Pesto Salmon with Orzo Cherry Tomatoes & Pine Nuts
This Pesto Salmon with Orzo is a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dish packed with fresh flavors and textures. Juicy pan-seared salmon is drizzled with homemade basil pesto and served over orzo pasta tossed with cherry tomatoes creamy mozzarella and crunchy pine nuts. It’s an easy yet elegant meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
With a perfect balance of protein healthy fats and fresh ingredients this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.
Estimated Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Salmon
4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
2 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
For the Orzo & Toppings
1 cup orzo pasta
1½ cups cherry tomatoes halved
½ cup mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
¼ cup toasted pine nuts
¼ cup fresh basil leaves
For the Pesto Sauce
½ cup fresh basil leaves
2 tbsp pine nuts
1 garlic clove
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the Orzo
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook orzo according to package instructions
Drain rinse with cold water and set aside
Make the Pesto
In a blender or food processor combine basil pine nuts garlic and Parmesan
Slowly drizzle in olive oil while blending until smooth
Season with salt and black pepper to taste
Prepare the Salmon
Pat salmon fillets dry and season with salt pepper garlic powder and paprika
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat
Sear the salmon for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through
Assemble the Dish
Toss cooked orzo with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls in a large bowl
Transfer to a serving dish and place salmon fillets on top
Drizzle with pesto sauce and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and fresh basil
Serve & Enjoy!
Serve warm and enjoy this flavorful protein-packed meal!
Cooking Tips & Variations
Use store-bought pesto if you’re short on time. Fresh pesto is best but a good quality store-bought version works well
Make it gluten-free by swapping orzo for quinoa cauliflower rice or gluten-free pasta
Want extra crunch Add some arugula or spinach to the orzo mix
Roast the tomatoes for a richer deeper flavor. Simply toss them in olive oil and roast at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 15 minutes
Meal prep-friendly Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge
Q&A
1.Can I bake the salmon instead of pan-searing
Yes Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the salmon for 12 to 15 minutes or until it flakes easily with a fork
2. Can I use another type of fish
Absolutely Trout cod or halibut work great as substitutes
3. How can I make this dairy-free
Simply omit the mozzarella and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan in the pesto
4. What can I use instead of pine nuts
Almonds cashews or walnuts make great alternatives
5. How do I store leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days Reheat gently to avoid drying out the salmon
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
(Approximate values based on standard ingredients)
Calories: ~550 kcal
Protein: 42g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fats: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 420mg
Conclusion
This Pesto Salmon with Orzo is a restaurant-quality meal that’s incredibly easy to make at home. The combination of juicy salmon fresh basil pesto creamy mozzarella and crunchy pine nuts makes every bite absolutely delicious
Perfect for busy weeknights meal prep or even a dinner party this dish brings Mediterranean flavors to your table in just 30 minutes.