Mediterranean Lemon Orzo with Salmon

Indulge in a vibrant and flavorful dish with our Mediterranean Lemon Orzo with Salmon!

This one-pan meal combines the zest of lemon with the heartiness of salmon, making it both a nutritious and delicious option for any night of the week.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. It’s quick, easily assembled, and packs a punch of Mediterranean flavors that will transport your taste buds to sunny shores. Plus, it’s a wholesome dish that brings together protein, whole grains, and plenty of veggies!

How To Make Mediterranean Lemon Orzo with Salmon

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 lemon (zest and juice)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup spinach
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

3-Step Directions:

1. Cook the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper, then cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook the Orzo & Veggies: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in orzo and vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes until tender. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, cherry tomatoes, and spinach, cooking for 2–3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
3. Combine & Serve: Flake the salmon and gently fold it into the orzo mixture. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Prep Time And Nutrition Facts

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, making a total of 30 minutes. It serves 4 people, and each serving has approximately 350 calories, 25 grams of protein, and 12 grams of fat.

How To Serve Mediterranean Lemon Orzo with Salmon

Serve the Mediterranean Lemon Orzo with Salmon warm, garnished with fresh parsley. It pairs nicely with a crisp green salad or a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal!

How To Store Mediterranean Lemon Orzo with Salmon

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

Tips To Make Mediterranean Lemon Orzo with Salmon

• For added flavor, try marinating the salmon in lemon juice and herbs before cooking.
• You can substitute the spinach with kale or arugula for a different twist.
• Add some feta cheese for a tangy flavor boost!
• If you want a creamier texture, stir in a bit of cream or Greek yogurt at the end.

Health And Benefits Of This Recipe

This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. The salmon provides high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health. The orzo pasta is a good source of carbohydrates, giving you energy, while the vegetables offer a range of vitamins and minerals. It’s a balanced meal that’s low in fat and rich in flavor!

Variation

Feel free to switch up the ingredients by using different vegetables or even switching the salmon with grilled chicken or shrimp for variety.

FAQs

1. Can I use another type of pasta instead of orzo?
   Yes! You can use any small pasta shape, like couscous or ditalini.

   
   

2. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free pasta in place of orzo to make it gluten-free.

   
   

3. Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
   This recipe is already dairy-free, but if you choose to add cheese, use a dairy-free option.

   
   

4. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
   While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare some components in advance, like cooking the orzo and salmon.

   
   

5. What can I use instead of vegetable broth?
   Chicken broth or seafood broth can be a great alternative if you prefer.

   
   

6. How do I know when the salmon is done?
   Salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and has a rich, pink color inside.

   
   

7. What sides would pair well with this dish?
   A light salad or grilled vegetables complement this meal beautifully.

   
   

Mediterranean Lemon Orzo with Salmon

A vibrant one-pan meal combining lemon zest and hearty salmon, perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 fillets salmon fillets
• 1 cup orzo pasta You can use any small pasta shape.
• 2 cups vegetable broth You can substitute with chicken or seafood broth.
• 1 whole lemon (zest and juice)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup spinach Can substitute with kale or arugula.
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Method

 

Cooking the Salmon

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper, then cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Cooking the Orzo & Veggies

1. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
2. Stir in orzo and vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes until tender.
3. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, cherry tomatoes, and spinach, cooking for 2–3 minutes until the spinach wilts.

Combining & Serving

1. Flake the salmon and gently fold it into the orzo mixture.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. For additional flavor, consider marinating the salmon in lemon juice and herbs beforehand. You can also stir in a bit of cream or Greek yogurt for a creamier texture.