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Easy One-Pan Lemon Herb Salmon Recipe with Garlic Orzo and Asparagus

one-pan lemon herb salmon - featured image
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A quick and flavorful one-pan meal featuring lemon herb salmon, garlic orzo, and asparagus, all cooked together for minimal cleanup and maximum taste.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 skin-on salmon fillets (about 6 ounces / 170 grams each)
  • 1 cup orzo pasta (about 170 grams)
  • 1 bunch fresh asparagus (about 1 pound / 450 grams), trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or thyme
  • 2 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth (600 ml)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes
  • Optional: pat of butter for stirring into orzo

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, and half the lemon zest. Set aside.
  3. Trim and cut the asparagus into roughly 2-inch pieces.
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
  5. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  6. Add the orzo to the skillet and stir for about 1 minute to toast lightly.
  7. Pour in the broth and lemon juice, stir to combine, and bring to a simmer. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  8. Scatter the asparagus evenly over the orzo without stirring it in.
  9. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on top of the asparagus and orzo.
  10. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil on the salmon and sprinkle the rest of the lemon zest and herbs over everything.
  11. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes until salmon is opaque and flakes easily, orzo is tender but not mushy, and asparagus is tender-crisp.
  12. Remove from oven and let rest for 3 minutes. Stir in a pat of butter to the orzo if desired.
  13. Serve warm, spooning the orzo and asparagus alongside the salmon. Garnish with extra fresh herbs or lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Pat salmon dry to ensure crispy skin. Do not overcrowd the pan to keep textures distinct. Toast orzo before adding broth to deepen flavor and prevent mushiness. Use broth instead of water for richer flavor. Let dish rest after baking to allow juices to redistribute and orzo to finish cooking. If orzo is firm after baking, cover and let sit for 5 minutes. Tent salmon with foil if it cooks faster than orzo to keep moist.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, lemon herb salmon, one-pan meal, garlic orzo, asparagus, easy dinner, healthy salmon recipe, quick salmon recipe

Find it online: https://avabake.com/easy-one-pan-lemon-herb-salmon-recipe-with-garlic-orzo-and-asparagus/