Lemon Butter Salmon with Orzo, Spinach & Feta

Lemon Butter Salmon with Orzo, Spinach & Feta (Mediterranean Style)

Description

This Lemon Butter Salmon with Orzo, Spinach & Feta is a balanced Mediterranean-inspired dish that feels elegant but is weeknight-easy. Tender salmon fillets are pan-seared and finished with a silky lemon-butter sauce, then served over fluffy orzo tossed with wilted spinach, briny feta, garlic, and herbs. It’s fresh, comforting, and nourishing—perfect for family dinners or entertaining.

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Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Salmon

• 4 salmon fillets (skin on or off)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• Zest of 1 lemon

• Juice of 1 large lemon

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

For the Orzo

• 1½ cups orzo pasta

• 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth

• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 clove garlic, minced

Garnish (Optional)

• Fresh dill or parsley, chopped

• Extra lemon wedges

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Instructions

1. Cook the Orzo

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.

2. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Stir in orzo and toast lightly for 1 minute.

4. Add broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 8–10 minutes until tender.

5. Stir in spinach until wilted.

6. Remove from heat and fold in feta. Cover and keep warm.

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2. Cook the Salmon

1. Pat salmon dry and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Place salmon skin-side down and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden and flaky.

4. Remove salmon and set aside.

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3. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet, lower heat to medium.

2. Add butter and garlic; sauté for 30 seconds.

3. Stir in lemon juice and zest, scraping up browned bits.

4. Simmer 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.

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4. Assemble

• Spoon orzo onto plates.

• Top with salmon fillets.

• Drizzle generously with lemon butter sauce.

• Garnish with fresh herbs and extra feta if desired.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• ✔ True Mediterranean flavors

• ✔ High in protein & healthy fats

• ✔ Bright, fresh, and satisfying

• ✔ Ready in about 30 minutes

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Q & A

Q: Can I bake the salmon instead of pan-searing?
Yes! Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 12–15 minutes, then drizzle with lemon butter sauce.

Q: Can I use another pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely—small pasta like ditalini, couscous, or even brown rice works well.

Q: Is this recipe healthy?
Very! It’s rich in omega-3s, leafy greens, and whole Mediterranean ingredients.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the orzo in advance. Cook salmon fresh for best texture.

Q: What can I serve with it?
A cucumber-tomato salad, roasted vegetables, or warm pita with hummus pairs beautifully.