Description
One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is a vibrant and simple meal combining tender salmon fillets with zesty lemon, fresh herbs, and creamy plant-based cheese, all cooked quickly in one pan for minimal cleanup. This wholesome dish balances protein, carbs, and healthy fats with bright and fresh flavors, making it a perfect nutritious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 fresh skin-on salmon fillets
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Orzo and Aromatics
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Liquids and Flavorings
- 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Finishing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese, shredded or crumbled
- Extra chopped fresh herbs for garnish (parsley or dill)
- Olive oil for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry and season generously with salt and black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for about 4 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden. Flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until just cooked through. Remove salmon from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add a little extra olive oil if needed. Add minced garlic and fresh parsley, dill, and thyme. Stir for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, building a flavorful base for the orzo.
- Cook the Orzo: Add orzo pasta to the skillet, stirring to coat with the garlic and herb mixture. Pour in vegetable broth along with lemon juice and zest. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat to a simmer, cover the skillet, and cook for about 10 minutes until orzo is tender and liquid mostly absorbed.
- Finish with Plant-Based Cheese and Salmon: Stir in plant-based cheese into the warm orzo to melt and create a creamy texture. Nestle cooked salmon fillets back into the skillet, pressing gently to combine flavors and warm through for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with extra chopped herbs and optionally drizzle with olive oil. Serve hot as a nourishing, effortless meal.
Notes
- Use fresh salmon fillets for best flavor and texture.
- Monitor the orzo while cooking to avoid overcooking; it should be tender but slightly firm.
- Keep lemon zest handy and add more at the end for enhanced brightness.
- Cook over medium or medium-low heat to prevent garlic and herbs from burning.
- Stir plant-based cheese off the heat to melt it gently without separating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: salmon, lemon orzo, one skillet meal, plant-based cheese, gluten free, quick dinner, healthy recipe, Mediterranean
