Salmon and Orzo Bake, Salad and Pasta Recipes

Salmon and Orzo Bake, Salad, and Pasta Recipes

Salmon pairs beautifully with orzo, a tender, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and adapts to both baked dishes and salads. Whether you’re after a comforting casserole or a refreshing pasta salad, these salmon and orzo recipes combine hearty protein with vibrant flavor and texture. Below, you’ll find a trio of ideas: a baked salmon orzo casserole, a zesty orzo salad with grilled salmon, and a creamy skillet pasta for a satisfying weekday meal.

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### **Salmon and Orzo Bake, Salad, and Pasta Recipes - Baked Salmon and Orzo Casserole**

This baked dish is ideal for family dinners or make-ahead meal prep. It combines tender chunks of salmon, roasted vegetables, and orzo pasta in a lemony herb cream sauce. The top layer turns golden and crisp as it bakes, making it both hearty and inviting.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 lb fresh salmon fillet (skinless)

* 1 ½ cups dry orzo pasta

* 2 tbsp olive oil

* 1 small onion, diced

* 2 cloves garlic, minced

* 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

* 1 cup spinach (fresh or frozen)

* 1 cup milk or light cream

* ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

* Juice and zest of 1 lemon

* 1 tsp dried dill or Italian seasoning

* Salt and black pepper to taste

* ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional topping)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium casserole dish.

2. Cook orzo in salted boiling water for 6 minutes—just under al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant, about 3 minutes.

4. Stir in cherry tomatoes and spinach. Cook until softened, then remove from heat.

5. Flake raw salmon into chunks and fold into the vegetable mixture. Add orzo, milk, lemon zest and juice, Parmesan, seasoning, and salt to taste. Mix well.

6. Transfer everything into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and a bit more Parmesan if desired.

7. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.

This dish reheats well and makes a great packed lunch. You can also swap the salmon for smoked salmon or canned salmon for added convenience.

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### **Salmon and Orzo Bake, Salad, and Pasta Recipes - Salmon Orzo Pasta Salad**

This Mediterranean-inspired salad is perfect for summer lunches or as a side dish at a barbecue. It’s loaded with omega-3-rich salmon, bright lemon, fresh vegetables, and briny feta for a bold flavor profile.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 cups cooked orzo (cooled)

* 1 cup cooked salmon, flaked (grilled, poached, or baked)

* ½ cucumber, diced

* ½ red bell pepper, chopped

* ¼ red onion, finely sliced

* ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese

* 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill

* 1 tbsp capers or sliced olives (optional)

**Dressing:**

* 3 tbsp olive oil

* 1 tbsp red wine vinegar

* Juice of 1 lemon

* 1 tsp Dijon mustard

* Salt and pepper

**Instructions:**

1. In a large bowl, combine orzo, salmon, vegetables, feta, herbs, and capers.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients.

3. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

This salad is easily customizable—try adding avocado, sun-dried tomatoes, or chickpeas for extra nutrients.

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### **Salmon and Orzo Bake, Salad, and Pasta Recipes - Creamy Lemon Salmon Orzo Skillet**

Fast and flavorful, this one-pan dinner is ready in under 30 minutes. A creamy lemon sauce brings everything together in a warm, luxurious dish that still feels light thanks to citrus and herbs.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 tbsp butter or olive oil

* 2 cloves garlic, minced

* 1 ½ cups orzo pasta

* 3 cups low-sodium broth (chicken or vegetable)

* ½ cup light cream or half-and-half

* 1 tsp lemon zest and 1 tbsp lemon juice

* 1 tsp Dijon mustard

* 1 tsp thyme or basil

* 1 cup cooked salmon, flaked

* ¼ cup grated Parmesan

* Fresh parsley for garnish

**Instructions:**

1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.

2. Add orzo and toast for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

3. Stir in broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 8–10 minutes or until orzo is tender.

4. Stir in cream, lemon juice, zest, mustard, herbs, and Parmesan. Fold in salmon.

5. Simmer for 2–3 more minutes until creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

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### **Salmon and Orzo Bake, Salad, and Pasta Recipes - Final Thoughts**

Salmon and orzo make a versatile pair that can lean comforting, elegant, or refreshing depending on your preparation. Whether baked into a family-style casserole, tossed into a bright lemony salad, or stirred into a creamy skillet meal, these recipes bring balance and nourishment to your table. Each version can be adjusted to seasonal vegetables, herbs from the garden, or pantry staples—making them ideal go-to meals year-round.