Lemon Parmesan Orzo with Salmon and Asparagus

Lemon Parmesan Orzo with Salmon and Asparagus

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Lemon Parmesan Orzo with Salmon and Asparagus is a delicious meal packed with nutrients. This dish combines tender salmon, fresh asparagus, and creamy orzo, resulting in a comforting yet healthy option for dinner. This recipe is great for meal prep and can easily serve as a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful dish for guests.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

This recipe is a healthy version of a classic creamy pasta dish. It’s not just tasty; it is also nutritious. The salmon in this dish is rich in high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health. Plus, orzo paired with asparagus makes this meal vibrant and colorful. This recipe is also good for weight loss due to the low calorie count, while still being satisfying enough to keep you full. If you want a well-rounded meal that is quick to prepare, this dish is right for you.

HOW TO MAKE Lemon Parmesan Orzo with Salmon and Asparagus

Creating Lemon Parmesan Orzo with Salmon and Asparagus is simple. Just follow the step-by-step instructions below, and enjoy this delicious meal in no time!

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

• Oven
• Sheet pan
• Parchment paper
• Large nonstick skillet
• Mixing spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 pound center-cut salmon, fat trimmed and cut into 4 equal pieces
• 1 bundle asparagus, ends trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 shallot, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup orzo
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup half & half (or a splash of heavy cream)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh lemon juice for serving
• Extra dill and lemon slices for garnish

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
2. Pat the salmon fillets dry and lay them on the prepared pan with the skin side down. Arrange the asparagus around the salmon in a single layer. Drizzle everything with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and toss the asparagus to ensure it’s well-coated. Season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Roast in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
4. While the salmon and asparagus are roasting, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the minced shallot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it turns translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant.
5. Add the orzo to the skillet, stirring to coat in the shallot and garlic mix. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the orzo appears glossy. Gradually add in 1/2 cup of vegetable broth. Let it simmer, and once most of the liquid has been absorbed, add another 1/2 cup. Keep this process up until all the broth is added, and the orzo becomes creamy and tender (this should take around 12-15 minutes).
6. Stir in the half & half, parmesan, lemon zest, dill, and salt, mixing until everything is creamy and there’s no excess liquid remaining. Remove from heat.
7. To serve, ladle the creamy orzo into shallow bowls or plates. Break the salmon into 1-2 inch chunks and place them over the orzo along with the roasted asparagus. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and garnish with extra dill and lemon slices.

HOW TO SERVE Lemon Parmesan Orzo with Salmon and Asparagus

For a balanced meal, serve this dish with a side salad. A mix of greens with a light vinaigrette is a perfect match. You can also top it with some extra lemon juice for added brightness. Portion control is important, so aim for about a cup of orzo and one piece of salmon per person. This meal is a great lighter option while still being satisfying.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Lemon Parmesan Orzo with Salmon and Asparagus

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This dish reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep. When storing, keep the salmon and orzo together to maintain flavor and texture. You can also freeze the orzo mixture for up to a month; however, it’s best to eat the salmon fresh if possible.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Pair Lemon Parmesan Orzo with a simple arugula salad tossed with cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of feta for an extra boost of flavor. You can also consider adding a lemon vinaigrette dressing for a refreshing accompaniment.

VARIATIONS

• Healthier Version: Use whole wheat orzo instead of regular orzo for added fiber. You can also substitute the half & half with Greek yogurt to lower calories while keeping it creamy.
• High-Protein Version: Add cooked shrimp or grilled chicken to this dish. Both will increase the protein content without adding many calories.
• Low-Carb Version: Replace orzo with cauliflower rice. This swap lowers the calorie content and carb count, making it a great option for a low-carb lifestyle.
• Air Fryer Version: Cook the salmon and asparagus in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 8-10 minutes, checking for doneness.

FAQs

1. Is this dish gluten-free?
No, orzo is made from wheat. For a gluten-free version, substitute orzo with a gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice.

2. Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is great for meal prep! You can prepare the orzo and roast the salmon and asparagus ahead of time. Just store it separately until it’s time to eat.

3. Is this meal good for weight loss?
Yes, this Lemon Parmesan Orzo with Salmon and Asparagus is a lighter option due to its lower calorie count and satisfying ingredients, making it a good fit for a weight-loss-focused diet.

4. How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the orzo mixture for longer storage.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Lemon Parmesan Orzo with Salmon and Asparagus

To save time during busy weekdays, you can prepare components of this recipe ahead. You can trim the asparagus and chop the shallots in advance. Additionally, consider cooking a larger batch of orzo and reheating it as needed. This makes it easy to enjoy a healthy, homemade meal without spending too much time in the kitchen every night.

Whether you are meal prepping for the week or looking for a quick and high-protein meal, this Lemon Parmesan Orzo with Salmon and Asparagus will tick all the boxes. Enjoy this heart-healthy dish that’s both satisfying and delicious!

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