth of flavor, while thyme and scallions bring an earthy aroma.
Each spoonful bursts with creamy, savory, and subtly sweet notes.
Pairs effortlessly with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or grilled tofu.
This dish feels as light as a breeze yet hearty enough to stand alone.
Summer Squash Parmesan Risotto
Tender pieces of summer squash gently simmer into creamy Arborio rice, enriched with nutty Parmesan cheese.
The aroma of sautéed garlic mingles with fresh herbs, creating a warm and inviting kitchen atmosphere.
Each bite offers a silky texture that melts effortlessly, balanced by the subtle sweetness of the squash.
This risotto shines as a comforting vegetarian entrée but also pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine and light salads.
Its rich, cheesy depth makes it a perfect dish to elevate any summer evening.
Zucchini Basil Risotto
Fresh zucchini and fragrant basil combine to create a risotto bursting with garden-fresh flavors.
The delicate balance between creamy rice and the herbaceous brightness of basil offers a refreshing taste.
As the steam rises, the subtle hint of lemon zest lifts the dish, making it vibrant and appetizing.
Enjoy it alone for a light, satisfying meal or serve it alongside grilled fish or chicken for a wholesome dinner.
Its lush texture and fresh taste bring summer’s bounty right to your plate.
Garlic Summer Squash Risotto
Golden summer squash and aromatic garlic create a comforting risotto that fills the kitchen with irresistible scents.
The creamy rice is infused with layers of flavor from slowly sautéed squash and a touch of white wine.
This dish is creamy yet light, with a gentle garlicky warmth that lingers on the palate.
Perfect as a standalone meal or an elegant side to roasted meats or seafood.
Its rustic charm and vibrant flavor profile make it an ideal summer favorite.
Lemon Herb Squash Risotto
Citrus-kissed lemon and fresh summer squash come together in a bright, creamy risotto that delights the senses.
The refreshing lemon aroma perfectly complements the silky texture of Arborio rice and tender squash cubes.
Herbs like thyme and parsley add layers of subtle earthiness that balance the zesty notes.
Enjoy this risotto as a light main dish or paired with grilled vegetables or seafood for a summery feast.
Its lively flavors and smooth mouthfeel create a truly memorable dining experience.
Summer Squash Thyme Risotto
Sweet summer squash and fragrant thyme blend harmoniously in a luscious, creamy risotto.
Each spoonful offers a rich texture with earthy herbal undertones that enhance the natural sweetness of the squash.
The gentle aroma of fresh thyme infuses the dish, inviting a sense of calm and comfort.
Serve it as a satisfying vegetarian option or as an elegant accompaniment to roasted poultry or fish.
Its warm, herbal complexity makes it perfect for leisurely summer dinners.
Creamy Squash Risotto
Velvety Arborio rice mingles with tender, sautéed summer squash to create a luxuriously creamy dish.
A subtle hint of nutmeg and the richness of melted butter elevate the flavors to a new level of indulgence.
The aroma of slow-cooked squash fills the kitchen, promising a cozy yet refined meal.
Enjoy it solo or with a side of crisp greens or grilled protein for a balanced plate.
Its smooth and comforting texture makes it an excellent choice for both casual and special occasions.
Summer Squash Risotto
Delicate summer squash cubes gently fold into creamy, buttery Arborio rice.
The comforting aroma of garlic and shallots sautéed to perfection fills your kitchen.
Each bite offers a luscious, silky texture balanced by the squash’s subtle sweetness.
This dish serves beautifully as a vegetarian main or pairs seamlessly with grilled seafood or chicken.
Its warm, golden tones bring a seasonal brightness to any summer table.
Zucchini Risotto
Fresh zucchini pieces add a tender crunch and vibrant green color to this creamy risotto.
Hints of fresh thyme and lemon zest brighten the savory Parmesan base.
The scent of simmering broth combined with aromatic herbs creates an inviting ambiance.
Enjoy it on its own for a light, satisfying meal or alongside roasted meats for added richness.
Its smooth texture and bright flavors celebrate summer’s fresh produce.
Herb Squash Risotto
Tender squash and fragrant herbs mingle in creamy, perfectly cooked Arborio rice.
The warmth of sage and parsley infuses the dish with earthy, aromatic notes.
Each mouthful delivers a rich, velvety texture with bursts of herbaceous freshness.
Perfect as a comforting vegetarian dinner or an elegant side dish for grilled meats.
Its harmonious blend of flavors makes it a versatile summer staple.
Lemon Squash Risotto
Zesty lemon juice and summer squash create a bright, refreshing risotto experience.
The creamy rice is infused with the tangy aroma of lemon and the subtle sweetness of squash.
Fresh basil and cracked black pepper add depth and complexity.
Enjoy it alone as a light main or paired with grilled fish or chicken for a balanced meal.
Its vibrant flavors make it a standout dish for warm-weather dining.
Garlic Herb Risotto
Garlic-roasted summer squash combines with fresh herbs in a creamy risotto base.
The savory garlic notes and aromatic rosemary fill the kitchen with irresistible fragrance.
Each bite is rich and creamy, punctuated by bursts of tender squash and herbal brightness.
This risotto complements grilled vegetables or proteins, or shines alone as a vegetarian treat.
Its robust flavors make it perfect for an elegant summer dinner.
Creamy Zucchini Risotto
Soft zucchini ribbons swirl through a luxuriously creamy Parmesan risotto.
Hints of nutmeg and white wine add subtle warmth and complexity.
The dish fills the air with the comforting scent of butter and fresh herbs.
Serve it as a hearty vegetarian entrée or alongside roasted chicken for a complete meal.
Its silky texture and balanced flavors evoke summer’s simple pleasures.
Simple Squash Risotto
Creamy Arborio rice is delicately infused with tender, sautéed summer squash.
The gentle aroma of garlic and onion complements the natural sweetness of the squash.
Each spoonful offers a velvety texture that feels comforting yet light.
Ideal as a quick vegetarian main or a sophisticated side dish for grilled fish or chicken.
Its simplicity highlights the fresh flavors of summer produce with ease and elegance.
Squash Thyme Risotto
Sweet summer squash and fresh thyme combine in a luscious, creamy risotto.
The earthy fragrance of thyme pairs perfectly with the squash’s subtle sweetness.
Creamy rice and tender vegetables create a rich texture that is both hearty and refined.
Perfect as a meatless main or a flavorful side to roasted poultry or seafood.
This dish brings a comforting warmth ideal for cooler summer evenings.
Zucchini Lemon Risotto
Bright lemon zest enlivens tender zucchini in this creamy risotto.
The citrus notes add a refreshing lift that balances the richness of the Parmesan.
The aroma is fresh and inviting, promising a light yet satisfying dish.
Enjoy it on its own or paired with grilled shrimp for a light summer dinner.
This risotto is an excellent way to showcase the season’s best zucchini.
Herb Squash Risotto
Fresh herbs mingle with buttery summer squash and creamy Arborio rice.
Notes of parsley, basil, and chives enhance the gentle sweetness of the squash.
The smooth texture of the risotto makes it a comforting yet elegant dish.
Great as a vegetarian entrée or as a side with grilled meats and vegetables.
Its bright herbal flavors make it perfect for casual or special occasions alike.
Garlic Lemon Risotto
Garlic and lemon brighten the creamy richness of summer squash risotto.
The savory and citrusy aroma creates an uplifting and appetizing experience.
Each bite delivers silky rice, tender squash, and a subtle tangy finish.
Pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or seafood for a balanced summer meal.
Its vibrant flavors add a refreshing twist to classic risotto.
Summer Veggie Risotto
A colorful mix of summer squash and garden vegetables blends into creamy rice.
Sweet corn, zucchini, and squash add layers of texture and natural sweetness.
The dish fills the kitchen with the warm scent of sautéed veggies and herbs.
Perfect as a standalone vegetarian meal or a hearty side dish.
Its rich flavors and satisfying texture celebrate the bounty of summer’s harvest.
Conclusion
Exploring these 22+ summer squash risotto recipes reveals just how adaptable and delicious this classic Italian dish can be when paired with fresh summer produce.
From zesty lemon variations to herb-packed creations, each recipe highlights the creamy, comforting texture of risotto with the light, sweet notes of summer squash.
Perfect for casual dinners or special gatherings, these recipes invite you to savor seasonal ingredients in a simple yet elegant way.
Embrace the vibrant flavors and nourishing qualities of summer squash in risotto form, and enjoy a dish that’s both wholesome and indulgent.
Let these recipes inspire you to bring a taste of summer into your kitchen, any night of the week.
