This Salmon with Lemon Orzo is the kind of elegant, restaurant-quality meal that comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special. Perfectly seared salmon fillets get a beautiful golden crust while staying tender and flaky inside, while the orzo cooks up creamy and luxurious with chicken broth, bright lemon zest and juice, and nutty Parmesan cheese. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and herbaceous freshness, creating a dish that’s both light and satisfying—the kind of meal that feels fancy but requires minimal effort.
Salmon with Lemon Orzo
Recipe by Daily Disher
Salmon with Lemon Orzo features perfectly seared salmon fillets served over creamy orzo pasta with lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley.
Course: Main
/Cuisine: Mediterranean
/Difficulty: Easy
Servings
4
Prep time
20 minutes
Cooking time
25 minutes
Calories
450 kcal
45 minutes
Ingredients
1 cup orzo pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 pieces salmon fillets
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups chicken broth
1 lemon zest and juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Directions
1.
Boil the orzo pasta in a pot of salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
3.
Cook the salmon fillets in the skillet for about 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through and flaky.
4.
Remove the salmon from the skillet and rest on a plate. Cover with foil to keep warm.
5.
In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until aromatic.
6.
Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
7.
Stir in the cooked orzo, lemon zest, and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese has melted.
8.
Add the chopped parsley to the orzo mixture and mix thoroughly, then adjust seasoning to taste if needed.
9.
Serve the salmon over the lemon orzo, garnishing with extra lemon zest and parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Total number of serves:
4 servings
Calories:
450kcal
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
620mg
Potassium:
400mg
Sugar:
8g
Protein:
6g
Calcium:
60mg
Iron:
2mg