When the day’s hustle leaves us yearning for a comforting yet straightforward meal, Salmon with Lemon Orzo emerges as a weeknight hero. This dish masterfully balances tender salmon fillets with creamy, zesty orzo, offering a harmonious blend of protein, carbs, and fiber.
The subtle kick from spices adds just the right amount of warmth. Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or considering a poultry twist, this recipe’s versatility caters to all palates. It’s a game-changer in our kitchen—and it might be in yours too.
Key Features That Make This Dish a Weeknight Star
One-Pan Wonder
Minimal cleanup means more time to kick back. Everything cooks together in one skillet. That’s right—fewer dishes, more flavor.
Adjustable Spice Levels
You’re the boss of the heat. Add chili flakes or tone it down. Either way, it’s going to be bold and delicious.
Loaded with Nutrients
Kale, peas, lemon, and coconut milk team up to bring vitamins, texture, and depth of flavor into this dish.
Ingredients Overview: What You’ll Need for Salmon with Lemon Orzo
For the Salmon:
4 salmon fillets (4-6 oz each)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dry parsley
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Lemon Orzo:
1 cup dry orzo
2 cups shredded kale
1 cup frozen peas
2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 cup full-fat coconut milk
1 tbsp butter (dairy or vegan)
2 shallots, diced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
Juice from 1/2 lemon
1 tbsp lemon zest
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp chili flakes
Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Seared Salmon with Lemon Orzo
Sear the Salmon to Perfection
Start by patting salmon fillets dry. Combine the paprika, garlic powder, smoked paprika, parsley, salt, and pepper, then rub it generously on both sides of each fillet.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the salmon skin-side down and sear for about 3-4 minutes per side. When both sides are golden, transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Build the Flavor Base
In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add shallots and sauté until they’re soft and translucent. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Toss in orzo, lemon zest, chili flakes, salt, and pepper, toasting it slightly to build extra flavor.
Let the Orzo Simmer in Creamy Goodness
Pour in the broth and coconut milk. Stir in kale and peas, then cover and let it simmer on low heat for 10–12 minutes. Stir every few minutes to prevent sticking.
Bring It All Together
Once the orzo is creamy and tender, stir in the lemon juice. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Gently place the salmon back on top of the orzo, cover the pan, and cook for another 5–6 minutes to finish.
Serving Suggestions for Salmon with Lemon Orzo
Serve hot, right out of the pan. Garnish with fresh parsley and a few extra lemon wedges for that citrusy punch. Craving more heat? A sprinkle of chili flakes does the trick.
Tips & Modifications: Make It Your Own
Make Ahead Option: Stop just before adding the liquids and store. Resume cooking when ready to eat.
Protein Swap: Chicken thighs or breasts work just as well using the same spice rub and method.
Control the Heat: Reduce chili flakes for a milder dish or add more for bold flavor.
Fully Cooked Salmon: Sear for 5–6 mins per side if you prefer fully done salmon before combining.
Nutrition & Meal Planning Benefits
Salmon with Lemon Orzo hits all the right macros: protein, fiber, and healthy fats. It’s easy to adapt to a dairy-free diet with plant-based butter. It’s one of those Easy Mediterranean Diet Recipes that tastes indulgent but keeps your nutrition on track.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to rehydrate the orzo. Heat on low to keep the salmon juicy—not dry.
Perfect for Fans of the Mediterranean Diet
Looking for Mediterranean Meals that are packed with flavor and easy to make? This is it. From lemon and olive oil to veggies and healthy fats, this is one of those Easy Mediterranean Diet wins you’ll return to again and again.
This also falls perfectly under the “Fish Dinner Recipes” category. Light, zesty, satisfying, and good for you.
More Delicious Fish Dinners to Try Next
Seared Salmon with Lemon Orzo
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets 4-6 oz each, skin on or off
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dry parsley
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Lemon Orzo:
- 1 cup dry orzo
- 2 cups shredded kale
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1 tbsp butter dairy or vegan
- 2 shallots diced
- 2 cloves garlic crushed
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat salmon dry and rub with a mix of paprika, garlic powder, smoked paprika, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Sear salmon skin-side down for 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter. Add diced shallots and cook until translucent. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in orzo, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Toast for 2 minutes while stirring.
- Pour in broth and coconut milk. Add kale and peas. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce to simmer and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in lemon juice. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Return salmon to pan, nestling it into the orzo. Cover and cook for 5–6 more minutes on low heat.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra lemon juice. Serve immediately.
Notes
- If meal prepping, pause after adding liquids and finish cooking right before dinner.
- For fully cooked salmon, sear each side 5–6 minutes initially.
- Great with chicken instead of salmon.
- Add more chili flakes for extra heat or reduce for a milder taste.
Final Thoughts: Our Go-To Salmon with Lemon Orzo Dinner
When we say we’re obsessed with Seared Salmon with Lemon Orzo, we mean it. It checks every box—easy, healthy, comforting, and company-worthy. It feels like something you’d order at a restaurant, but you made it at home. That’s the sweet spot right there.
Whether you’re following a Mediterranean Diet, craving wholesome Fish Recipes Healthy, or just want something delicious with minimal dishes—this recipe is here for you.
And if you love this one, don’t miss our Salmon Air Fryer Recipe and Baked Salmon in Oven for more easy wins in the kitchen.
