This salmon orzo salad is affordable,tasty, minimal ingredients and way healthier than anything you will get over the deli counter!
This post has been updated and republished.
You are winning on all accounts here.
Have you guys checked out my post of Avocado Summer Lasagna? It's basically all the flavors of summer combined in lasagna form. This enchilada lasagna kind of does the same thing, avocados everywhere!
My go-to place for salmon filets is Costco. I've found that their quality is decent and you get the most bang for your buck. I buy about 2-3 pounds at a time and freeze whatever I don't use. Easy and affordable.
As far as I'm concerned one of the greatest trifectas in the culinary world is salmon, dill and lemon.
They balance each other out so well; the fattiness of the salmon, bright acidic juice of the lemons and warm and mild flavor from the dill perfectly compliment each other.
Ingredients in Salmon Orzo Salad
- Salmon: I prefer sockeye (I try not to buy farm-raised!) I like to buy it at Costco for good deals.
- Red onion: You could omit if you don't like raw onion (sometimes I don't make it with it in there because Sean isn't a huge fan). I do love the crunch and freshness it brings to the dish though!
- Feta: I try and buy closest I can get to local farms as possible. The feta that is commercialized tastes too dry to me sometimes and they coat it with a stabilizer so it doesn't spoil.
- Cucumber: A great vegetable of the summer! I always peel the skin off before I chop it unless its an English cucumber.
- Fresh dill: You could use dried dill instead of fresh but it won't be as flavorful.
- Orzo: Still debate all the time if it's a rice or pasta.
- Lemon: Brings out the brightness of the dish- you need it!
Plus, did I mention this salmon orzo salad recipe makes A TON of food?!
When I originally measured it was about 10 cups. However, that was after Sean and I had already been eating it so I assume there might be closer to 11-12cups. PERFECT FOR BIG GROUPS. i.e dinner parties, potlucks or Sunday meal prep!
Salmon Orzo Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 people 1x
Description
The perfect Salmon Orzo Salad with lemon and fresh dill is the perfect dish to bring to your next dinner party or potluck!
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds salmon (boneless and skinless)
- 8 oz orzo
- 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 large english cucumber, diced
- ½ large red onion, diced
- 3 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 lemons, juiced
- Cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450. Place salmon on baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until internal temperature reads 145 degree F.
- While salmon is cooking, cook orzo according to package instructions ( usually takes ~9 minutes).
- Once orzo and salmon are done cooking, allow to cool before assembly of the salad.
- Crumble salmon into small pieces and combine with the orzo, red onion, feta and dill. Stir to combine.
- In a small bowl combine olive oil, black pepper and lemon juice.
- Toss salad in dressing and refrigerate until serving.
Notes
This salad stores in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can use dried dill instead of fresh if that's all you have, but I prefer fresh.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Salad
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
I loved the salmon orzo salad. It was easy to make and so tasty! I enjoyed all of the flavors. I will be making this again.
Just made this tonight so yummy! Thanks for the idea! My 2 and 4 year olds loved it also!
Thank you Kathleen! Glad you and your family enjoyed it!
Looks delicious! How much orzo are you using for these proportions?
Hey Julie!
I used 8oz of Orzo!