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salmon orzo recipe with spinach and lemon and orzo pasta and garlic easy dinner recipes

Salmon Orzo with Spinach & Lemon

By: Kelly Jensen
This salmon orzo with spinach recipe makes a fantastic dinner bowl - loaded with tender flaky salmon, garlicky orzo, and spinach. Ready in less than 30 minutes, this quick and easy dinner is perfect to make for a date night or for guests.
5 from 4 votes
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 2 servings
Calories 616 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Pan
  • Sheet Pan

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup orzo
  • Water for boiling the orzo pasta
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups fresh spinach chopped
  • 2 6- ounce salmon fillets
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh lemon wedges

Instructions
 

  • Cook the orzo - in a large pot, boil water and cook the orzo according to package instructions. Drain, and set aside.
  • In a large pan, add the butter and heat on low heat until melted. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 4-5 minutes until the garlic begins to lightly brown. Stir in the heavy cream, salt, and spinach, and stir until spinach has wilted. Toss in the orzo and stir.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet skin-side down (be sure that all bones or scales are removed from the fish before eating). In a small bowl, add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Mix well to combine, and coat the tops of the salmon.
  • Bake salmon at 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Divide the orzo into two bowls, and serve the salmon on each. Top with fresh lemon to garnish.
  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Notes

Variations and Add-Ins

  • Top with fresh herbs (like parsley or fresh dill) for a bright fresh flavor.
  • Drizzle in some balsamic vinegar for more acidity.
  • Add lemon zest along with the juice.
  • Add feta cheese or parmesan cheese on top.
  • Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, red peppers, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, or pine nuts for an Italian flair.
  • Add 1/2 cup of white wine to the sauce.
  • Add fresh asparagus, artichoke hearts, and briny olives for a Mediterranean flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 616kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 28gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 805mgPotassium: 664mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 837IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 72mgIron: 2mg
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