Lemon Butter Salmon with Orzo

Lemon Butter Salmon with Orzo, Spinach & Feta is a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. This dish combines pan-seared salmon fillets with tender orzo pasta, wilted spinach, and salty feta cheese, all brought together with a silky lemon butter sauce. It’s light yet satisfying, packed with protein, healthy fats, and fresh Mediterranean flavors.

The salmon is seasoned simply and cooked until golden and flaky, allowing its natural richness to shine. Meanwhile, the orzo absorbs savory broth and lemony notes, creating a creamy texture without heavy cream. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients, while feta provides a tangy contrast that balances the buttery sauce perfectly.

Whether you’re looking for a healthy salmon dinner, a quick weeknight meal, or an impressive dish for guests, this lemon butter salmon recipe checks every box. It’s elegant, comforting, and endlessly adaptable.

Ingredients

For the Salmon

4 salmon fillets (skinless or skin-on)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
Zest and juice of 1 lemon

For the Orzo

1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups fresh spinach
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes

Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
Lemon wedges
Red pepper flakes

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove salmon from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic, stirring until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add lemon zest and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. This creates a rich, flavorful base for the dish.

Step 3: Cook the Orzo

In a separate saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add orzo and toast lightly for 1–2 minutes. Pour in broth, bring to a simmer, and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Add Spinach & Feta

Stir fresh spinach into the orzo and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and gently fold in feta cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

Return the salmon to the skillet with the lemon butter sauce, spooning the sauce over the fillets. Serve the salmon over a bed of orzo, garnished with herbs and extra feta if desired.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with:

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc
Roasted asparagus or broccoli
A simple Mediterranean salad

It also works well for meal prep, as the flavors deepen overnight.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to avoid drying out the salmon.

Nutrition Highlights

High in omega-3 fatty acids
Excellent source of lean protein
Balanced carbohydrates and healthy fats
Naturally gluten-free if using gluten-free orzo

Lemon Butter Salmon with Orzo