Delicious skillet salmon served with lemon orzo on a white plate

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Why make this recipe

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is a simple and delightful meal. It’s quick to prepare and uses just one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. This dish brings together the healthy benefits of salmon, the zesty flavor of lemon, and the comforting texture of orzo pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is sure to impress your family and guests.

How to make One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Ingredients:

  • 2 salmon fillets
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Directions:

  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper, and add them to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through.
  3. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add the orzo and toast for about 2 minutes.
  5. Pour in the broth, lemon juice, and zest. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
  6. Reduce heat to simmer, cover, and cook the orzo for about 10 minutes or until it’s tender and absorbed the liquid.
  7. Fluff the orzo with a fork, then place the salmon on top.
  8. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

How to serve One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Serve this dish warm, right from the skillet. It looks beautiful with the bright colors of the lemon and parsley. You may want to add an extra lemon wedge on the side for a burst of fresh flavor when eating.

How to store One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. The dish can stay fresh for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth to keep the orzo moist.

Tips to make One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

  • Make sure not to overcook the salmon. It should be flaky but still moist.
  • You can add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes to the orzo for extra nutrition and flavor.
  • Taste the orzo before serving to adjust the seasoning if needed.

Variation (if any)

You can easily swap the salmon for another fish, like trout or cod, if you prefer. Additionally, using whole wheat orzo can make this dish healthier.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon fillets?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

What can I use instead of orzo?
You can substitute orzo with any small pasta shape, such as rice or couscous.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it can be a great meal prep option! Just store the salmon and orzo in separate containers to maintain freshness.

one skillet salmon with lemon orzo 2026 03 17 133543 683x1024 1

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

A quick and delightful meal featuring salmon, lemon, and orzo pasta, all cooked in one skillet for easy preparation and cleanup.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 fillets salmon fillets Make sure not to overcook for perfect texture.
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 whole lemon (zested and juiced) Provides zesty flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking the salmon.
  • to taste Salt and pepper Adjust according to preference.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish) Adds a fresh touch to the dish.

Method
 

Cooking the Salmon
  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper, and add them to the skillet.
  3. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through.
  4. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
Cooking the Orzo
  1. In the same skillet, add the orzo and toast for about 2 minutes.
  2. Pour in the broth, lemon juice, and zest. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat to simmer, cover, and cook the orzo for about 10 minutes or until tender and absorbed liquid.
  4. Fluff the orzo with a fork, then place the salmon on top.
  5. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve warm directly from the skillet, optionally with an extra lemon wedge. For storage, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat with a splash of broth for moisture.

Similar Posts