Go Back
seared-salmon-with-lemon-orzo_feature

Creamed Corn Orzo with Salmon: A Mediterranean Diet Dinner Masterpiece

This protein-packed dinner combines tender salmon fillets with creamy orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and creamed corn in a single skillet meal ready in under 30 minutes. The dish aligns with Mediterranean diet principles, featuring omega-3 fatty acids from salmon and vibrant flavors from lemon and fresh herbs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 480
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin-on or skinless
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 lemon, juiced and zested
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.75 oz) creamed corn
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Prepare the Salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with garlic powder, dried dill, salt, and pepper. Set aside to allow seasonings to penetrate while you prepare the skillet ingredients.
  2. Start the Orzo Base: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Cook the Orzo: Add orzo pasta to the skillet and toast for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes until orzo is al dente and liquid is mostly absorbed.
  4. Add Creamed Corn and Spinach: Stir in creamed corn until well combined. Add fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Stir in Parmesan cheese and half of the lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Cook the Salmon: Push orzo mixture to the sides of the skillet, creating space in the center. Add remaining tablespoon of olive oil and place salmon fillets in the center. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily.
  6. Final Touches and Serving: Sprinkle remaining lemon juice and zest over the entire skillet. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately, scooping orzo mixture onto plates and topping with salmon fillets.

Notes

Choose wild-caught salmon for superior flavor and higher omega-3 content. Don't overcook the orzo - it should be al dente since it will continue cooking in residual heat. For meal prep, vegetables can be prepped and salmon seasoned up to a day in advance.