Looking for a delicious and elegant dinner that's surprisingly easy to make? This salmon orzo recipe combines perfectly cooked salmon with tender orzo pasta in a light, lemony sauce that's sure to become your new weeknight favorite. Ready in just 30 minutes, this Mediterranean-inspired dish brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your dinner table.
Why You'll Love This Salmon Orzo Recipe
This salmon orzo recipe strikes the perfect balance between sophisticated and simple. The combination of flaky salmon and tiny, rice-shaped orzo pasta creates a satisfying meal that's both nutritious and delicious. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or just want to elevate your regular dinner routine, this recipe delivers impressive results with minimal effort.
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Ingredients
the Salmon:
- 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin-on
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
the Orzo:
- 1 pound orzo pasta
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Salmon
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, minced garlic, and oregano
- Brush the mixture over the salmon fillets and let them marinate for 10-15 minutes
Cook the Orzo
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil
- Add orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes)
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining
- Drain the orzo and set aside
Cook the Salmon
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat
- Place salmon fillets skin-side up in the hot pan
- Cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown
- Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the skin is crispy
- Remove salmon from the pan and set aside
Prepare the Orzo Mixture
- In the same pan, heat olive oil over medium heat
- Add diced onion and cook until translucent (about 5 minutes)
- Add garlic and cook for another minute
- Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to burst
- Stir in the cooked orzo, adding reserved pasta water as needed
- Add spinach and cook until wilted
- Stir in fresh herbs, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice
- Season with salt and pepper to taste
Serve
- Divide the orzo mixture among four plates
- Top each portion with a salmon fillet
- Garnish with additional fresh herbs and lemon wedges if desired
Hints and Tips
- For the best results, bring your salmon to room temperature before cooking
- Don't move the salmon while it's cooking - let it develop a nice golden crust
- Save some pasta water - it's liquid gold for creating a silky sauce
Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions
This salmon orzo recipe is packed with nutrition. Salmon provides heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, while the orzo and vegetables offer complex carbohydrates and fiber. For a complete meal, serve with:
- A crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
- A simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted Mediterranean vegetables
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Make it gluten-free by using quinoa or rice instead of orzo
- Swap salmon for another fish like halibut or sea bass
- Add different vegetables like asparagus or zucchini
- Make it dairy-free by omitting the Parmesan or using nutritional yeast
Equipment For Salmon Orzo Recipe
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Large pot for cooking orzo
- Colander
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water
- The salmon can be served cold in a salad if preferred
- Not recommended for freezing as the orzo texture may change
Top Tip
The key to perfectly cooked salmon is to avoid overcooking it. The fish should be just opaque throughout and flake easily with a fork. When in doubt, it's better to slightly undercook than overcook, as the residual heat will continue cooking the fish.
FAQ
What do you soak salmon in before cooking?
For the best results, soak salmon in a brine solution made with 1 cup salt per gallon of water for 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, marinate in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for up to 30 minutes. Avoid marinating longer as the acid can break down the fish's texture.
What Gordon Ramsay put on salmon?
Gordon Ramsay typically seasons salmon with sea salt, fresh cracked black pepper, and olive oil as a base. He often adds fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary, along with lemon zest and minced garlic. For extra flavor, he bastes the salmon with butter while cooking.
What sauce goes with salmon?
Popular sauces for salmon include lemon butter sauce, dill sauce, honey garlic butter, teriyaki sauce, and creamy garlic white wine sauce. For this salmon orzo recipe, a light lemon butter sauce or garlic white wine sauce complements the Mediterranean flavors perfectly.
What to serve with pan-fried salmon for dinner?
Pan-fried salmon pairs excellently with:
Orzo pasta with vegetables (as in this recipe)
Roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts
Steamed green beans with almonds
Greek salad
Quinoa or rice pilaf
Roasted baby potatoes
Sautéed spinach or kale
HOW DID YOUR SALMON ORZO RECIPE TURN OUT?
How did your Salmon Orzo Recipe turn out? Ready to savor something new? This recipe is sure to impress with its harmonious blend of succulent salmon, tender orzo, and bright Mediterranean flavors. If you're a fan of Italian-inspired seafood dishes, be sure to try our Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe next – another easy-to-make yet delicious treat!
Did you make this Salmon Orzo Recipe? We'd love to hear about your experience! Leave a star rating and share your thoughts in the comments.
Did you try any creative twists or use any unique ingredients? Your feedback not only helps others but also contributes to our growing community of home cooks. Don't forget to share a photo of your culinary creation!
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Pairing
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Easy Salmon Orzo Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Large pot for cooking orzo
- Colander
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
the Salmon:
- 4 6 oz salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
the Orzo:
- 1½ cups orzo pasta
- 1 lb asparagus trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 lemons 1 sliced, 1 for juice
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Season Salmon:
- Pat salmon dry with paper towels
- Season with garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper
Cook Orzo:
- Cook orzo according to package instructions
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining
Cook Vegetables:
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoon olive oil
- Sauté asparagus for 3-4 minutes
- Add tomatoes, cook until blistered
- Remove vegetables and set aside
Cook Salmon:
- In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Cook salmon 4-5 minutes per side
- Remove and set aside
Combine:
- Return vegetables to skillet
- Add cooked orzo, garlic, lemon juice
- Stir in Parmesan and pasta water as needed
- Place salmon on top
- Garnish with lemon slices and parsley
Notes
- Ensure salmon is at room temperature before cooking
- Don't move salmon while searing for perfect crust
- Can substitute asparagus with green beans
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