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Orzo Pesto Salmon in a baking dish.
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Pesto Orzo Salmon Bake Recipe

Let's make an Orzo Pesto Salmon Bake in under 40 minutes in a single casserole dish! I love this recipe for end of summer because we're using up all of that seasonal produce, but it's also perfect for busy back-to-school weeknights. That savory, lemony orzo base with flaky pesto salmon, cherry tomatoes, and salty feta cheese is SO good! This is one of those fuss-free recipes you always keep in your back pocket, and it's honestly perfect for adding a touch of flavorful brightness any time of the year!
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 492kcal
Author Christine McMichael

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dry orzo
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or sub more broth
  • 4 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2-3 Tablespoons capers drained
  • 4 4-ounce salmon fillets about 4-6 oz each, skin-on or skinless
  • 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes
  • 3-4 ounces feta
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil for serving

Pesto Marinade

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  • In a 9x13" casserole dish, combine the dry orzo, broth, white wine, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and scatter capers over the top. Cover tightly with foil.
  • Bake covered for 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, whisk the pesto marinade together.
  • Remove the foil and stir the orzo. Nestle the salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skinless or skin-side down into the orzo, pressing them in slightly.
  • Top each filet with the marinade mixture, then add in the cherry tomatoes. Place the feta in the center of the dish or crumble over everything.
  • Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily.
  • Top the entire dish with fresh basil. Serve and enjoy!

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 492kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 1383mg | Potassium: 305mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 841IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 162mg | Iron: 2mg