Lemon Orzo and Salmon

Featured in: Main Dishes

This 35-minute dish pairs salmon fillets with creamy orzo, greens like kale and peas, all cooked together in a rich coconut-milk-based sauce. Balanced and satisfying.

Twistytaste.com
Updated on Tue, 29 Apr 2025 19:49:46 GMT
A pan filled with creamy orzo, sautéed kale, peas, and golden salmon topped with fresh lemon and herbs. Pin it
A pan filled with creamy orzo, sautéed kale, peas, and golden salmon topped with fresh lemon and herbs. | twistytaste.com

Single-pan Citrus Orzo with Salmon brings together flaky fish, soft pasta, and tangy lemon in one comforting dish. It's an easy, nutritious option that works perfectly for busy evenings when you need something tasty without much fuss.

An Effortless Meal All In One

I stumbled upon this idea when life got hectic and I couldn't spend hours cooking. The magic happens when the orzo drinks up all the tasty flavors while the salmon stays moist and tender. And let's be real—cleaning just one pan at dinner's end makes my night so much better.

Ingredients List

  • Salmon Fillets: Four pieces around 4-6 oz each, with or without skin based on what you like, thawed if using frozen.
  • Seasonings: Regular paprika, smoky paprika, powdered garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to boost the salmon's taste.
  • Orzo: 1 cup, dry; tiny rice-shaped pasta that creates a smooth foundation.
  • Coconut Milk: One can (full-fat) to give the sauce its rich, creamy texture.
  • Vegetable Broth: 1 cup, low-sodium type to cook the pasta and round out the flavors.
  • Lemon: Fresh juice and grated peel for that sunny, tangy kick.
  • Shallots and Garlic: Two small shallots diced finely and two cloves minced to build flavor depth.
  • Greens: 1 cup torn kale and 1/2 cup green peas for extra nutrients and pop.
  • Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for cooking the salmon.
  • Butter: 2 tablespoons (regular or plant-based) for cooking aromatics and making everything tastier.

Cooking Instructions

Prep and Cook the Salmon
Sprinkle salmon with paprika, smoky paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Warm olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook salmon for 3-4 minutes per side, then take it out and set aside.
Start the Pasta Mix
Turn down the heat, drop butter in the pan, and cook shallots and garlic until they smell good. Add orzo, lemon zest, and a bit more spices. Let it toast for 2 minutes.
Pour in Liquids and Add Veggies
Add the broth and coconut milk. Mix in the kale and peas. Let everything bubble gently for 10-12 minutes, giving it a stir now and then until the orzo gets soft.
Put It All Together
Stir in fresh lemon juice and put the salmon back in the pan. Let it warm through on low heat for 5-6 minutes. Top with parsley and a squeeze of lemon before you serve it.

Tips For Success

After trying this dish many times I've picked up some useful tips. Always sear the salmon first because it leaves tasty bits in the pan that make everything more flavorful. Watch your orzo as it cooks and stir it regularly so it doesn't stick to the bottom. And that final squeeze of fresh lemon juice isn't optional—it wakes up all the flavors.

Storage Ideas

This meal tastes best right after cooking but stays good in your fridge for a couple days. When you warm it up add a little broth to bring the sauce back to life and heat it slowly so you don't overcook the fish. The funny thing is the flavors sometimes get even better overnight so you might enjoy the leftovers even more.

A pan of orzo pasta topped with two pieces of grilled salmon, garnished with parsley and served with peas and kale, alongside a slice of lemon. Pin it
A pan of orzo pasta topped with two pieces of grilled salmon, garnished with parsley and served with peas and kale, alongside a slice of lemon. | twistytaste.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why not cook the salmon all the way first?

The salmon finishes cooking when mixed back in with the orzo. This way, it stays juicy and doesn't overcook.

→ What's the reason for choosing coconut milk?

Coconut milk gives the dish a creamy texture without dairy. It also adds a light sweetness to balance the flavors.

→ Why should I stir orzo so often?

Frequent stirring stops the orzo from sticking to the pan and ensures it cooks evenly in the liquid.

→ Can I swap the veggies?

Of course! Use any fast-cooking veggies instead of kale and peas. Just adjust the cooking time.

→ Why remove the extra oil after cooking salmon?

Getting rid of excess oil keeps the dish fresh and lets the flavors of the lemon and herbs come through nicely.

Lemon Orzo and Salmon

An easy one-pan dish featuring juicy salmon, creamy lemon orzo, kale, and peas. Ready in only 35 minutes.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Fusion-Italian

Yield: 4 Servings (Serves 4 people)

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 4 pieces of salmon.
02 1 tbsp of olive oil.
03 1 tsp paprika powder.
04 1 tsp dried parsley flakes.
05 Half a tsp of garlic powder.
06 A quarter tsp smoked paprika.
07 One cup of dry orzo pasta.
08 Two cups kale, shredded.
09 Frozen peas, one cup.
10 Vegetable broth, low-sodium, two cups.
11 Coconut milk (full-fat), one cup.
12 1 tbsp butter.
13 Two shallots finely chopped.
14 Crushed garlic, two cloves.
15 Juice from half a lemon.
16 1 tbsp grated lemon peel.
17 Half tsp salt.
18 1/2 tsp ground black pepper.
19 A pinch of chili flakes (1/4 tsp).

Instructions

Step 01

Mix up the spices and coat the salmon with them all over.

Step 02

Heat olive oil and cook salmon fillets for a few minutes on each side until crispy. Take out and clean the pan lightly.

Step 03

Melt butter in the pan and sauté the garlic and shallots. Toss in orzo, season it, and then mix in coconut milk, broth, and veggies.

Step 04

Cover the pot and let it cook for around 10 minutes, stirring every now and then. Add lemon juice and season as needed.

Step 05

Put the salmon back into the pan, cover it, and cook for another five minutes. Sprinkle parsley on top before serving.

Notes

  1. Both regular and plant-based butter will work fine.
  2. Don’t forget to stir often, so nothing sticks.
  3. Salmon will keep cooking alongside the orzo.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet with a fitted lid.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains fish (salmon).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~