Lemon Salmon Orzo Recipe (One Pan)

Name: Lemon Salmon Orzo Recipe (One Pan)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 4 skinless salmon fillets (4-6 ounces each); salt and pepper; 1 Tbsp olive oil; 1 bunch asparagus (trimmed and chopped into half-inch pieces); 3-4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tsp each dried oregano, dried parsley, dried dill; 3/4 tsp salt; black pepper; 1 cup dry orzo pasta; 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1/2 lemon (for juicing); 2-3 Tbsp crumbled feta cheese; 2-3 Tbsp sliced olives (optional)

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by Miranda Galati, MHSc, RD on August 15, 2024

The best one-pan dinner for busy weeknights. This salmon orzo recipe with lemon and Greek flavors is healthy and satisfying.

Salmon and orzo recipe with lemon and greek-inspired flavors in a large non-stick skillet

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Making salmon has never felt easier with this fool-proof salmon orzo recipe.

Made in one pan in under 20 minutes, this simple recipe for salmon and orzo makes the most flavorful and satisfying weeknight dinner. It’s loaded with Greek-inspired flavors from lemon, herbs, feta cheese, and olives.

It tastes super elevated — but it couldn’t be more simple to make.

This recipe is healthy, too! Each serving contains 34 grams of protein and heart-healthy fats from the salmon. And I’m a dietitian, so of course you’re getting a good serving of veggies in every bite.

Why you’ll love this salmon orzo recipe

High protein: Each serving contains 34 grams of protein to keep you full and support your fitness goals.

20 minute recipe: The whole dish comes together in 20 minutes with minimal prep.

Super flavorful: Lemon, herbs, and feta cheese make this healthy meal taste satisfying and decadent.

Healthy fats: Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids to support your heart and brain health.

Versatile: Swap the veggie, change the spices, or add fresh herbs to make this salmon orzo recipe perfect for your taste buds.

Close-up photo of lemon salmon orzo recipe in a skillet with feta and olives

Ingredients in one pan salmon and orzo

Skinless salmon fillets: Look for 4-6 ounce fillets for this salmon orzo recipe. You could also use skin-on salmon, but I don’t like the texture quite as much for this dish.
Asparagus: We love a delicious dinner that’s loaded with veggies! Feel free to swap asparagus for other veggies you like such as zucchini, peas, or spinach. Make sure you’re chopping them small.
Garlic: You can use fresh or jarred. Feel free to measure this with your heart.
Dried herbs: Oregano, parsley, and dill make for a delicious Greek-inspired salmon orzo skillet. You’re welcome to add other spices and herbs here. Onion powder, garlic powder, and red chili flakes would be delicious too.
Salt and pepper: You’ll use this to generously coat the salmon fillets, and again when preparing the orzo skillet. I include measurements in the recipe card below, but feel free to adjust to your taste.
Orzo pasta: Dried orzo pasta is so delicious in this recipe because it makes for a creamy “orzotto” as the final dish. I wouldn’t recommend substituting other pasta shapes here.
Chicken or vegetable broth: You’ll cook the orzo in broth instead of water for extra flavor. I use water mixed with Better Than Bouillon instead of traditional packaged broth.
Lemon: You must use fresh lemon for this recipe! It ties all the flavors together and elevates the dish entirely.
Crumbled feta cheese and sliced olives: Both of these are optional garnishes, but so tasty. You could also top with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil.

Ingredients for salmon orzo recipe displayed in small bowls on a white kitchen counter

Dietary restrictions

Higher fiber and protein: Swap regular orzo pasta for chickpea or lentil orzo.

Lower sodium: Use a low sodium broth and reduce the salt to 1/2 teaspoon.

Dairy-free: Omit the feta cheese, or replace with a dairy-free cheese of choice.

How to make one pan salmon and orzo

Generously season both sides of your salmon with salt and pepper and set aside.

Four salmon fillets sitting on a white plate, seasoned with salt and pepper

Add olive oil to your skillet and heat to medium.

Cook salmon for about 2-minutes on each side or until the outside is crisp and golden. Don’t cook the salmon all the way through. It will continue cooking in the orzo later. Remove salmon from the pan and set aside.

Four salmon fillets in a non-stick skillet, uncooked side up

Partially cooked salmon fillets in a non-stick skillet with olive oil

Remove the skillet from the burner while you lower the heat to medium-low. Return to the burner after 1-2 minutes so the pan can cool down. Add garlic and stir. Cook until just fragrant, about 1-minute.

Finely chopped garlic in a non-stick skillet with olive oil

Add asparagus, herbs, salt, pepper, orzo, and chicken broth. Stir until ingredients are evenly distributed. Your orzo should be completely covered by the broth.

All ingredients or lemon salmon orzo skillet in a pan, unstirred

Add salmon fillets on top of orzo mixture. Cover, and cook for 8-12 minutes. It’s done when orzo is cooked and most liquid has been absorbed.

Salmon and orzo recipe prepared in a skillet, before the orzo has completed cooking

Lemon salmon orzo recipe done cooking in a non-stick skillet

Uncover, and test orzo for doneness. Top with freshly squeezed lemon juice once orzo is done cooking.

Turn off the heat. Let it rest uncovered over the burner for 5 minutes. Your skillet might look a bit liquidy but it will continue to set-up as it rests. If desired, plate your salmon first and give the orzo a quick stir to incorporate the juices. Sprinkle with feta cheese and olives if desired.

What else can you add to this orzo and salmon recipe?

Baby spinach
Fresh peas
Lemon zest
Cherry tomatoes
Diced shallot
Parmesan cheese
Fresh herbs
Pesto
Sun-dried tomatoes
Chili flakes or chili oil

How to store salmon and orzo leftovers

Store leftovers in individually portioned food containers in the fridge. They will stay good for up to three days.

To re-heat, flake the salmon with a fork and microwave for 60-90 seconds. Add a splash of water before heating to keep moist. Stir frequently until heated through.

You can also re-heat over medium-low heat in a non-stick skillet.

Salmon and orzo in a skillet with a big scoop taken out

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Non-stick skillet

Top tips for making lemon salmon orzo recipe

Generously season your salmon fillets with salt and pepper before browning.
Start with less cooking time than you think to avoid mushy orzo. If your orzo package suggests 9 minutes, start with 8 and test for doneness before adding more cooking time.
It’s normal for your salmon and orzo skillet to look liquidy before serving. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving, and give it a stir if needed. It all comes together in the end!
Feel free to add extra lemon juice before serving your salmon orzo recipe.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use skin-on salmon fillets?

Yes, you can! When browning your salmon, start with the skin-side down. When placing salmon in your orzo skillet, keep the skin side down as well.

Can I use a chickpea or lentil orzo instead of regular?

Yes! You can use chickpea or lentil orzo for extra fiber and protein if desired. But these alternative pastas can overcook easily, so make sure to follow package directions for cooking time. Test your orzo as needed for doneness.

Can I swap the asparagus for another vegetable?

Sure! Feel free to swap the asparagus for other quick-cooking vegetables like chopped zucchini, fresh peas, chopped broccoli, or even baby spinach (you’ll want to stir this in at the end). I also think cherry tomatoes or chopped kale would be delicious in this salmon orzo recipe.