Go Back
Seared Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Seared Salmon with Lemon Orzo

This Mediterranean-inspired dish combines perfectly seared salmon fillets with bright, lemony orzo pasta. Fresh ingredients including baby spinach, shallots, garlic, and fresh dill create a nutritionally balanced meal that's both indulgent and nourishing. Ready in about 30 minutes, this recipe offers restaurant-quality flavors perfect for busy weeknights.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 2 4-6 ounce salmon fillets
  • 1 tsp avocado oil (good for high heat cooking)
  • Salt + pepper
  • 2/3 cup dry orzo
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 2 large cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small shallot, chopped
  • 4 cups baby spinach (see notes for other veggie ideas!)
  • 1 lemon (zest + juice)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
  • Salt + pepper, to taste

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large pan
  • strainer
  • Cutting board
  • knife

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Bring a pot of water to boil for the orzo. Brush salmon with avocado oil on both sides. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  2. Once water is boiling, cook orzo according to package directions (about 6-7 minutes). Drain and return to warm pot when done.
  3. Meanwhile, heat 1 Tbsp of olive oil on a large pan. Sauté garlic and shallot, about 2 minutes. Then add baby spinach and sauté until wilted, another 2 minutes.
  4. Transfer sautéed veggie mixture to pot of drained orzo. Add in remaining olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped dill, and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together well.
  5. Reheat the same pan you cooked the veggies, until the pan is hot enough that a drop of water sizzles. Place the salmon, skin side down, and cook for 5-6 minutes (depending on thickness). It should be fairly opaque along the sides. Then, flip salmon, skin side up, and turn off heat. Allow to cook for another 2-3 minutes, until done. Salmon should be entirely cooked, but still nice and tender on the inside!
  6. Divide orzo mixture into 2 bowls, then top each with cooked salmon. Enjoy warm!

Notes

For customization, try substituting spinach with kale or arugula, or add cherry tomatoes or capers. The salmon sears best when the pan is properly hot before adding the fish - don't move it around too much to develop a good crust. Make sure to zest the lemon before juicing for maximum flavor.