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Mediterranean Salmon and Orzo Skillet


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  • Author: james-carter
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Diet: Pescatarian

Description

A quick and flavorful dish featuring succulent salmon, orzo pasta, vibrant vegetables, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, all cooked in one pan.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup dry orzo pasta
  • ½ oz pine nuts
  • 1 bunch swiss chard, chopped and stems removed
  • ½ cup roasted red bell peppers, roughly chopped
  • ¼ cup jarred artichoke hearts, roughly chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medjool date, chopped into ¼-inch pieces
  • 2 ½ tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 2 (6 oz) salmon fillets
  • ½ teaspoon salt, divided
  • ½ teaspoon pepper, divided
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • ½ lemon, sliced for serving
  • Feta cheese, for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
  2. Bring a medium pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
  3. Add the orzo to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente—about 8-10 minutes.
  4. Drain the orzo and drizzle with 1 teaspoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  5. In a medium dry oven-safe skillet, toast the pine nuts over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, then chop them roughly.
  6. Remove the stems from the swiss chard and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
  7. Pat the salmon fillets dry and season with half of the salt and pepper.
  8. Heat 1 ½ tablespoons of olive oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat, add the salmon skin-side up, and sear for 3 minutes.
  9. Flip the salmon and roast in the oven for 5-7 minutes, until cooked through and flaky.
  10. While the salmon is roasting, heat another tablespoon of olive oil in a separate pan over medium heat.
  11. Add the swiss chard, roasted red peppers, artichokes, and garlic to the pan, stir-frying until the chard wilts, about 4 minutes.
  12. Combine the cooked orzo with the sautéed veggies, chopped dates, basil, and lemon zest. Season to taste with the remaining salt and pepper.
  13. To serve, place a generous portion of the orzo mixture on a plate, top with the salmon, and garnish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, toasted pine nuts, and feta cheese if desired.

Notes

Let the dish cool completely before storing leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking and Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 540
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg