Discover a Vibrant, Nutrient-Dense Family Meal
Searching for an exciting addition to your family’s dinner rotation? This refreshing lemon-infused orzo salmon recipe bursts with bold flavors, vivid colors, essential vitamins, and vital minerals, making it an ideal choice for everyone at the table. It’s exceptionally delicious, so much so that even renowned personality Katie Couric raves about it and frequently shares her enthusiasm. As an extra perk, the dish offers a well-rounded nutritional profile, incorporating a perfect harmony of carbohydrates, high-quality protein, beneficial fats, and a generous serving of vegetables.
What truly elevates this recipe to standout status is its sophisticated blend of layered, intricate flavors—reminiscent of upscale dining experiences—combined with remarkably simple preparation steps. This effortless approach is a game-changer in the kitchen. My own partner can’t get enough of this salmon dish, prompting us to prepare it frequently, often on a weekly basis. This habit aligns perfectly with health guidelines recommending fatty fish consumption at least twice weekly for optimal wellness benefits.
Recipe Details
Serves: 4
Prep time: 10 to 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 to 35 minutes
Nutritional information per serving: 492 calories, 34 grams protein, 26 grams fat, 30 grams carbohydrates, 5 grams fiber
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1½ cups orzo
- 3½ cups chicken broth (or your preferred broth)
- 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 2½ cups lightly packed spinach, chopped
- 1½ cups frozen peas
- 5 tablespoons minced fresh dill, divided
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- Freshly ground black pepper (optional)
Cooking Method
- Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat until it’s shimmering. Add the diced onion and sauté, stirring from time to time, until it starts to soften and become translucent, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the orzo and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the grains are lightly toasted and aromatic, around 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pan, and let it cook until the orzo is tender and has soaked up most of the liquid, approximately 10 minutes.
- While the orzo simmers, prepare a sheet pan by lining it with aluminum foil, allowing some extra length on both ends for easy handling. Position the salmon fillets on the foil (skin-side down if they have skin) and season with ¼ teaspoon of the kosher salt. Fold up the edges of the foil and crimp them loosely to enclose the fish, leaving small openings for steam to vent. Transfer to a preheated oven and bake until the salmon is fully cooked through—test by checking the center and ensuring it flakes effortlessly with a fork—typically 12 to 14 minutes. Remove from the oven and keep warm.
- When the orzo has finished cooking, incorporate the chopped spinach, frozen peas, ¼ cup of the minced dill, fresh lemon juice, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon of salt. Stir thoroughly to distribute the ingredients evenly. Continue cooking, gently moving everything around the pan, until the spinach wilts completely and the peas are heated through and tender, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Using a spoon or spatula, form shallow indentations in the orzo mixture to nestle the salmon fillets. Carefully place each fillet into its well. Scatter the crumbled feta cheese evenly across the top of the dish. Cover the pan briefly, for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the cheese to soften and melt slightly while gently warming the salmon. Finish by sprinkling the remaining 1 tablespoon of fresh dill over the top, along with freshly ground black pepper if you like, and serve right away for the best texture and flavor.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and refrigerating for up to 3 days. For reheating, place in a pan over medium heat and warm gently until piping hot throughout, or use a microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Reprinted with permission from Crave, Cook, Nourish: 80+ Recipes and Expert Guidance for Healthy, Happy Nutrition. Text copyright © 2026 by GrassoFed, LLC. Photographs copyright © 2026 by Erin Scot. Published by Ten Speed Press, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC, New York.
