26 Delectable Salmon and Orzo Recipes for Ultimate Flavor

Forget boring weeknight dinners—these 26 salmon and orzo recipes are about to become your new kitchen heroes! Whether you’re craving quick comfort food, elegant entertaining dishes, or healthy seasonal favorites, this collection delivers incredible flavor with minimal fuss. Get ready to transform simple ingredients into spectacular meals that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive into these delicious combinations that make dinner exciting again!

Lemon Dill Salmon with Creamy Orzo

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this restaurant-worthy salmon dish. Sear flaky salmon fillets, then nestle them into creamy lemon-dill orzo that cooks right in the same pan. You’ll have a complete, flavor-packed meal ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• Salmon fillets – 4 (6 oz each)
• Orzo – 1 cup
• Chicken broth – 2 cups
• Heavy cream – ½ cup
• Fresh dill – ¼ cup chopped
• Lemon – 1
• Garlic – 2 cloves
• Olive oil – 2 tbsp
• Salt – 1 tsp
• Black pepper – ½ tsp

Instructions

1. Pat salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels.
2. Season both sides of salmon with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
4. Place salmon skin-side up in the hot skillet.
5. Sear salmon for 4-5 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms.
6. Flip salmon and cook for 2 more minutes.
7. Transfer salmon to a clean plate.
8. Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic to the same skillet.
9. Cook garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
10. Add orzo to the skillet and toast for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
11. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream.
12. Bring liquid to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
13. Cover skillet and cook for 8 minutes, stirring halfway through.
14. Return salmon to the skillet, nestling it into the orzo.
15. Cover and cook for 3-4 more minutes until salmon reaches 145°F internally.
16. Remove skillet from heat and stir in chopped dill.
17. Zest the entire lemon directly into the skillet.
18. Juice half the lemon over the dish.
19. Gently flake the salmon into large chunks using a fork.
20. Stir everything together until well combined.

Perfectly flaky salmon mingles with creamy, citrus-kissed orzo in every bite. The fresh dill brightens the rich sauce, while lemon zest adds pops of vibrant flavor. Serve this directly from the skillet family-style, or plate it elegantly with extra lemon wedges for squeezing.

Garlic Butter Salmon and Orzo Skillet

Whip up this one-pan wonder that’ll have your taste buds dancing and your cleanup time cut in half. Garlic butter salmon meets fluffy orzo in a skillet sensation that’s ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights when you crave restaurant-quality flavor without the fuss.

Ingredients

Salmon fillets – 4 (6 oz each)
Orzo – 1 cup
Chicken broth – 2 cups
Butter – 4 tbsp
Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
Lemon – 1, juiced
Fresh parsley – ¼ cup, chopped
Salt – 1 tsp
Black pepper – ½ tsp

Instructions

1. Pat salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels and season both sides with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until sizzling.
3. Place salmon skin-side up in the hot skillet and sear for 4 minutes without moving to develop a golden crust.
4. Flip salmon carefully using a spatula and cook for another 3 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
5. Remove salmon from skillet and set aside on a clean plate.
6. Reduce heat to medium and add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the same skillet.
7. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
8. Pour in orzo and toast for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly golden.
9. Add chicken broth, remaining ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
10. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes until orzo is al dente and liquid is absorbed.
11. Return salmon to the skillet, nestling it into the orzo.
12. Drizzle lemon juice over everything and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
13. Cover and let rest for 2 minutes off heat to allow flavors to meld. Get ready for flaky salmon that practically melts over the creamy orzo, with garlic butter weaving through every bite. Garnish with extra lemon wedges for a bright finish, or toss in fresh spinach during the last minute of cooking for a colorful veggie boost.

Mediterranean Salmon Orzo Salad

Let’s transform basic salmon into a Mediterranean masterpiece. Load up on vibrant flavors and textures that’ll make your taste buds dance. This one-bowl wonder delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Orzo – 1 cup
Salmon fillets – 1 lb
Olive oil – 3 tbsp
Lemon juice – ¼ cup
Garlic – 2 cloves
Cherry tomatoes – 1 cup
Cucumber – 1 cup
Red onion – ½ cup
Feta cheese – ½ cup
Fresh dill – ¼ cup
Salt – 1 tsp
Black pepper – ½ tsp

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Pat salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels.
3. Rub 1 tablespoon olive oil over both sides of salmon.
4. Season salmon with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
5. Place salmon skin-side down on baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake salmon for 12-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
7. Bring 4 cups salted water to rolling boil in medium saucepan.
8. Add orzo and cook for 8-9 minutes until al dente.
9. Drain orzo immediately and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
10. Whisk together remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and lemon juice in large bowl.
11. Mince garlic cloves and add to dressing mixture.
12. Chop cherry tomatoes into quarters and add to bowl.
13. Dice cucumber into ½-inch pieces and add to bowl.
14. Thinly slice red onion and add to bowl.
15. Crumble feta cheese over vegetable mixture.
16. Chop fresh dill and sprinkle over salad.
17. Flake cooked salmon into large chunks, discarding skin.
18. Add cooled orzo and salmon to vegetable mixture.
19. Toss everything together until evenly coated with dressing.
20. Season with remaining ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
The creamy orzo absorbs the zesty lemon dressing while the salmon stays moist and flaky. Serve it chilled for lunch or slightly warm for dinner—either way, those briny feta crumbles and fresh dill make every bite pop.

Baked Herb-Crusted Salmon with Parmesan Orzo

You need a dinner that looks fancy but comes together fast. This herb-crusted salmon over creamy Parmesan orzo delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort—perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Salmon fillets – 4 (6 oz each)
Olive oil – 2 tbsp
Breadcrumbs – ½ cup
Parmesan cheese – ½ cup, grated
Fresh parsley – ¼ cup, chopped
Fresh dill – 2 tbsp, chopped
Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
Lemon – 1
Orzo – 1 cup
Chicken broth – 2 cups
Heavy cream – ½ cup

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels to ensure a crisp crust.
3. In a medium bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, dill, minced garlic, and zest from half the lemon.
4. Brush the top of each salmon fillet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
5. Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the oiled side of each fillet to create an even crust.
6. Bake the salmon for 12–15 minutes until the crust is golden and the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
7. While the salmon bakes, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
8. Toast the orzo in the skillet for 2–3 minutes until lightly golden, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
9. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then bring to a simmer.
10. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook the orzo for 10 minutes until tender and creamy, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
11. Stir in the remaining Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
12. Squeeze juice from the zested lemon half over the cooked orzo and season with salt and pepper.
13. Divide the creamy orzo among plates and top with the baked salmon fillets.
14. Garnish with extra fresh herbs and a lemon wedge from the remaining half. Perfectly flaky salmon meets a creamy, cheesy orzo that’s rich but not heavy. Serve it with a simple arugula salad to cut through the richness, or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Cajun Spiced Salmon with Tomato Basil Orzo

OBSESSED with this one-pan wonder that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes. Fire up that skillet and get ready for the most vibrant, satisfying bowl that’ll become your new weeknight hero. Seriously, your taste buds will thank you.

Ingredients

• Salmon fillets – 2 (6 oz each)
• Cajun seasoning – 1 tbsp
• Olive oil – 2 tbsp
• Orzo – 1 cup
• Chicken broth – 2 cups
• Cherry tomatoes – 1 cup
• Fresh basil – ¼ cup
• Lemon – 1
• Salt – ½ tsp
• Black pepper – ¼ tsp

Instructions

1. Pat salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels.
2. Rub 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning evenly over all sides of salmon.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
4. Place salmon skin-side up in hot skillet and sear for 4 minutes without moving.
5. Flip salmon carefully using spatula and cook skin-side down for 3 more minutes.
6. Transfer salmon to clean plate and set aside.
7. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to same skillet over medium heat.
8. Pour in 1 cup orzo and toast for 2 minutes, stirring constantly until lightly golden.
9. Add 2 cups chicken broth, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper to skillet.
10. Bring mixture to boil, then reduce heat to low and cover skillet.
11. Simmer orzo for 12 minutes until liquid is absorbed and orzo is al dente.
12. Return salmon to skillet, nestling it into orzo mixture.
13. Cover skillet and cook for 3 more minutes to heat salmon through.
14. Remove skillet from heat and stir in ¼ cup fresh basil leaves.
15. Squeeze juice from 1 lemon over entire dish just before serving.

DELICIOUSLY flaky salmon meets perfectly cooked orzo in this vibrant bowl. The Cajun spice creates a beautiful crust while the tomatoes burst with sweetness against fresh basil. Serve it straight from the skillet with extra lemon wedges for that bright, restaurant-worthy finish.

Teriyaki Salmon and Ginger-Scallion Orzo

Zesty teriyaki salmon meets fluffy ginger-scallion orzo in this 30-minute wonder. Seize that golden-brown crust, toss that aromatic pasta, devour that restaurant-quality meal at home. Your weeknight dinner game just leveled up.

Ingredients

Salmon fillets – 4 (6 oz each)
Soy sauce – ¼ cup
Brown sugar – 2 tbsp
Rice vinegar – 1 tbsp
Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
Ginger – 1 tbsp, grated
Orzo – 1 cup
Chicken broth – 2 cups
Scallions – 4, sliced
Olive oil – 2 tbsp
Salt – ½ tsp
Black pepper – ¼ tsp

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and half the grated ginger in a small bowl.
3. Pat salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
4. Brush both sides of salmon with half the teriyaki sauce and place skin-side down on baking sheet.
5. Bake salmon for 12-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F and edges caramelize.
6. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat while salmon bakes.
7. Toast orzo in skillet for 2 minutes until golden brown, stirring constantly.
8. Pour in chicken broth, remaining ginger, salt, and pepper, then bring to a boil.
9. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes until orzo absorbs all liquid.
10. Remove skillet from heat and let orzo steam covered for 2 minutes to perfect the texture.
11. Fold in sliced scallions and remaining olive oil until evenly distributed.
12. Drizzle remaining teriyaki sauce over baked salmon right before serving.
13. Plate orzo first, top with salmon fillet, and garnish with extra scallions.
Melt-in-your-mouth salmon flakes over ginger-kissed orzo with that sticky-sweet glaze. The orzo’s creamy texture cradles the flaky fish beautifully—try stacking leftovers in mason jars for next-day lunch salads.

Pesto Salmon with Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo

A perfectly seared salmon fillet meets creamy orzo in this flavor-packed weeknight wonder. Amplify your dinner game with vibrant pesto and tangy sun-dried tomatoes that come together in under 30 minutes. Achieve restaurant-quality results with minimal effort and maximum flavor payoff.

Ingredients

Salmon fillets – 4 (6 oz each)
Orzo – 1 cup
Chicken broth – 2 cups
Pesto – ½ cup
Sun-dried tomatoes – ½ cup
Olive oil – 2 tbsp
Salt – 1 tsp
Black pepper – ½ tsp

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Pat salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels.
3. Season both sides of salmon with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper.
4. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
5. Place salmon skin-side up and sear for 3 minutes until golden brown crust forms.
6. Flip salmon and transfer skillet to preheated oven.
7. Bake salmon for 8-10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 125°F.
8. Meanwhile, bring chicken broth to a boil in a separate saucepan.
9. Add orzo and reduce heat to medium-low.
10. Simmer orzo for 9 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
11. Chop sun-dried tomatoes into ¼-inch pieces.
12. Remove orzo from heat when most liquid is absorbed but still creamy.
13. Stir pesto and sun-dried tomatoes into hot orzo.
14. Season orzo mixture with remaining ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper.
15. Remove salmon from oven when flaky but still moist.
16. Let salmon rest for 2 minutes before serving.
17. Divide orzo among four plates and top with salmon fillets.
18. Drizzle remaining 1 tbsp olive oil over completed dishes.

Creamy orzo provides the perfect textural contrast to flaky salmon, while the pesto adds herbaceous brightness that cuts through the rich fish. Consider serving this over a bed of arugula for added peppery crunch, or topping with toasted pine nuts for extra texture. The sun-dried tomatoes deliver concentrated sweetness that balances the dish’s savory elements beautifully.

Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Spinach Orzo

Craving something that looks gourmet but cooks in minutes? This salmon-orzo combo delivers restaurant-quality results with zero fuss. Crispy-skinned fish meets creamy pasta for the ultimate weeknight win.

Ingredients

– Salmon fillets – 4 (6 oz each)
– Olive oil – 2 tbsp
– Salt – 1 tsp
– Black pepper – ½ tsp
– Orzo – 1 cup
– Chicken broth – 2 cups
– Lemon – 1
– Baby spinach – 5 oz
– Garlic – 2 cloves
– Butter – 2 tbsp

Instructions

1. Pat salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels.
2. Season both sides of salmon with ¾ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper.
3. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
4. Place salmon skin-side up and sear for 5 minutes without moving.
5. Flip salmon and cook for 3 more minutes until internal temperature reaches 125°F.
6. Remove salmon from skillet and set aside on a plate.
7. Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the same skillet.
8. Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
9. Add orzo and toast for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
10. Pour in chicken broth and remaining ¼ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper.
11. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
12. Simmer uncovered for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
13. Stir in spinach and cook for 2 minutes until wilted.
14. Zest the entire lemon directly into the skillet.
15. Juice the lemon and add to the orzo mixture.
16. Stir in butter until melted and creamy.
17. Return salmon to skillet and heat through for 1 minute.
Flaky salmon contrasts with the creamy, citrus-kissed orzo for incredible texture play. Serve it straight from the skillet with extra lemon wedges for squeezing, or top with fresh dill to elevate those bright flavors.

Sweet Chili Salmon and Roasted Vegetable Orzo

Whip up this flavor-packed salmon bowl that’ll have your taste buds dancing. Sear sweet chili-glazed salmon alongside rainbow veggies, then toss with lemony orzo for the ultimate weeknight win. Ready in under 30 minutes—your new dinner obsession starts now.

Ingredients

Salmon fillets – 4 (6 oz each)
Sweet chili sauce – ½ cup
Broccoli – 2 cups florets
Bell peppers – 2, sliced
Red onion – 1, sliced
Orzo – 1 cup
Lemon – 1
Olive oil – 2 tbsp
Salt – 1 tsp
Black pepper – ½ tsp

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Pat salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels.
3. Brush salmon with ¼ cup sweet chili sauce.
4. Toss broccoli, bell peppers, and red onion with 1 tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper.
5. Arrange salmon and vegetables on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Roast for 12 minutes at 400°F until salmon flakes easily and veggies are tender-crisp.
7. Meanwhile, cook orzo according to package directions in salted boiling water.
8. Drain orzo and toss with remaining 1 tbsp olive oil.
9. Zest the entire lemon over the orzo.
10. Juice half the lemon into the orzo.
11. Flake the roasted salmon into large chunks.
12. Gently fold salmon, roasted vegetables, and remaining ¼ cup sweet chili sauce into the orzo.
13. Season with remaining ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper.

The tender salmon melts into the zesty orzo, while the roasted veggies add crunch and sweetness from the glaze. Serve it warm in bowls topped with extra chili drizzle, or chill for a fantastic next-day lunch that tastes even better.

Smoked Salmon and Creamy Asparagus Orzo

Skip the boring pasta routine. Smoked salmon and creamy asparagus orzo delivers restaurant-quality elegance in under 30 minutes—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.

Ingredients

• Orzo – 1 cup
• Asparagus – 1 bunch
• Smoked salmon – 4 oz
• Heavy cream – ½ cup
• Lemon – 1
• Garlic – 2 cloves
• Butter – 2 tbsp
• Salt – 1 tsp
• Black pepper – ½ tsp
• Fresh dill – 2 tbsp

Instructions

1. Bring 4 cups of salted water to a rolling boil in a medium pot.
2. Add 1 cup of orzo and cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. While orzo cooks, trim tough ends from 1 bunch of asparagus and chop into 1-inch pieces.
4. Mince 2 cloves of garlic and zest 1 lemon, then juice the lemon separately.
5. Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat until foaming subsides.
6. Sauté asparagus pieces for 4-5 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
7. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
8. Pour in ½ cup heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
9. Drain cooked orzo and immediately add to the skillet with cream sauce.
10. Stir in lemon zest, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper until fully combined.
11. Remove skillet from heat and fold in 4 oz of flaked smoked salmon.
12. Add 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill and 1 tbsp lemon juice, stirring gently to incorporate.
13. Let rest for 2 minutes off heat to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Now you’ve got a dish where the creamy orzo clings to crisp-tender asparagus, while the smoked salmon adds silky richness that balances the lemon’s bright kick. Try topping with extra dill and cracked pepper, or serve alongside a simple arugula salad for a complete meal that feels effortlessly chic.

Maple Glazed Salmon with Herbed Orzo Pilaf

Ready to level up your weeknight dinner game? This maple glazed salmon with herbed orzo pilaf delivers restaurant-quality results in under 30 minutes. Transform basic ingredients into a showstopping meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

Salmon fillets – 4 (6 oz each)
Maple syrup – ¼ cup
Soy sauce – 2 tbsp
Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
Orzo – 1 cup
Chicken broth – 2 cups
Butter – 2 tbsp
Fresh parsley – ¼ cup, chopped
Fresh dill – 2 tbsp, chopped
Lemon – 1
Salt – ½ tsp
Black pepper – ¼ tsp

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
3. Whisk together maple syrup, soy sauce, and minced garlic in a small bowl.
4. Place salmon skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet and brush generously with the maple glaze.
5. Bake salmon for 12-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the glaze is caramelized.
6. While salmon bakes, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
7. Add orzo and toast for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
8. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
9. Simmer orzo for 8-10 minutes until all liquid is absorbed and pasta is al dente.
10. Remove saucepan from heat and stir in chopped parsley, dill, and juice from half the lemon.
11. Season the orzo pilaf with salt and black pepper, fluffing with a fork to distribute herbs evenly.
12. Slice remaining lemon half into wedges for serving.
13. Remove salmon from oven and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.
14. Plate the herbed orzo pilaf and top with glazed salmon fillets.
15. Squeeze fresh lemon wedges over the salmon just before serving to brighten the flavors. The flaky salmon melts in your mouth with sweet-savory maple notes, while the lemon-kissed orzo provides a bright, herbaceous counterpoint. Try serving it family-style on a large platter for an impressive presentation that encourages sharing.

Blackened Salmon and Garlic Lemon Orzo

Get ready for the most crave-worthy salmon dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. Grab your skillet and let’s make restaurant-quality blackened salmon with garlic lemon orzo that will have everyone begging for seconds.

Ingredients

• Salmon fillets – 4 (6 oz each)
• Blackened seasoning – 2 tbsp
• Orzo – 1 cup
• Chicken broth – 2 cups
• Garlic – 4 cloves
• Lemon – 1
• Butter – 3 tbsp
• Olive oil – 2 tbsp
• Fresh parsley – ¼ cup

Instructions

1. Pat salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels.
2. Rub blackened seasoning evenly over all sides of each salmon fillet.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes.
4. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the hot skillet.
5. Sear salmon skin-side up for 4 minutes until a dark crust forms.
6. Flip salmon and cook for 3 more minutes.
7. Remove salmon from skillet and set aside on a plate.
8. Reduce heat to medium and add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil.
9. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
10. Pour in orzo and toast for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
11. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
12. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 9 minutes.
13. Uncover and stir in butter until melted.
14. Zest the entire lemon directly into the orzo.
15. Juice the lemon and add 2 tablespoons juice to the orzo.
16. Return salmon to the skillet, nestling it into the orzo.
17. Cover and let everything heat through for 2 minutes.
18. Chop fresh parsley and sprinkle over the finished dish.

Dig into that perfectly flaky salmon with its spicy blackened crust against the creamy, garlicky orzo. The bright lemon cuts through the richness, making each bite absolutely addictive. Serve it straight from the skillet for maximum drama, or plate it up fancy with extra lemon wedges for squeezing.

Sesame Salmon with Sriracha Lime Orzo

Need a dinner that slaps in under 30 minutes? Nail this sesame salmon with sriracha lime orzo. Bold flavors, minimal effort, maximum wow factor.

Ingredients

• Salmon fillets – 2 (6 oz each)
• Orzo – 1 cup
• Sesame oil – 2 tbsp
• Sriracha – 1 tbsp
• Lime – 1
• Soy sauce – 2 tbsp
• Garlic – 2 cloves
• Green onions – 2
• Sesame seeds – 1 tbsp

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
3. Rub salmon with 1 tbsp sesame oil.
4. Place salmon skin-side down on baking sheet.
5. Bake salmon for 12-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
6. Bring 2 cups water to boil in saucepan.
7. Add orzo to boiling water.
8. Cook orzo for 8-9 minutes until al dente.
9. Mince garlic while orzo cooks.
10. Drain orzo completely.
11. Return orzo to saucepan off heat.
12. Stir in remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil, sriracha, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
13. Zest entire lime into orzo mixture.
14. Juice lime and add juice to orzo.
15. Thinly slice green onions.
16. Flake baked salmon into large chunks.
17. Gently fold salmon into orzo mixture.
18. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.

Crispy-skinned salmon flakes into creamy, spicy orzo with bright lime zing. Serve it straight from the pan family-style, or pack it cold for next-day lunches that taste even better. The sesame seeds add that perfect crunch against the silky orzo texture.

Orange Honey Salmon with Cranberry Orzo

Melt-in-your-mouth salmon meets sweet-tart cranberry orzo in this 30-minute showstopper. Glaze that fish with sticky orange honey magic. Watch it disappear faster than your TikTok feed.

Ingredients

Salmon fillets – 4 (6 oz each)
Orange juice – ½ cup
Honey – 3 tbsp
Dried cranberries – ½ cup
Orzo – 1 cup
Chicken broth – 2 cups
Butter – 2 tbsp
Salt – 1 tsp
Black pepper – ½ tsp

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels.
3. Season both sides of the salmon with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
4. Whisk the orange juice and honey together in a small bowl.
5. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes.
6. Place the salmon skin-side up in the hot skillet.
7. Sear the salmon for 3 minutes until a golden crust forms.
8. Flip the salmon using a spatula.
9. Pour the orange honey glaze over the salmon.
10. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
11. Bake the salmon for 8-10 minutes until it flakes easily with a fork.
12. While the salmon bakes, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
13. Add the orzo to the melted butter.
14. Toast the orzo for 2 minutes, stirring constantly until lightly golden.
15. Pour in the chicken broth and remaining ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
16. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
17. Cover the saucepan and simmer for 9 minutes.
18. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the dried cranberries.
19. Let the orzo stand covered for 2 minutes to plump the cranberries.
20. Remove the salmon from the oven and let rest for 3 minutes. What emerges is buttery salmon with crackled edges against jewel-toned orzo that pops with tartness. Serve it family-style straight from the skillet for maximum drama, or plate individually with extra glaze drizzled over everything.

Conclusion

From quick weeknight dinners to impressive entertaining options, these 26 salmon and orzo recipes offer endless delicious possibilities. We hope you found some new favorites to try in your kitchen! Don’t forget to leave a comment telling us which recipe you loved most and share this collection with fellow food lovers on Pinterest.