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Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Delicious Salmon with Lemon Orzo: A 30-Minute Wonder

A quick and healthy dish featuring seared salmon with creamy lemon orzo, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salmon
  • 4 fillets Salmon Skinless, approximately 6 oz each
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil For searing
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Or Italian seasoning
For the Creamy Lemon Orzo
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Can be replaced with olive oil
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh, minced
  • 1 small Shallot Finely chopped
  • 0.5 cups White Wine For deglazing
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth Vegetable broth for vegetarian option
  • 1 cup Orzo Pasta Main carbohydrate
  • 0.5 cups Heavy Cream Can use half-and-half
  • 0.5 cups Grated Parmesan Cheese Nutritional yeast for dairy-free
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice Adjust to taste
  • 2 cups Fresh Baby Spinach Or kale, broccoli
  • 1 cup Diced Bell Peppers Optional
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Optional
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest For garnish
  • to taste Fresh Parsley For garnish

Equipment

  • Skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the salmon for 4-5 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for 2-3 minutes more. Remove and set aside.
  2. Melt butter in the skillet and add minced garlic and chopped shallot. Sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Pour in the white wine, deglaze the pan for 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add chicken broth, bring to a simmer, then stir in orzo. Cook for about 10 minutes until liquid is absorbed and orzo is tender but al dente.
  4. Stir in heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and fresh lemon juice. Mix over low heat until creamy and well combined. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
  5. Return seared salmon to the skillet. Add spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until it wilts. Ensure everything is heated through.
  6. Plate the salmon with lemon orzo, garnishing with parsley and lemon zest. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and add chicken broth if the orzo is dry.

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