Summery Orzo Salad with Poached Salmon and Herbed Yogurt Dressing

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a Poached salmon orzo salad that's both healthy and delicious? Honestly, this recipe is a game-changer. It’s packed with flavor and goodness. Plus it is the perfect Summer salad with salmon

Brief Overview

This mediterranean salmon orzo salad is like a vacation in a bowl. think sunshine and fresh ingredients. it is super easy to make and only takes about 35 minutes.

This recipe yields 4 servings, perfect for a family lunch!

Main Benefits

The big win here is the protein from the salmon. you know, good for your muscles and keeps you full.

This healthy salmon salad recipe is great for a light lunch or even an elegant salmon salad brunch . it is just so darn versatile.

Summery Orzo Salad with Poached Salmon and Herbed Yogurt Dressing Recipe Card

0.0 / 5 (0 Review)

Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:20 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 package (7 ounces/200g) plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or non-fat)
• 1/4 cup (15g) watercress, chopped
• 1/4 cup (15g) flat-leaf parsley, chopped
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
• 1 1/2 cups (300g) orzo pasta
• 1/2 lb (225g) green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch (2.5cm) pieces
• 1 cup (150g) grape tomatoes, halved
• 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 salmon fillets (about 4-6 oz/115-170g each), skin on or off
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 cup (240ml) water
• Optional: Lemon pepper seasoning or other preferred salmon seasoning

Instructions:

• Combine yogurt, watercress, parsley, and scallions in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Whisk until well combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook for 3 minutes. Add the green beans and cook for an additional 6-7 minutes, or until both are tender but still slightly firm (al dente). Drain the orzo and green beans.
• Place the cooked orzo and green beans in a serving bowl. Add the halved grape tomatoes. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine. Allow to cool slightly, then cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Place the salmon fillets in a large skillet. Add 1 cup of water to the skillet. Top each salmon fillet with a lemon slice. Cover the skillet and bring the water to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and gently simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the salmon from the skillet and let cool slightly.
• Spoon the chilled orzo salad onto plates or into bowls. Top with a poached salmon fillet. Dollop generously with the herbed yogurt dressing. Serve immediately or chill for later.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:450-550

Fat:20-25g

Fiber:35-40g

Recipe Info

Category:Salad

Cuisine:Mediterranean

Why Poached Salmon Orzo Salad Is the Bee's Knees

This poached salmon orzo salad is my go-to meal when i'm craving something light but satisfying. seriously, it is a winner.

We're talking flaky salmon, perfectly cooked orzo, and a dressing that's like a party in your mouth. but let's dive a bit deeper and you'll see what makes this dish truly special

Salmon & Orzo: A Match Made in Heaven

The secret to this salmon orzo pasta salad recipe ? balance. the creamy yogurt dressing cuts through the richness of the salmon.

It is so, so good. it is inspired by mediterranean flavors. it offers a refreshing twist on a classic cold salmon pasta salad and is super simple.

Quick, Easy, and Oh-So-Good

This quick salmon salad lunch recipe is ideal for busy bees. the salmon poaching method is foolproof. and the salad itself comes together in a snap.

It's a simple as the herbed yogurt salmon salad and it is just what you need! the end result? a poached salmon orzo salad that tastes like you spent hours slaving away in the kitchen.

Nobody needs to know how easy it actually was, right?

Ingredients & Equipment for the Perfect Poached Salmon Orzo Salad

Right, let’s chat ingredients for this Poached salmon orzo salad . Honestly, it's simpler than you think!

Main Ingredients: The Nitty Gritty

• Yogurt Dressing: 7 oz / 200g plain Greek yogurt. Look for thick yogurt. It makes for a creamier dressing!
• Watercress: 1/4 cup / 15g , chopped. Freshness is key here.
• Parsley: 1/4 cup / 15g , chopped. Flat-leaf is my fave.
• Scallions: 2 , thinly sliced.
• Salt: 1 tsp , or to taste.
• Black Pepper: 1/2 tsp , or to taste. Freshly ground is best!
• Orzo Pasta: 1 1/2 cups / 300g . Any brand will do.
• Green Beans: 1/2 lb / 225g , trimmed and cut.
• Grape Tomatoes: 1 cup / 150g , halved. Cherry tomatoes work too.
• Balsamic Vinegar: 3 tbsp . Adds a lovely tang.
• Olive Oil: 2 tbsp . Extra virgin, naturally.
• Salmon Fillets: 4 , (4-6 oz / 115-170g each). I prefer skin-on.
• Lemon: 1 , sliced.
• Water: 1 cup / 240ml for poaching.

Seasoning Notes: Level Up the Flavor

For this herbed yogurt salmon salad , spice combos are crucial. salt and pepper are obvious. balsamic vinegar adds a tangy sweetness.

Lemon brightens everything up. a pinch of red pepper flakes is nice. this is a perfect recipe for summer salad with salmon .

Don't be shy with the herbs. that's where the magic happens! if you don't have watercress? use arugula, or spinach.

It's all good! this recipe can work as an elegant salmon salad brunch .

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

You'll need a medium bowl, a whisk, and a large pot. also, a colander is essential for draining the pasta.

A serving bowl is required too. a large skillet with a lid will be needed for poaching. if you don’t have a whisk? a fork will do! i love making this mediterranean salmon orzo salad .

It's so quick and easy to prep a quick salmon salad lunch . it's also a healthy salmon salad recipe option!

I remember the first time i made this. my salmon was a bit overcooked. oops! . now i watch it like a hawk.

Aim for 10- 12 minutes . flaky and tender, not dry and rubbery! the chilling time is so important, and it's perfect as a cold salmon pasta salad .

I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as i do! this salmon orzo pasta salad recipe will become a family favorite.

I promise!

Alright, let's talk about poaching salmon. sounds fancy, right? honestly, it's dead easy. trust me, if i can do it, you definitely can.

We'll use it in a poached salmon orzo salad. it's the perfect summer meal.

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place

First things first, get everything ready. mise en place is just a fancy way of saying "get your stuff together".

Slice your lemon. measure out your water. have your salmon ready to go. this saves you from scrambling later. this is especially helpful with making a healthy salmon salad recipe.

It keeps everything organized.

Poaching Salmon: Step-by-Step Simple

1. Place salmon fillets in your skillet.
2. Add 1 cup of water.
3. Top each fillet with a lemon slice.
4. Cover the skillet with a lid.
5. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
6. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10- 12 minutes. The salmon should flake easily.
7. Remove the salmon. Let it cool.

Visual cue? The salmon should be opaque. No more see-through bits. Critical temperature point? You are not really measuring the temperature for poaching, only need to see the meat is properly cooked.

Salmon Secrets: Pro Tips and Tricks

Don't overcook the salmon. seriously. this is key. overcooked salmon is dry. aim for just cooked through. it should flake easily with a fork.

The flakiness will bring out the flavours of this mediterranean salmon orzo salad.

Common mistake? not using enough liquid. the water should come up to about halfway up the salmon fillets. if it evaporates too quickly, add a splash more.

A great technique is to add some seasoning on the salmon before you poach it for an extra flavor to this summer salad with salmon.

Enjoy your poached salmon salad recipe.

Recipe Notes: Making Your Poached salmon orzo salad Sing!

So, you're about to make this amazing poached salmon orzo salad? great! here are a few little nuggets of wisdom.

I have tried this salmon orzo pasta salad recipe , and i think you will love it!

Serving It Up: Plating and Pairing

Honestly, presentation matters. it is one of those summer salad with salmon that makes your day. for the poached salmon salad , i like to plate it artfully.

Swirl the orzo salad with yogurt dressing on the plate. then, place the salmon gently on top. a sprig of dill or parsley adds a pop of colour.

This could also be a nice elegant salmon salad brunch . a light, chilled rosé is perfect with this salad. if you are a red wine drinker, a beaujolais will do the trick.

Think of it as a mediterranean dream on a plate. a simple green salad or some crusty bread are also great on the side.

Storage Secrets: Keepin' It Fresh

Right then! got leftovers? no worries. i can tell you this healthy salmon salad recipe is good for a while! the cold salmon pasta salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Store it in an airtight container. the salad and dressing are best kept separate until serving to prevent sogginess. i have never frozen this, but i'll try, and let you know.

Variations: Making It Your Own

Fancy a twist? you know, the mediterranean salmon orzo salad is very versatile. if you're gluten-free, simply swap the orzo for a gluten-free alternative.

You know? i have also tried it with quinoa, and it's really good. also, in autumn, roasted butternut squash adds a lovely sweetness.

You can easily turn this into a quick salmon salad lunch .

Nutrition Nitty-Gritty

Okay, let's talk health. this herbed yogurt salmon salad is packed with protein from the salmon and goodness from the veggies.

It's relatively low in fat and high in nutrients. salmon is loaded with omega-3s, which are great for your heart and brain! i love that i can make a salmon orzo pasta salad recipe that's both delicious and good for me!

You've got this! Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun. Cooking should be an adventure. Enjoy your delicious creation!