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Baked Lemon Feta Salmon with Garlic Orzo Recipe

Baked Lemon Feta Salmon with Garlic Orzo Recipe

4.9 from 9 reviews

This Baked Lemon Feta Salmon with Garlic Orzo is a deliciously easy meal combining flaky, tender salmon topped with tangy feta and fresh herbs, paired with creamy, garlicky orzo pasta. Perfect for a healthy, flavorful dinner ready in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salmon:

  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Garlic Orzo:

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare salmon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix marinade and coat salmon: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Brush this mixture evenly over each salmon fillet to infuse flavor.
  3. Add feta and herbs: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top of each salmon fillet and then garnish with chopped fresh dill or parsley for a burst of freshness.
  4. Bake the salmon: Place the salmon on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork, indicating it’s perfectly cooked.
  5. Cook the orzo: While the salmon bakes, cook the orzo pasta in chicken or vegetable broth according to package instructions for added flavor. Drain any excess liquid once cooked.
  6. Sauté garlic and combine: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the cooked orzo and grated Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Plate and serve: Serve the baked lemon feta salmon fillets over a bed of garlic orzo. Garnish with extra fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon if desired for added brightness.

Notes

  • You can substitute fresh dill with parsley or basil based on your preference.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace salmon with grilled tofu and omit feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
  • If you prefer, you can cook the orzo in water instead of broth but seasoning might be milder.
  • Ensure not to overbake the salmon as it can dry out; check for flakiness as the doneness indicator.
  • Leftover salmon and orzo can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked salmon, lemon feta salmon, garlic orzo, easy salmon recipe, Mediterranean salmon, healthy dinner, baked fish, orzo pasta