Description
Salmon with Lemon Orzo is a vibrant dish that features flaky salmon fillets served atop luscious lemon-infused orzo and accompanied by crisp asparagus. This delightful meal bursts with refreshing flavors, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Quick to prepare and visually appealing, it’s sure to impress your family and friends while celebrating the joys of fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup asparagus, trimmed
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Rinse asparagus and trim tough ends.
- Cook orzo: Boil salted water, add orzo, and cook until al dente (approx. 8 minutes). Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
- Sauté garlic and asparagus: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; add garlic and asparagus; sauté until bright green (about 5 minutes).
- Cook salmon: Push asparagus aside; add seasoned salmon fillets skin-side down; cook for 6 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 4 minutes until flaky.
- Combine: Add cooked orzo, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss to coat.
- Serve: Plate the dish with orzo and asparagus alongside each salmon fillet; drizzle with extra lemon juice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with orzo (approx. 250g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: For added flavor, substitute lemon with lime or include fresh herbs like dill. Feel free to add seasonal vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.