Go Back
–+ servings
Salmon and orzo recipe with lemon and greek-inspired flavors in a large non-stick skillet
Print Recipe
5 from 4 votes

Lemon Salmon Orzo Recipe (One Pan)

The best one-pan dinner for busy weeknights. This salmon orzo recipe with lemon and Greek flavors is healthy and satisfying.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Greek, Mediterranean
Keyword: Balanced, Easy, Healthy, High Protein, One Pan, Pescatarian, Simple
Servings: 4
Author: Miranda Galati, MHSc, RD

Equipment

Ingredients

Salmon

  • 4 skinless salmon fillets 4-6 ounces each
  • salt and pepper

Orzo

  • 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

Instructions

  • Generously season both sides of your salmon with salt and pepper and set aside.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Add asparagus, herbs, salt, pepper, orzo, and chicken broth. Stir until ingredients are evenly distributed. Your orzo should be completely covered by the broth.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 408kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 686mg | Potassium: 1003mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 951IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 105mg | Iron: 4mg