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Lemon Orzo with Salmon

Lemon Orzo with Salmon
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A quick and vibrant Lemon Orzo with Salmon recipe combining zesty lemon, tender flaky salmon, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta for a healthy, flavorful meal ready in under 30 minutes. Ideal for weeknight dinners or casual lunches, this dish balances comfort and elegance with easy preparation and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 fresh salmon fillets (wild-caught preferred)
  • 1 lemon (zest and juice)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Herbs & Garnishes

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped
  • Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Orzo: Heat the broth in a saucepan, then add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until tender and flavorful. Drain excess liquid if necessary, reserving a little to adjust the sauce consistency later.
  2. Cook the Salmon: Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then sear the salmon skin-side down until golden and crisp, about 4-5 minutes. Flip and cook an additional 3-4 minutes until salmon flakes easily.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil if needed and sauté minced garlic until fragrant but not browned, infusing the dish with savory aroma.
  4. Combine and Flavor: Add the cooked orzo to the skillet with garlic, then squeeze fresh lemon juice over the mixture and stir well. Gently flake the salmon into chunks and fold into the orzo, letting flavors meld together on low heat for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped herbs and, if desired, grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest taste and texture.

Notes

  • Always zest the lemon before juicing to capture maximum flavor without bitterness.
  • Remove salmon from heat as soon as it flakes to avoid dryness.
  • Reserve some pasta cooking liquid to loosen the orzo if it starts to dry out.
  • Use high-quality olive oil for subtle fruitiness enhancing every bite.
  • Allow combined dish to rest off heat for a minute to marry flavors perfectly.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon orzo, salmon, quick dinner, healthy recipe, weeknight meal, Mediterranean, seafood pasta

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/lemon-orzo-with-salmon/