Description
A breezy dinner featuring seared salmon paired with creamy, lemon-infused orzo for a comforting yet elegant dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin on or off)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for the salmon)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter (for the orzo)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small shallot (finely chopped)
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 2 1/4 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 cup baby spinach or chopped kale (optional greens)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or dill (chopped for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Season the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry and rub each with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Sear the salmon: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm olive oil. Sear salmon fillets skin-side down for 3–4 minutes, flip, and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics and toast orzo: Lower heat to medium, add olive oil/butter, sauté garlic and shallots for 1–2 minutes, then add dry orzo, stirring for 1–2 minutes.
- Simmer the orzo: Pour in broth, add lemon zest and juice, stir, and let simmer for 8–10 minutes until orzo is tender.
- Finish the orzo: Stir in Parmesan cheese, heavy cream (if using), and spinach or kale, letting it wilt.
- Return the salmon and serve: Nestle salmon back into the skillet on top of the orzo, cover, and cook on low for 2–3 minutes until fully cooked. Garnish and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
For a lighter meal, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg