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Imagine a dish that brings the freshness of a summer garden and the comfort of a home-cooked meal right to your dinner table. The "Lemon Zest Delight: One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo" perfectly embodies this experience. This vibrant recipe features succulent salmon paired with zesty lemon orzo and a medley of colorful vegetables, all cooked in a single skillet. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its delightful flavors but also in its simplicity, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknight dinners or elegant dinner parties.

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Indulge in a burst of flavors with this one skillet Lemon Zest Delight featuring salmon and lemon orzo. This easy recipe cooks everything in one pan, making cleanup a breeze! Sauté aromatic onions and garlic, then toast orzo in savory broth before adding vibrant cherry tomatoes and zucchini. Top it with perfectly seared salmon, fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of feta for a delightful twist. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's the perfect weeknight dinner!
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Ingredients
  

2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)

1 cup orzo pasta

2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 medium zucchini, diced

1 lemon (zest and juice)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Crumbled feta cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions
 

Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

    Cook Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and toast it lightly for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. This enhances the flavor of the pasta.

      Add Broth and Cook: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let the orzo simmer for about 10-12 minutes or until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

        Incorporate Veggies: Once the orzo is almost cooked, add the diced zucchini and halved cherry tomatoes. Stir everything together.

          Prepare Salmon: While the orzo is cooking, season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. In a separate skillet or on the side of the orzo skillet (if space allows), sear the salmon for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. If using the same skillet, place the salmon on top of the orzo during the last 5 minutes to steam and infuse flavor.

            Finish Up: Once the salmon is done and the orzo is tender, squeeze the juice of half the lemon over the entire dish. Stir gently to incorporate all the flavors.

              Serve: Plate the salmon over a bed of lemon orzo, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and sprinkle feta cheese on top if desired. Serve immediately for a vibrant and flavorful meal!

                Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 2