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Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Savory Salmon with Lemon Orzo: A Quick Delight for Dinner

This Salmon with Lemon Orzo is a quick, flavorful meal that combines pan-seared salmon, creamy orzo, and spinach. Perfect for families or intimate dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salmon
  • 4 fillets Skinless Salmon A rich protein source that's high in omega-3 fatty acids.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Kosher salt is great for seasoning the fish.
  • 1 teaspoon Coarsely Ground Black Pepper Adjust according to your taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Sweet Paprika Smoked paprika can add an extra depth of flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Can be replaced with fresh minced garlic if preferred.
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil Can be swapped with vegetable oil if needed.
  • 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter For a lighter version, use additional olive oil instead.
For the Orzo
  • 1 cup Dry Orzo Pasta Quinoa can be a wholesome alternative.
  • 1 small Yellow Onion Shallots are a milder substitute.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Freshly minced for aromatic flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme You can also use Italian seasoning or oregano.
  • 2 cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth Vegetable broth is a great vegetarian choice.
  • 2 cups Baby Spinach You can replace it with kale or Swiss chard.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Fresh lemon zest can elevate the citrus notes.
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Swap with nutritional yeast for a non-dairy option.
For the Finishing Touches
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Flakes Optional for adding heat.

Equipment

  • Large skillet

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Prep Ingredients: Gather ingredients. Grate Parmesan, mince garlic, chop onion, and dry salmon fillets. Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Sear Salmon: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet. Sear the salmon for 3-4 minutes on each side until cooked through.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Lower heat, add olive oil, onion, and garlic. Cook for 2 minutes. Add thyme, salt, and pepper.
  4. Cook Orzo: Add orzo, toast for 1 minute, then add broth and simmer for 8 minutes until nearly al dente.
  5. Add Spinach & Final Touches: Stir in spinach, lemon juice, and Parmesan. Adjust consistency with more broth if necessary.
  6. Combine & Serve: Return salmon to skillet, simmer for 2-3 minutes. Serve topped with black pepper and chili flakes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 850mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is deliciously wholesome and easy to clean up.

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