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Homemade Lemon-Basil Orzo Salad with Salmon recipe photo
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Lemon-Basil Orzo Salad with Salmon

This Lemon-Basil Orzo Salad with Salmon is fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a light lunch or satisfying dinner.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 lb salmon fillet
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lemon zested and juiced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup cucumber diced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the Orzo

  • Start by bringing the 2 cups of vegetable broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until tender but still slightly firm. Drain any excess liquid and transfer the orzo to a large mixing bowl. While it’s still warm, add the lemon zest and lemon juice to infuse the pasta with bright citrus flavor.

Prepare the Salmon

  • Pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the salmon skin-side down. Cook for about 4-5 minutes without moving it to get a crispy skin. Flip the salmon and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before flaking it into large chunks.

Combine the Salad Ingredients

  • To the bowl of cooked orzo, add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and chopped fresh basil. Gently toss everything together so the flavors meld beautifully. Drizzle in a little extra olive oil if desired, and add salt and pepper to taste. Finally, fold in the flaked salmon carefully to keep the pieces intact.

Serve and Enjoy

  • Serve the Lemon-Basil Orzo Salad with Salmon slightly warm or chilled. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some crusty bread on the side.

Equipment

  • Medium Saucepan
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Non-stick Skillet

Notes

  • Use vegetable broth instead of water to cook the orzo for extra flavor.
  • Ensure the skillet is hot before adding salmon to achieve crispy skin.
  • Don’t overcook salmon; it should flake easily but remain moist.
  • Chop basil just before serving to keep its color and aroma.
  • Store leftovers separately to maintain texture and freshness.