This mediterranean salmon and orzo skillet cooks up in half-hour for a fast and simple weeknight dinner. It’s flavorful, full of protein and really easy to make!
Some meals simply hit completely different, and this Mediterranean salmon and orzo skillet is considered one of them.
It’s received the whole lot from flaky, completely cooked salmon, tender orzo, a mixture of Mediterranean-inspired elements like roasted purple peppers and artichokes and toasted pine nuts for some crunch. It’s a type of taste combos you didn’t know you wanted however gained’t be capable of cease excited about when you make it!
This recipe was impressed by a meal we received from Inexperienced Chef, the meal package supply service that we use generally. It was so flavorful and scrumptious, I simply needed to recreate it! This floor turkey pasta was one other Inexperienced Chef recreation for those who’re considering making an attempt that one too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Protein-packed – Between the salmon, pine nuts and orzo, this meal is full of 39 grams of protein.
- Flavorful – It’s savory, barely candy, herby, tangy, and filled with texture—each chunk is one thing new.
- Simple to make – This recipe cooks up in about half-hour, making it perfect for nights if you need one thing wholesome, however must get dinner on the desk quick.
- Naturally balanced – You’ve received protein, wholesome carbs, and fiber multi function dish, so no want to consider facet dishes until you need to!
Substances Wanted
- orzo – orzo appears form of like rice, nevertheless it’s really pasta! It’s produced from wheat so steer clear you probably have a gluten intolerance or allergy. I like to purchase entire wheat orzo as a result of it comprises extra fiber than common, however common orzo works completely for this recipe.
- salmon fillets – I take advantage of 6 oz fillets, however you possibly can regulate primarily based on what you may have. Search for wild-caught if potential for the perfect taste and texture.
- swiss chard – provides a pop of coloration and loads of vitamins.
- roasted purple bell peppers – brings a delicate sweetness and smoky taste.
- artichoke hearts – briny, tender, and full of Mediterranean taste.
- garlic – as a result of each nice dish wants garlic, proper?
- medjool date – a bit of surprising, however belief me, the trace of sweetness balances the whole lot superbly.
- pine nuts – toasted for a crunchy, nutty topping.
Discover the complete ingredient record with measurements within the recipe card under.
Substitutions
- Swap the greens: Swiss chard can simply be swapped for spinach, kale, and even arugula—simply add delicate greens like arugula on the very finish since they wilt rapidly.
- Grain various: In the event you don’t have orzo, strive couscous, farro, and even quinoa for a gluten-free possibility.
- Protein swap: Salmon works superbly right here, however shrimp, and even tofu are nice alternate options if you wish to swap issues up.
- Swap the nuts: Pine nuts add a pleasant crunch, however toasted almonds, walnuts, and even sunflower seeds can work simply as effectively.
- Dairy-free: Use a vegan feta cheese just like the Comply with Your Coronary heart dairy-free feta crumbles.
How one can Make Salmon and Orzo Skillet
Step 1: Prepare dinner orzo in response to the package deal directions, till al dente, stirring often. Drain, shake off extra water and return to pot. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon olive oil. Stir to coat.
Step 2: Toast pine nuts in a medium dry oven-safe skillet over medium warmth. Toast 3-4 minutes, or till aromatic, shaking pan regularly. As soon as cool, roughly chop and put aside.
Step 3: Take away and discard any thick middle stems from inexperienced chard. Roughly chop leaves into bite-size items.
Step 4: Warmth 1 ½ Tablespoons oil in pan used for pine nuts over medium-high warmth. Add salmon to scorching pan, skin-side up. Sear for about 3 minutes. Flip salmon, then switch skillet to oven and roast for about 5-7 minutes, or till salmon is totally cooked.
Step 5: Whereas salmon is baking, cook dinner veggies. Warmth 1 Tablespoon oil in a big skillet over medium-high warmth. As soon as scorching, add chard, roasted purple peppers, artichokes and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Prepare dinner 2-3 minutes, or till chard has wilted.
Step 6: Switch orzo to pan with veggies. Add dates, chopped basil and lemon zest. Stir to mix. Divide orzo with veggies between plates. High with salmon. Squeeze recent lemon juice over every plate and garnish with toasted pine nuts and feta, if utilizing. Get pleasure from!
Brittany’s Suggestions
- Don’t overcook the orzo: Prepare dinner it simply till al dente since it’ll proceed to soak up taste when blended with the veggies.
- Make it your personal: This dish is tremendous adaptable! Strive including olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or perhaps a sprinkle of purple pepper flakes for additional warmth.
How one can Serve
This Mediterranean salmon and orzo skillet is an entire meal by itself, however listed below are just a few methods to serve it up:
- With a recent salad – Pair it with a easy arugula salad or my kale salad for additional greens and crunch. Or, hold the Mediterranean vibes going with my Greek salad.
- Alongside roasted veggies – If you wish to bulk up the meal, serve with air fryer carrots or roasted broccoli for much more taste.
- As a meal prep possibility – Retailer leftovers in particular person containers for a simple grab-and-go lunch that reheats superbly.
How one can Retailer
Fridge – Retailer leftovers in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 3 days. The flavors meld collectively much more in a single day, making it a terrific meal prep possibility!
Reheating – Heat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low warmth with a splash of water or broth to maintain the orzo from drying out. It’s also possible to microwave it in 30-second intervals till heated by way of.
Regularly Requested Questions
Sure! This recipe works effectively with different agency fish like cod, halibut, or trout. Simply regulate the cook dinner time primarily based on the thickness of the fillets.
As written, no, since orzo is a sort of pasta. However you possibly can simply swap it for a gluten-free grain like quinoa or rice to make it gluten-free.
Ensure you don’t overcook it! Use a meat thermometer and take away the salmon from the oven as soon as it reaches 125-130°F for medium-rare or 135-140°F for medium. It can proceed cooking barely because it rests.
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