Description
A delightful and easy weeknight meal featuring crispy salmon paired with creamy lemon orzo, bright cherry tomatoes, and fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon butter (for finishing)
- Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat and season the salmon with salt and pepper. Sear salmon skin-side down for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Add minced garlic to the same skillet, sauté for 30-60 seconds until golden but not burned.
- Add orzo to the skillet, stir to coat, then pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover partially, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in lemon juice, zest, and cherry tomatoes. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, taste, and season as needed.
- Spoon the creamy orzo onto plates, top each with a salmon fillet, and sprinkle with parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
For added richness, consider adding a tablespoon of butter at the end or sautéing a shallot with the garlic for depth. Leftovers can be reheated gently with a splash of broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: salmon, orzo, Mediterranean, lemon, weeknight meal