Name: One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-486258H17M50S
Total time: PT-486258H17M50S
Cuisine: Mediterranean-American
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each); Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 cup orzo pasta; 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth; Juice and zest of 1 lemon; 2 cups baby spinach or arugula (optional); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped

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One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is a bright, flavorful, and satisfying meal that comes together in one pan—making cleanup a breeze. The salmon is seared until golden and flaky, and the lemony orzo cooks right alongside it in a creamy, zesty broth. It’s the kind of weeknight dinner that feels both elegant and effortless.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers bold flavor and balance in every bite. The orzo absorbs all the lemony goodness and soaks up the juices from the salmon, making it creamy and vibrant. It’s a full meal—protein, carbs, and flavor-packed sauce—in a single skillet. Plus, I only need one pan to get it all done, which means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy the food.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Salmon fillets
Salt and pepper
Olive oil
Garlic, minced
Onion, finely chopped
Orzo pasta
Chicken or vegetable broth
Lemon juice
Lemon zest
Baby spinach or arugula (optional)
Grated parmesan cheese (optional)
Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish

directions

I start by seasoning the salmon with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium heat and sear the salmon fillets for about 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. I remove them from the pan and set them aside.
In the same skillet, I add a little more oil if needed and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
I stir in the dry orzo and toast it for a minute to bring out its nutty flavor.
I pour in the broth, lemon juice, and zest, stirring to loosen any bits from the bottom of the pan.
I let the orzo simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until it’s tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed—about 10–12 minutes.
Just before the orzo is done, I stir in some spinach or arugula if I want extra greens.
I return the salmon to the pan and spoon some of the lemony orzo around it to warm everything through.
I finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and, if I’m feeling indulgent, a handful of grated parmesan over the top.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20–25 minutes to cook, so dinner is ready in around 35 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I swap the orzo for couscous or rice if that’s what I have on hand. I’ve also added cherry tomatoes or peas for extra color and flavor. For a dairy-free version, I leave out the cheese, and it’s still creamy and flavorful thanks to the lemon and broth.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to keep the orzo from drying out. The microwave works too, but I cover it loosely and heat it in short intervals so the salmon doesn’t overcook.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, I thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking so it sears well and doesn’t release too much moisture.

Is orzo pasta or rice?

Orzo is pasta, shaped like rice. It cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully, which is why I love using it in one-skillet meals like this.

Can I make this with skin-on salmon?

Yes, I sear it skin-side down first to get it crispy, then flip it and cook the other side. The skin adds great texture if crisped properly.

What can I use instead of lemon?

Lime works in a pinch, or I sometimes use a splash of white wine with the broth for a different kind of brightness.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, I cook the orzo and salmon separately, then reheat and combine just before serving. It’s great for meal prep too.

Conclusion

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is one of those recipes that feels fresh, flavorful, and fancy—but is secretly simple and low-effort. It’s perfect for when I want a well-rounded, satisfying dinner without a pile of dishes to clean afterward. Whether I’m making it for guests or just myself, this dish always feels like a little win in the kitchen.