Lemon Dill Orzo with Salmon (Printable)

Salmon, fresh dill, lemon, and orzo come together for a vibrant, easy Mediterranean-inspired main course.

# Ingredient List:

→ Fish & Protein

01 - 4 salmon fillets (approximately 5.3 oz each), skinless
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - Salt, to taste
04 - Black pepper, to taste

→ Orzo & Vegetables

05 - 10.5 oz orzo pasta
06 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 5.3 oz baby spinach
09 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
10 - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
11 - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
12 - 1/4 cup low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth

→ Garnishes

13 - Lemon wedges, for serving
14 - Additional fresh dill, for garnish

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange salmon fillets on the prepared sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and black pepper. Transfer to the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
03 - Melt unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sliced red onion; sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
04 - Incorporate baby spinach and pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Stir gently and cook for about 2 minutes, just until the spinach wilts.
05 - Stir in the drained orzo pasta, lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped dill. Season lightly with additional salt and black pepper. Toss gently to combine and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, ensuring mixture is heated through.
06 - Spoon lemon dill orzo onto individual serving plates. Top each portion with baked salmon fillet and finish with a garnish of extra dill and fresh lemon wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The lemon-dill pairing lifts salmon in a way that feels like a chef’s trick—but it’s so easy to pull off at home.
  • You can make it in a single pan plus a pot, and it transitions from a casual dinner to an impressive plate for guests in no time.
02 -
  • Once, I left the orzo on the heat too long and it turned gummy—keep a close eye during those final minutes or it’ll lose its delicate bite.
  • Whisking the lemon juice in at the end (rather than cooking it) is the trick to keeping flavors bright and sharp.
03 -
  • Letting the salmon rest after baking gives you perfectly juicy flakes.
  • Lemon zest adds more brightness than juice alone—don’t skip it.
Go Back