Go Back
–+ servings
salmon with lemon orzo

Savory Salmon with Lemon Orzo: A Quick Family-Friendly Feast

This salmon with lemon orzo is a delightful one-skillet dish that’s quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salmon
  • 4 fillets Skinless Salmon Fillets Can be swapped with chicken or shrimp
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Use to season salmon and orzo
  • 1/2 teaspoon Coarsely Ground Black Pepper Season both salmon and orzo
  • 1 teaspoon Sweet Paprika Can be substituted with smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic can be used instead
For Cooking
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can substitute with avocado oil
  • 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter Consider plant-based butter for dairy-free
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Green onions or shallots can be used
  • 3 cloves Garlic Cloves Mince for flavor elevation
For the Orzo Base
  • 1 cup Dry Orzo Pasta Can substitute with quinoa or rice
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme Use fresh thyme for better flavor
  • 3 cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth Can switch to vegetable broth for vegetarian option
  • 4 cups Baby Spinach Kale or Swiss chard are great substitutes
For Flavor Boost
  • 1/2 lemon Juice from Lemon Can substitute with lime juice
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Nutritional yeast for vegan option
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper For serving
  • Chili Flakes For serving; omit if desired

Equipment

  • Large skillet

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Gather and prep your ingredients. Grate the Parmesan cheese, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Season the salmon fillets with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cooking
  1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet. Sear the seasoned salmon for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from skillet.
  2. In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic for about 2 minutes until soft.
  3. Add thyme, remaining salt, pepper, and orzo. Toast the orzo for about 1 minute.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cook orzo uncovered for around 8 minutes.
  5. Stir in spinach and cook for 2 minutes until wilted. Mix in lemon juice and Parmesan.
  6. Return salmon to the skillet and simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Serve with pepper and chili flakes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 28gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Pat the salmon dry before searing for a crispy exterior. Monitor orzo cooking time carefully. Use low sodium broth and fresh herbs for best flavor.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!