Description
Lemon Basil Salmon with Orzo Skillet is a quick, healthy, and flavorful one-pan meal that pairs tender salmon fillets with delicate, lemon-infused orzo pasta and aromatic fresh basil. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners, this dish delivers bright, fresh flavors and satisfying textures in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless, fresh or thawed)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil, for cooking
For the Orzo
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Orzo: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the dry orzo and stir to toast lightly, bringing out a nutty flavor. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, season with salt and pepper, then cover and simmer gently until most of the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is tender, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Cook the Salmon: While the orzo is cooking, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in another pan or push the orzo to the side of the same skillet to create space. Pat the salmon fillets dry and season them with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Place the fillets skin-side down if using skin-on salmon and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crisp. Flip the salmon and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until it is flaky yet still juicy.
- Combine Flavors: When the orzo is tender, squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and stir in the chopped basil leaves. Gently nestle the cooked salmon fillets on top of the orzo in the skillet, allowing the residual heat to meld the flavors for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer portions to plates and spoon extra orzo sauce around the salmon. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and lemon slices to enhance visual brightness and freshness.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and basil for the best aromatic flavor rather than dried substitutes.
- Do not overcook the salmon; aim for slightly translucent center to keep it moist and tender.
- Toasting the orzo before cooking boosts its flavor and adds subtle nuttiness.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the salmon from sticking and make flipping easier.
- Add lemon juice gradually and taste as you go to avoid overpowering acidity.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with orzo
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: salmon, lemon basil salmon, orzo skillet, quick dinner, healthy salmon recipe, one-pan meal, gluten free, fresh herbs
