The Lively One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet delectable solutions like this one skillet salmon with lemon orzo that brings restaurant-quality magic to your kitchen.

The harmonious blend of tender salmon and zesty orzo creates a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients infuse each bite with brightness and comfort.

This seafood delight comes together effortlessly in just one pan, minimizing cleanup and maximizing satisfaction.

Fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon elevate the salmon to new culinary heights.

You’ll love how quickly this elegant meal transforms an ordinary evening into a memorable dining experience.

Prepare to savor every delightful forkful of this incredible skillet masterpiece.

Why One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Wins Hearts

• This one-skillet salmon recipe transforms a simple dinner into a restaurant-quality experience with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Combining salmon and orzo in a single pan means less cleanup, faster preparation, and a complete meal that's both nutritious and delicious.
• The recipe offers flexibility for personal taste preferences, allowing you to adjust seasonings, swap spinach for other greens, or add extra spice with chili flakes.
• Packed with protein from salmon, nutrients from spinach, and complex carbohydrates from orzo, this dish delivers a balanced and satisfying meal in one skillet.

What You’ll Need for Salmon with Lemon Orzo

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh fish that provides a rich, flaky centerpiece for the dish and absorbs the surrounding flavors beautifully.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that create a deep, savory base for the recipe and enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Classic spices that add warmth, depth, and essential seasoning to the salmon.

• Thyme: Fresh herb that introduces a subtle earthy and slightly minty note to the dish.

• Orzo: Small pasta that serves as a creamy, tender base and soaks up the delicious cooking liquid.

• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that helps cook the orzo and adds richness to the dish.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, acidic ingredient that brings freshness and balances the richness of the salmon.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Cooking fats that provide rich flavor and help create a golden sear on the salmon.

• Spinach: Tender leafy green that adds nutritional value and a pop of color to the dish.

• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, umami-rich cheese that adds depth and creaminess to the orzo.
• Chili Flakes: Optional spicy element that provides a subtle heat and extra flavor dimension.

How to Make Skillet Salmon with Orzo

Step 1: Prepare Salmon

Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels.

Create a seasoning blend using garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Coat both sides of salmon thoroughly with the seasoning mixture.

Step 2: Sear Salmon Perfectly

Heat a skillet with olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.

Once butter melts and oil shimmers, place salmon skin-side down.

Sear each side for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy.

Transfer salmon to a separate plate.

Step 3: Build Flavor Base

Lower skillet heat to medium.

• Minced garlic
• Chopped onions

Sauté until ingredients become soft and fragrant, approximately 2 minutes.

Step 4: Toast Orzo

Introduce fresh thyme and remaining seasonings to the skillet.

Add dry orzo and toast for one minute to enhance depth of flavor and prevent mushiness.

Step 5: Create Liquid Foundation

Pour chicken broth into skillet.

Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.

Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes until orzo becomes tender.

Step 6: Incorporate Fresh Greens

Fold spinach into orzo mixture.

Cook until greens wilt completely, about 2 minutes.

Squeeze fresh lemon juice and sprinkle Parmesan cheese.

Stir thoroughly.

Add extra broth if mixture seems dry.

Step 7: Reunite Salmon

Gently place seared salmon back into skillet.

Allow fish to warm through for 2-3 minutes.

Spoon orzo mixture over salmon to infuse additional flavor.

Step 8: Final Presentation

Garnish with freshly ground black pepper and optional chili flakes.

Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious one-skillet meal.

Tips to Make Salmon with Lemon Orzo Even Better

• Pat salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy, golden-brown sear without steaming in the pan.
• Briefly toast orzo in the skillet before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent a mushy texture.
• Add extra broth sparingly if orzo looks too dry, maintaining a creamy but not soupy consistency.
• Use fresh baby spinach for quick wilting and maximum nutritional value, stirring just until it turns vibrant green.
• Replace salmon with chicken or tofu for different dietary preferences while keeping the same delicious orzo base.

Save and Serve Skillet Salmon Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed salmon and orzo will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled salmon and orzo to freezer-safe containers. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining best quality in the first month.
• Place salmon and orzo in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway to ensure even warming.
• Warm a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil or broth. Gently reheat salmon and orzo, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through, being careful not to overcook the delicate salmon.

Side Ideas for Salmon with Lemon Orzo

• Perfectly Paired Wine Selection: Crisp, unoaked Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the salmon's richness and cuts through the buttery orzo, enhancing the dish's delicate lemon and herb notes.
• Zesty Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh dill or chives over the salmon to amplify the herbal undertones, adding a bright, aromatic layer that elevates the entire meal's flavor profile.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Side: Serve a small Greek salad with feta, cucumbers, and kalamata olives alongside the dish, creating a refreshing contrast to the creamy orzo and rich salmon.
• Sparkling Beverage Companion: Opt for a light, citrusy sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or a crisp prosecco to cleanse the palate and highlight the dish's bright, lemony essence.

Take a New Approach to Salmon with Orzo

• Gluten-Free Zucchini Rice Swap: Replace orzo with cauliflower rice or brown rice for a gluten-free alternative that maintains the dish's creamy texture and nutritional value.
• Vegetarian Mediterranean Version: Substitute salmon with grilled halloumi cheese or plant-based protein like tofu, keeping the lemon and herb seasoning for rich Mediterranean flavors.
• Keto-Friendly Cauliflower Base: Use riced cauliflower instead of orzo, reducing carbohydrates while maintaining the dish's overall structure and adding extra vegetable nutrients.
• Low-Sodium Herb Alternative: Swap chicken broth with homemade vegetable stock or water, using fresh herbs like basil and rosemary to enhance flavor without added sodium.

FAQs

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare this salmon and orzo dish ahead of time. Store the salmon and orzo separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain the fish’s moisture and texture.

• Can I use a different type of fish?

Absolutely! Cod, halibut, or sea bass work great as substitutes. Just ensure the fish is fresh and adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the fillet. Thicker fillets might need slightly longer cooking.

• What if I don't have chicken broth?

No problem. You can substitute with vegetable broth or even water with a bouillon cube. The key is to maintain the liquid needed to cook the orzo properly and create a flavorful base.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

As written, no. The orzo contains wheat. To make it gluten-free, replace regular orzo with a gluten-free version made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Always check your broth and other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free.

One Skillet Salmon With Lemon Orzo Recipe

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4.5 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent one skillet salmon dances with zesty lemon orzo, creating a Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece of culinary simplicity. Delicate fish nestles alongside creamy pasta, promising a quick, elegant meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 salmon fillets

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) black pepper
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) freshly ground black pepper (for serving)
• Chili flakes (for serving)

Cooking and Complementary Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) unsalted butter
• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup (240 ml) dry orzo pasta
• 3 cups (720 ml) low sodium chicken broth
• 5 ounces (142 grams) baby spinach
• Juice from 1/2 lemon
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Meticulously prepare ingredients by chopping onions, mincing garlic, and thoroughly drying salmon fillets with paper towels. Generously season salmon with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper on both surfaces.
2. Ignite a skillet over medium-high heat, melding olive oil and butter until butter transforms into a golden liquid. Strategically position salmon skin-side down, searing for 3-4 minutes per side until achieving a crisp, caramelized exterior. Transfer salmon to a separate plate.
3. Reduce skillet temperature to medium, introducing minced garlic and diced onions. Sauté until aromatics become translucent and fragrant, approximately 2 minutes.
4. Incorporate thyme and raw orzo into the skillet, allowing grains to toast for one minute, which intensifies their nutty essence and prevents future mushiness.
5. Cascade chicken broth into the skillet, elevating heat to initiate boiling. Immediately lower temperature to medium-low, simmering uncovered and periodically stirring for 8 minutes until orzo absorbs liquid and reaches tender consistency.
6. Gently fold spinach into the mixture, cooking until leaves wilt completely, roughly 2 minutes. Drizzle lemon juice and sprinkle Parmesan, thoroughly integrating flavors. Adjust liquid if necessary by adding supplemental broth.
7. Reintroduce salmon to the skillet, nestling fillets atop orzo. Allow fish to warm through for 2-3 minutes, occasionally spooning orzo mixture over the surface to enhance flavor absorption.
8. Culminate by garnishing with freshly cracked black pepper and optional chili flakes for a subtle kick. Serve immediately while ingredients maintain optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

• Pat salmon fillets completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear without steaming.
• Toast orzo briefly before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent mushiness during cooking.
• Choose fresh, high-quality salmon for the best texture and taste in this one-skillet meal.
• Adapt the recipe for dietary needs by substituting chicken broth with vegetable broth for vegetarian version or using gluten-free orzo for gluten-sensitive individuals.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 70mg