Salmon Orzo Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Weeknight Meal
This salmon orzo recipe is a simple yet elegant dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. It's packed with flavor, healthy ingredients, and requires minimal cleanup—a win-win for busy individuals! This recipe is easily adaptable to your dietary needs and preferences, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.
Why This Salmon Orzo Recipe is a Winner
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with protein from salmon and complex carbohydrates from orzo.
- Flavorful & Delicious: The combination of lemon, herbs, and salmon creates a symphony of flavors.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs.
- Minimal Cleanup: One-pan cooking means less time spent washing dishes.
Ingredients You'll Need
- 1 pound salmon fillet, skin on or off (skin-on adds extra flavor and texture)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for richer flavor)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, halved (optional, but highly recommended!)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Orzo: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly golden.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Aromatics: While the orzo is cooking, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine and Finish: Add the cooked orzo, cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives (if using) to the skillet with the garlic. Gently stir to combine.
- Add Salmon: Place the seasoned salmon fillet on top of the orzo mixture. Cover the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your salmon fillet.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the salmon is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice, fresh dill, and fresh parsley. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Tips and Variations for Your Salmon Orzo
- Add some spice: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick.
- Use different vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach.
- Boost the protein: Add some cooked shrimp or chicken to make it a heartier meal.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or Greek yogurt at the end for a richer, creamier texture.
- Lemon zest: Adding a little lemon zest elevates the bright citrus notes.
This salmon orzo recipe is a delightful and healthy meal that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy! Remember to share your culinary creations using the hashtag #SalmonOrzoRecipe. We'd love to see your delicious results!
