Description
One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is a quick, nutritious, and flavorful dinner featuring tender salmon paired with zesty lemon-infused orzo, smoky turkey bacon, fresh herbs, and creamy plant-based cheese. This simple, colorful skillet meal offers a delightful balance of textures and vibrant flavors, perfect for easy weeknight dining.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 fresh salmon fillets, skin-on
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup creamy plant-based cheese
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the salmon: Pat salmon dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until crispy, then carefully flip and cook for another 3 minutes. Remove salmon from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the smoked turkey bacon and garlic: In the same skillet, add chopped smoked turkey bacon and cook until crispy. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Toast the orzo: Add the orzo to the skillet and stir to coat in the bacon fat and garlic. Cook for 2 minutes to toast slightly, enhancing its nutty flavor and texture.
- Add liquids and simmer: Pour in vegetable broth, lemon juice, and a splash of vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Stir to combine, then bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Finish with herbs and cheese: Stir in chopped fresh parsley, dill, lemon zest, and creamy plant-based cheese until the orzo is rich and velvety. Return the salmon to the skillet to warm through gently for about 2 minutes.
Notes
- Check salmon doneness: The fish should flake easily with a fork but still be moist inside.
- Use fresh lemon: Fresh zest and juice give a bright flavor you can’t replicate with bottled lemon.
- Toast the orzo well: This small step adds incredible depth and keeps the texture from becoming mushy.
- Rest after cooking: Let the salmon rest a minute before serving to retain juiciness.
- Adjust liquid as needed: Depending on your broth, you may need a splash more to ensure the orzo cooks perfectly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: salmon, lemon orzo, one skillet, quick dinner, smoked turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, healthy meal, fresh herbs