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25-Minute Salmon Piccata with Orzo and Sautéed Greens Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 69 reviews

A vibrant, flavorful 25-Minute Salmon Piccata recipe featuring crispy pan-seared salmon fillets paired with a tangy lemon-caper butter sauce, served alongside tender orzo pasta and sautéed greens. This dish balances bright citrus notes with savory elements for an elegant yet quick weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Orzo

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth or water
  • ¼ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper, plus more to taste

Sautéed Greens

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced
  • 10 ounces greens of choice (spinach, kale, or chard), leaves chopped if large
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ large lemon, zest and juice (optional)

Salmon Piccata

  • 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each), skin on or off
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons capers, drained and rinsed
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • ¼ cup chicken broth
  • 1 stick butter (8 tablespoons)
  • 1 medium lemon, zest and juice
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
  • Lemon slices, for garnish
  • Dill sprigs and chopped dill, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare Orzo: In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 cloves finely minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 1 cup orzo pasta and toast for 1 to 2 minutes. Add 2 cups chicken broth (or water), ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes until orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Cover and keep warm.
  2. Cook Greens: While the orzo cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 clove finely minced garlic and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; sauté about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 10 ounces chopped greens and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until wilted and tender. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon zest and juice (optional). Transfer greens to a platter and set aside.
  3. Prepare Salmon: Pat 4 salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then dredge lightly in ¼ cup flour, shaking off excess. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon fillets skin side down if using, and cook without moving for 3 to 4 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip and cook another 3 to 4 minutes until just cooked through. Remove salmon from skillet and set aside.
  4. Make Salmon Piccata Sauce: In the same empty skillet, reduce heat slightly and add 6 cloves minced garlic and 3 tablespoons rinsed capers. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Increase heat to high and deglaze the pan with ½ cup dry white wine, adding zest and juice of 1 medium lemon. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce. Add ¼ cup chicken broth and simmer another 2 to 3 minutes. Remove pan from heat and whisk in 1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter until sauce is smooth and glossy. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
  5. Finish and Serve: Return salmon fillets to the skillet briefly to warm through, spooning the piccata sauce over the top. Plate salmon with a scoop of orzo and sautéed greens. Spoon additional sauce over everything and garnish with ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, lemon slices, and dill sprigs or chopped dill for a fresh, aromatic touch.

Notes

  • Salmon skin can be left on for extra crispiness or removed based on preference.
  • White wine can be substituted with additional chicken broth if preferred.
  • Use any hearty leafy greens such as spinach, kale, or chard for the sautéed greens.
  • For a dairy-free version, omit butter and finish sauce with olive oil.
  • Make sure salmon is not overcrowded in the pan to achieve a crispy crust.
  • Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Keywords: Salmon Piccata, Quick Salmon Recipe, Lemon Caper Sauce, Orzo Pasta, Sautéed Greens, Healthy Dinner, Weeknight Meal

Find it online: https://yumwithmia.com/25-minute-salmon-piccata-with-orzo-and-sauteed-greens-recipe/