Mediterranean Salmon and Orzo Skillet

This mediterranean salmon and orzo skillet cooks up in half-hour for a fast and straightforward weeknight dinner. It’s flavorful, full of protein and really easy to make!

Some meals simply hit totally different, and this Mediterranean salmon and orzo skillet is one in every of them.

It’s obtained every little thing from flaky, completely cooked salmon, tender orzo, a mixture of Mediterranean-inspired substances like roasted pink peppers and artichokes and toasted pine nuts for some crunch. It’s a kind of taste combos you didn’t know you wanted however received’t be capable of cease fascinated about when you make it!

This recipe was impressed by a meal we obtained from Inexperienced Chef, the meal package supply service that we use typically. It was so flavorful and scrumptious, I simply needed to recreate it! This floor turkey pasta was one other Inexperienced Chef recreation should you’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 chew is one thing new.
Simple to make – This recipe cooks up in about half-hour, making it very best for nights whenever you need one thing wholesome, however must get dinner on the desk quick.
Naturally balanced – You’ve obtained protein, wholesome carbs, and fiber multi function dish, so no want to consider facet dishes until you wish to!

Substances Wanted

orzo – orzo appears to be like sort of like rice, nevertheless it’s really pasta! It’s made out of wheat so steer clear in case you have a gluten intolerance or allergy. I like to purchase complete wheat orzo as a result of it comprises extra fiber than common, however common orzo works completely for this recipe.
salmon fillets – I exploit 6 oz fillets, however you possibly can alter primarily based on what you have got. Search for wild-caught if doable for one of the best taste and texture.
swiss chard – provides a pop of colour and loads of vitamins.
roasted pink 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 – somewhat surprising, however belief me, the trace of sweetness balances every little thing fantastically.
pine nuts – toasted for a crunchy, nutty topping.

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 shortly.
Grain various: For those who don’t have orzo, attempt couscous, farro, and even quinoa for a gluten-free possibility.
Protein swap: Salmon works fantastically right here, however shrimp, and even tofu are nice alternate options if you wish to change 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 Observe Your Coronary heart dairy-free feta crumbles.

Methods to Make Salmon and Orzo Skillet

Step 1: Prepare dinner orzo in keeping with 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 often. 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.

Brittany’s Ideas

Don’t overcook the orzo: Prepare dinner it simply till al dente since it is going to proceed to soak up taste when combined with the veggies.
Make it your individual: This dish is tremendous adaptable! Strive including olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or perhaps a sprinkle of pink pepper flakes for additional warmth.

Methods to Serve

This Mediterranean salmon and orzo skillet is a whole meal by itself, however listed below are a number of methods to serve it up:

With a contemporary salad – Pair it with a easy arugula salad or my kale salad for additional greens and crunch. Or, preserve 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 straightforward grab-and-go lunch that reheats fantastically.

Methods to 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!

Often Requested Questions

Can I exploit a special sort of fish?

Sure! This recipe works effectively with different agency fish like cod, halibut, or trout. Simply alter the cook dinner time primarily based on the thickness of the fillets.

Is that this recipe gluten-free?

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.

How do I stop the salmon from drying out?

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.