We had beautiful weather this weekend, which left me craving something summery. This Greek salmon with a light fresh lemon orzo pasta salad HIT THE SPOT!
I really like dishes that have a number of base ingredients my kids love. Most of the time, they will eat things mixed together, but I know a lot of kids HATE that. If that's one of your kids, don't fight it - keep their plate out as you are prepping and throw ingredients on as you get them ready: cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, peppers, pasta... Pick your battles! ;)
Recipe inspired by @halfbakedharvest.
Bon Appetit!
Salmon Ingredients:
4 (5-6 ounce) salmon fillets
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp smoked paprika
2 tbsp chopped fresh oregano (or 1 tbsp dried oregano)
1 shallot, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
kosher salt and black pepper use to taste
6 tbsp EVOO
1-2 lemons, sliced and seeds removed - use to your taste
8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup fresh dill and/or mint, chopped (I use a mix)
Salad Ingredients:
3 cups cooked orzo
1/3 cup EVOO
1-2 lemons, juiced
1 cup fresh dill, mint and/or chives, chopped (I use a mix)
1 roasted red pepper, chopped
1 can chickpeas drained
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup green olives (at least!)
1/2 cup cucumber (at least!)
1 block feta cheese cut into cubes
Directions:
Place salmon in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Add 3 tablespoons olive oil, balsamic vinegar, paprika, oregano, shallot, garlic, salt, and pepper. Rub seasonings and oil evenly into flesh. Toss lemon slices into the oil.
To make salad: add orzo, EVOO, juice of 1 lemon, herbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper to a large serving bowl. Add chickpeas, red peppers, tomatoes, olives, cucumber, and feta and toss to combine. If it seems a little dry, add juice of second lemon.
Heat grill, grill pan, or skillet to medium high heat. Place salmon on grill. Add lemon slices. Cover and cook until skin is lightly charred, 4-5 minutes, flip salmon and lemons, grill another 3-4 minutes until opaque or to your desired doneness. Remove everything from grill.
Finely chop lemon slices and mix with herbs, crumbled feta, and 3 tablespoons EVOO. Add a couple of spoonfuls of the feta to the orzo salad.
Divide salad between plates. Add salmon and sprinkle with lemon feta. Top with lots of fresh herbs, and an extra squeeze of lemon, if desired.
I love love love this recipe...I did it today and substituted chicken for the salmon. Wonderful!!
I am so making this Greek Salmon!!!!!