Description
Lemon Orzo with Salmon is a quick, flavorful, and wholesome dish combining tender orzo pasta with bright lemon and perfectly cooked salmon. It offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes with simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 salmon fillets (fresh or thawed)
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley or dill), chopped
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- Smoked paprika, to taste
- Vegetables such as spinach, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes
- Whole wheat orzo (as a substitution for regular orzo)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and a touch of lemon zest. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the salmon skin-side down for about 4-5 minutes. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the Orzo: In a separate saucepan, bring vegetable or chicken broth to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain excess liquid if needed, leaving a bit of broth to enhance the sauce’s creaminess.
- Make the Lemon Sauce: Using the same skillet from the salmon, add a splash more olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. Add the cooked orzo and toss to coat in the lemon-garlic sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Combine and Serve: Plate the lemony orzo and top with the cooked salmon fillets. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill. Optionally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for a creamy touch.
Notes
- Choose fresh salmon to enhance flavor and texture.
- Do not overcook the salmon; it should remain juicy and tender.
- Cook the orzo in broth instead of water for deeper flavor.
- Save some lemon zest for garnishing right before serving to maintain freshness.
- Let the salmon rest off heat for a few minutes after cooking for optimal juiciness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: lemon orzo salmon, quick dinner, healthy salmon recipe, lemon pasta, weeknight meal, easy seafood dish
