One-pan Lemon Orzo and Salmon Recipe

If you love vibrant flavors and crave healthy meals that come together with minimal cleanup, One-pan Lemon Orzo and Salmon will absolutely become your next weeknight hero. This dish marries juicy, perfectly spiced salmon with bright, creamy lemon orzo, fresh greens, and pops of sweet peas—all in a single pan, all in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of One-pan Lemon Orzo and Salmon lies in its harmonious blend of simple, everyday ingredients that deliver pops of color, creamy richness, and layers of flavor. Each component shines in this recipe, so choose fresh where you can—your taste buds will thank you!

• Salmon fillets (4, skin on or off): Fresh or thawed salmon delivers tender, flaky bites with rich flavor—choose skin-on for crispness.
• Olive oil (1 tbsp): Adds richness and helps achieve a golden sear on your salmon.
• Paprika (1 tsp) and smoked paprika (1/4 tsp): A combo that adds color and a hint of smoky depth.
• Dry parsley (1 tsp): Lends subtle herby notes that perk up the salmon.
• Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): For a gentle, mellow garlic flavor in every bite.
• Salt & pepper: Essential for brightening all the flavors, both for the fish and the orzo.
• Orzo (1 cup, dry): This rice-shaped pasta is the velvety base that soaks up every drop of lemony sauce.
• Shredded kale (2 cups): Adds a hearty, nourishing green bite that wilts beautifully.
• Frozen peas (1 cup): These little jewels bring sweetness and an appealing pop of color.
• Vegetable broth or water (2 cups, low-sodium): The broth infuses the orzo with a subtle savory backbone.
• Full-fat coconut milk (1 cup): Makes the sauce wonderfully creamy and lush, with a hint of sweetness.
• Butter (1 tbsp, dairy or plant-based): For rich, glossy flavor—choose what fits your needs.
• Shallots (2, diced): Shallots caramelize quickly and give a sweet, nuanced base to the orzo.
• Garlic cloves (2, crushed): Elevates the fragrance and depth throughout the dish.
• Lemon juice (from 1/2 lemon): The zingy backbone that makes the whole pan sing.
• Lemon zest (1 tbsp): Doubles down on the fresh citrus aroma.
• Chili flakes (1/4 tsp, plus more to taste): For just the right amount of warmth in every mouthful.
• Fresh parsley: A bright finishing touch for color and herby lift.

Variations

One of my favorite things about One-pan Lemon Orzo and Salmon is that it’s endlessly versatile! Feel free to swap in what you have or tweak the flavors to suit picky eaters—this is a recipe that loves a little creativity.

• Try Different Greens: Baby spinach, arugula, or Swiss chard work just as well as kale and bring their own unique flair.
• Go Dairy-Free: Simply use vegan butter or omit it—the coconut milk keeps everything decadent and creamy.
• Mix Up the Protein: Not a salmon fan? Substitute with trout fillets, shrimp, or even cubes of firm tofu for a plant-based twist.
• Add Extra Veggies: Bell peppers, diced zucchini, or cherry tomatoes are wonderful tossed in for extra flavor and color.

How to Make One-pan Lemon Orzo and Salmon

Step 1: Season and Sear the Salmon

Start by mixing together the paprika, dry parsley, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub this vibrant blend generously over each salmon fillet—this step really lays the foundation for all the flavor that follows. Heat olive oil in a large skillet, then sear the salmon for about 3-4 minutes per side, until it’s beautifully browned. Don’t worry about cooking it through—it’ll finish later with the orzo. Remove the salmon and pat away any extra oil so the pan is just right for the next step.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the butter to your same skillet (this is the key to deep flavor). Once it’s melted, stir in the diced shallots and crushed garlic. Sauté on medium heat for a couple of minutes until the shallots are fragrant and golden—this builds a savory sweetness that lifts the whole dish.

Step 3: Toast the Orzo and Add Flavor

Stir in the orzo, salt, pepper, chili flakes, and lemon zest. Toss it all together and let the orzo toast just briefly—it should shimmer and smell a little nutty. This quick step deepens the orzo’s flavor and prevents it from turning mushy.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth, Coconut Milk, and Veggies

Pour in the low-sodium vegetable broth, coconut milk, kale, and peas. Give everything a good mix, then cover the pan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer gently for 10-12 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking. The orzo will soak up all the creamy, lemony flavor and the veggies will become tender and vibrant.

Step 5: Finish, Adjust, and Add Salmon Back

Give the orzo a taste and adjust the salt, pepper, or chili flakes if your palate wants more zing. Pour in the fresh lemon juice—this brightens everything! Nestle the salmon fillets back into the orzo, cover, and let them finish cooking together for another 5-6 minutes. The fillets will turn flaky and everything melds into a comforting, irresistible pan of goodness. Generously top with chopped fresh parsley and a final squeeze of lemon to serve.

How to Serve One-pan Lemon Orzo and Salmon

Garnishes

Vibrant, fresh garnishes make this dish irresistible—think generous handfuls of chopped parsley, extra lemon zest, or even thin lemon slices tucked around the pan. A tiny drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving can also boost shine and aroma.

Side Dishes

To keep the meal light and balanced, pair your One-pan Lemon Orzo and Salmon with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus for crunch. If you’re feeding a hungry crowd, warm crusty bread is the perfect companion to mop up all that luscious lemony sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a showstopping dinner party look, serve directly from the skillet at the table—there’s something cozy and inviting about one-pan presentations. Or, plate the creamy orzo in shallow bowls and top with salmon and a sprinkle of microgreens for a modern, elegant vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover One-pan Lemon Orzo and Salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, and the orzo stays beautifully creamy if you give it a splash of broth or water before reheating.

Freezing

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to freeze it, portion the salmon and orzo separately in airtight containers. Freeze for up to two months, and thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture. Note: creamy sauces sometimes separate a bit after freezing, but a gentle stir upon reheating usually saves the day.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. For the salmon, cover with foil and bake at 300ºF until just heated through, keeping it moist and flaky. The microwave also works in a pinch—just reheat in short bursts to avoid drying out the fish.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try One-pan Lemon Orzo and Salmon as I am nearly every time dinner needs a little sunshine! It’s comforting, impressive, and so easy to pull off—whether for a quick weeknight treat or a cozy gathering. Give it a whirl, and let this bright, one-pan wonder become a new favorite in your home!

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