This Summer Risotto with Grilled Corn and Tomatoes is a fresh and vibrant dish that celebrates the best of summer’s harvest. Creamy risotto is infused with smoky grilled corn and juicy tomatoes, creating a comforting yet light meal that’s perfect for warm-weather dining. Packed with seasonal flavors, it’s an elegant side or satisfying vegetarian main.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice

• 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed

• 2 ears fresh corn, grilled and kernels removed

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for vegan, omit or use vegan cheese)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until translucent.

2. Add Arborio rice and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.

3. Pour in white wine (if using) and cook until absorbed.

4. Gradually add warm vegetable broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently and allowing the liquid to absorb before adding more. Continue until rice is creamy and cooked al dente (about 18-20 minutes).

5. Stir in grilled corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, and remaining olive oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

6. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese if using. Season with salt and pepper.

7. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.

Nutrients (per serving, serves 4)

• Calories: ~350 kcal

• Protein: 8 g

• Fat: 12 g

• Carbohydrates: 50 g

• Fiber: 3 g

Why Risotto Is the Ideal Base

Risotto, with its creamy and tender consistency, provides a luxurious foundation that complements a variety of flavors and textures. Unlike plain rice, Arborio rice used in risotto has a unique high starch content, which releases during slow cooking to create a naturally rich and velvety sauce. This creaminess is achieved without heavy cream, relying on technique and patience, making risotto a comfort food that can be both sophisticated and simple.

Using risotto as the base for this summer-inspired dish allows the sweetness and smokiness of the grilled corn and the acidity of the tomatoes to shine through while being enveloped in a luscious, creamy bed of rice. The gentle toasting of rice before liquid addition adds a subtle nuttiness that balances the overall flavor profile.

The Role of Grilled Corn in Elevating Flavor

Grilled corn is transformative in this recipe, infusing the risotto with a smoky sweetness that adds depth and complexity. The charring process caramelizes the corn’s natural sugars, creating a flavor that is both sweet and slightly savory. This contrasts beautifully with the creamy texture of the risotto and the acidity of the tomatoes.

Beyond flavor, grilled corn adds texture—its kernels provide bursts of juiciness and a pleasant chew that break up the smoothness of the rice. Utilizing fresh corn in peak season enhances the dish’s freshness and brings a vibrant color contrast that makes the plate visually appealing.

Juicy Cherry Tomatoes: The Brightening Element

Cherry tomatoes offer more than just color—they bring brightness and acidity that balance the richness of the risotto and sweetness of the corn. Their juicy texture releases a fresh, tangy burst that cuts through the creamy rice, preventing the dish from feeling too heavy.

These tomatoes also add antioxidants such as lycopene and vitamins like vitamin C, contributing to the nutritional value of the dish. The natural sugars in ripe tomatoes complement the corn’s sweetness, while their acidity elevates the overall flavor complexity.

How the Aromatics Enhance the Dish

The inclusion of finely chopped onion and minced garlic sautéed at the beginning builds a flavorful base for the risotto. These aromatics soften and caramelize slightly, releasing their sweet and pungent flavors, which infuse the entire dish.

Cooking the onion and garlic gently ensures they do not overpower but rather enhance the subtler flavors of corn and tomato. The warm olive oil carries these aromas and creates a cohesive flavor throughout the dish.

The Optional Use of White Wine

White wine is a classic risotto ingredient that adds a layer of acidity and complexity. When deglazed with wine, the rice absorbs the liquid, infusing it with subtle fruity and floral notes. This step helps balance the richness of the rice and the sweetness of the vegetables.

Though optional, the addition of white wine lends a refined touch, especially suitable for entertaining or elevating an everyday meal. It pairs well with the bright, summery ingredients and enhances the overall depth of flavor.

Nutritional Considerations

This Summer Risotto balances carbohydrates, protein, and fat in a way that sustains energy and satisfies appetite. Arborio rice provides complex carbohydrates that release energy steadily, while the vegetables contribute fiber and essential micronutrients.

Olive oil and Parmesan cheese add healthy fats and a touch of protein, rounding out the nutritional profile. Using vegetable broth instead of heavier stocks keeps the dish light and suitable for varied dietary preferences.

The fiber content helps digestion, while the combination of ingredients offers a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A precursors, and antioxidants from the tomatoes and corn.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This risotto is versatile, working beautifully as a main vegetarian dish or a side to grilled meats, fish, or poultry. Pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon or balsamic vinegar adds freshness and a contrasting texture.

It also pairs well with a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water infused with citrus for a refreshing summer meal.

For a more substantial vegetarian dinner, adding roasted chickpeas or toasted nuts on top adds crunch and protein.

Garnishing with fresh herbs such as basil or parsley provides visual appeal and a fragrant finish that ties all the flavors together.

Tips for Making the Perfect Risotto

Patience and attention to technique are key. Slowly adding warm broth and stirring constantly encourages the rice to release its starch, creating the creamy texture risotto is known for.

Ensuring vegetables are prepped and ready before starting is important, as the risotto requires continuous attention.

Maintaining a gentle simmer during cooking allows the rice to cook evenly without drying out or becoming mushy.

Finishing with Parmesan cheese adds umami and richness but can be omitted or replaced with vegan alternatives to suit dietary needs.

Why This Dish Is Perfect for Summer

This risotto captures the essence of summer with its use of fresh, seasonal vegetables like corn and tomatoes. It’s lighter than many winter risottos that rely on mushrooms or root vegetables, making it refreshing yet satisfying.

The smoky grilled corn evokes outdoor cooking and barbecues, while the juicy tomatoes bring a garden-fresh feel that connects the dish to warm-weather abundance.

The dish is also flexible for warm weather—served hot but not heavy, it provides comfort without weighing you down in the heat.

Conclusion

Summer Risotto with Grilled Corn and Tomatoes is a vibrant and elegant dish that perfectly showcases the flavors of the season. Combining creamy Arborio rice with smoky grilled corn and fresh, juicy tomatoes, it offers a balanced and satisfying meal or side that appeals to vegetarians and food lovers alike.

Its blend of textures—from tender rice to bursting tomatoes and crisp corn kernels—alongside bright aromatics and optional white wine, makes this risotto a delightful culinary experience. Easy to prepare yet sophisticated in flavor, it is perfect for casual dinners, entertaining guests, or enjoying a taste of summer anytime.

Whether served as a standalone vegetarian entrée or paired with your favorite proteins, this risotto brings together wholesome ingredients in a way that feels indulgent, fresh, and nourishing. It’s a celebration of seasonal produce and classic technique, ensuring that every bite is as memorable as it is delicious.