Elevate your salad game with this vibrant Grilled Salmon Orzo Salad, a perfect blend of smoky, flaky grilled salmon paired with tender orzo pasta and fresh, colorful vegetables. This recipe features a zesty lemon-garlic dressing laced with honey for a touch of sweetness, tying together the crisp baby spinach, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese. Topped with fragrant fresh dill, this Mediterranean-inspired dish is both light and satisfying, making it an ideal choice for a healthy lunch or dinner. Quick to prepare in just 40 minutes, this wholesome salad balances bold flavors with nourishing ingredients, perfect for meal prep or impressing guests.
Cook the orzo pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the orzo, and cook according to package directions (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the juice of one lemon, 1/4 cup olive oil, minced garlic, honey, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Set aside.
Prepare the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and season each side with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Brush the fillets with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Grill the salmon: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Remove from the grill and let cool slightly. Flake the salmon into large chunks, discarding the skin if desired.
Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, baby spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Add the salmon: Gently fold the grilled salmon pieces into the salad, being careful not to break them apart too much.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the salad with fresh dill and serve immediately. Enjoy this flavorful and healthy Grilled Salmon Orzo Salad!
Calories |
3446 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 198.4 g | 254% | |
| Saturated Fat | 39.1 g | 196% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 300 mg | 100% | |
| Sodium | 5336 mg | 232% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 275.5 g | 100% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 29.3 g | 105% | |
| Total Sugars | 33.1 g | ||
| Protein | 164.6 g | 329% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 810 mg | 62% | |
| Iron | 20.5 mg | 114% | |
| Potassium | 880 mg | 19% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.