Salmon with Lemony Orzo and Basil-Bacon Peas – A Bright and Elegant Meal
This elegant salmon dish features pan-seared or baked salmon served over lemon-infused orzo pasta and complemented by peas tossed with crispy bacon and fresh basil. It’s rich in protein, full of zesty freshness, and offers a beautiful mix of textures. The meal feels indulgent but remains light and nourishing — perfect for both weeknight dinners and weekend celebrations.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Lemony Orzo:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Basil-Bacon Peas:
- 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 3 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the orzo: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add orzo and broth, cooking until tender. Stir in lemon juice, zest, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Prepare the peas: Heat olive oil in a small skillet. Add peas and cook until bright green. Stir in crumbled bacon and chopped basil. Remove from heat.
- Cook the salmon: Heat olive oil in a skillet or preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Season salmon with lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side or bake for 12–15 minutes until flaky.
- Assemble the dish: Serve the salmon over a bed of lemony orzo and top with basil-bacon peas. Garnish with extra lemon zest or basil leaves for a fresh touch.
Notes
- You can replace bacon with turkey bacon or omit it for a vegetarian version.
- Fresh lemon juice gives a brighter flavor than bottled.
- If using frozen peas, thaw them before cooking for even texture.
- Whole-wheat orzo can be used for added fiber.
- Adjust lemon zest to taste — more for tanginess, less for subtlety.