![One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is a quick and tasty dish. It combines salmon and orzo pasta in one pan. You get bright flavors from lemon and fresh herbs. This meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner. - 2 fresh salmon fillets - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 medium lemon (zested and juiced) - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish To make this dish, you will need a few tools: - A medium-sized pot for boiling orzo - A large skillet for cooking salmon and orzo - A sharp knife for cutting herbs and lemon - A cutting board for safe food prep - A serving plate to present your meal Gather these tools to help you create your delicious meal. When you have everything ready, the cooking will be easy and fun! You can find the full recipe in the earlier section. First, grab a medium pot and fill it with vegetable broth. Bring the broth to a boil over medium heat. Once it bubbles, add 1 cup of orzo pasta. Cook the orzo according to the package directions, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Stir it occasionally to prevent it from sticking. When the orzo is al dente, drain it and set it aside. This will be the base for our salmon dish. While the orzo cooks, take a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Season the 2 salmon fillets with sea salt, black pepper, and half of the lemon zest. Make sure to coat both sides. Once the oil is hot, place the salmon skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Your goal is a golden brown color and salmon that flakes easily with a fork. Once done, transfer the salmon to a plate and set it aside. In the same skillet, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. You want the garlic to be fragrant but not burnt. Next, add the drained orzo to the skillet, along with the dried oregano, dried thyme, the remaining lemon zest, and the juice from the lemon. Stir everything well and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Taste your dish and add more salt or pepper if you like. Finally, return the salmon to the skillet, gently placing it into the orzo mixture to warm through for another 2 minutes. When ready, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving. This simple meal is quick and full of flavor, making it a perfect choice for any night of the week. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To cook salmon just right, start with fresh fillets. Look for bright color and a firm texture. Season each fillet with salt and pepper. This adds flavor and helps with browning. Cook the salmon skin-side down in a hot skillet. It should sizzle right away! Aim for about 4-5 minutes on each side. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. If you want a crispier skin, press down gently with a spatula. You can boost flavors in this dish easily. Use fresh herbs like dill or basil instead of dried oregano or thyme. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. If you prefer, swap the orzo for another small pasta. Quinoa or couscous works well too. For a richer taste, add a splash of white wine to the orzo. Always adjust salt and pepper to your taste as you cook. How you serve your meal can impress guests. Place the orzo in the center of each plate. Lay the salmon fillet gently on top. A slice of lemon adds a bright touch. Sprinkle fresh parsley all over for a splash of green. You can even add edible flowers for a fancy look. This makes your dish pop with color and charm. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. {{image_4}} You can swap salmon for other seafood. Try sea bass, trout, or shrimp. Each brings a unique taste and texture. Adjust cooking times based on the seafood you choose. For shrimp, cook until they turn pink and curl. For sea bass, follow similar steps to salmon. The key is to ensure your seafood is fresh. If you want a veggie twist, use seasonal vegetables. Try zucchini, asparagus, or spinach for a bright touch. Sauté the veggies in the skillet before adding the orzo. This adds color and nutrients to your meal. You can even mix in some peas or bell peppers for extra crunch. Stir them in with the orzo for great flavor. Boost the flavor of your dish with herbs and spices. Fresh dill, basil, or chives enhance the lemony taste. You can also add a splash of white wine for depth. A bit of red pepper flakes adds heat, if you like spice. For a creamy texture, consider a dollop of Greek yogurt or a splash of cream right before serving. Mix and match to find your favorite flavors. Follow the [Full Recipe] for a quick guide, and enjoy the fun of making your own variations! After enjoying your meal, let the leftovers cool down. Place the salmon and orzo in an airtight container. Make sure to separate the salmon from the orzo if you prefer. Store it in the fridge. It will last for 2-3 days. When you are ready to eat again, take the leftovers out of the fridge. You can reheat them in the microwave. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. If you prefer, you can reheat in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. If you want to save it longer, you can freeze the leftovers. Place the salmon and orzo in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to label it with the date. It can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy later, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This way, you can savor this meal whenever you like! Check the [Full Recipe] for more delicious ideas. Yes, you can use other pasta types. Smaller shapes like ditalini or couscous work well. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time. Check the package for the right time to cook. You want the pasta to be al dente, just like orzo. The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork. Look for a nice golden crust on the outside. The inside should be opaque and not translucent. You can also use a food thermometer; it should read 145°F (63°C) when done. For sides, I recommend a fresh salad or steamed veggies. Roasted asparagus or green beans add great flavor, too. You could also serve crusty bread to soak up the lemony sauce. These sides balance the meal well and add more color to your plate. This blog post explored a tasty salmon and orzo dish. We discussed the key ingredients, tools, and step-by-step instructions needed for success. I shared tips for cooking and enhancing flavors, plus ideas for variations using different seafood and vegetables. In short, use these insights to make a dish everyone will enjoy. Don't forget to store leftovers properly for later! This meal can be simple and fun, so dive in and enjoy every bite.](https://recipesstation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/029c64d4-1eb5-43a6-8add-c601aa6bde0b-250x250.webp)
One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo
Indulge in a flavorful dinner with this Lemon Zest Skillet Salmon with Herbed Orzo! This easy recipe showcases tender salmon fillets paired with perfectly cooked orzo pasta infused with aromatic herbs and zesty lemon. In just 30 minutes, you can create a delicious meal that's both healthy and satisfying. Click through for the full recipe and elevate your dinner game tonight!