For a richer flavor, consider using pancetta instead of bacon. If you don't have fresh basil, 1 teaspoon of dried basil can be substituted, but fresh is highly recommended. Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your liking. Some prefer a more tart flavor, while others prefer it more subtle. Feel free to add other vegetables to the pea mixture, such as asparagus tips or chopped zucchini. To ensure the salmon remains moist, avoid overcooking it. It should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Baked Salmon with Lemony Orzo and Basil-Bacon Peas
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PREP TIME20 mins
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COOK TIME30 mins
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TOTAL TIME50 mins
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SERVING4 People
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VIEWS142
A symphony of flavors awaits in this vibrant dish! Flaky baked salmon rests atop a bed of lemony orzo, complemented by the salty-smoky crunch of bacon and the sweet burst of fresh peas, all infused with the herbaceous aroma of basil. A weeknight indulgence that's surprisingly simple to create.
Ingridients
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Nutrition
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Carbohydrate60 g
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Cholesterol153 mg
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Fiber8 g
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Protein51 g
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Saturated Fat11 g
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Sodium1278 mg
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Sugar2 g
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Fat30 g
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Unsaturated Fat0 g
Follow The Directions
01
StepPreheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. (5 minutes)
02
StepBring a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain well and set aside. (12 minutes)
03
StepIn a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, 4 thinly sliced basil leaves, and 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt. (2 minutes)
04
StepPlace the salmon fillet, skin-side down, on the prepared baking sheet. Brush with 1 tablespoon of melted butter and generously sprinkle the garlic-basil mixture over the top. (3 minutes)
05
StepBake in the preheated oven for 8-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. (10 minutes)
06
StepWhile the salmon bakes, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet. (8 minutes)
07
StepAdd the frozen peas and 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt to the skillet with the bacon fat. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the peas are heated through, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the cooked bacon crumbles. (5 minutes)
08
StepIn a large bowl, whisk together the remaining 3 tablespoons of melted butter, the juice of 1 lemon, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of sea salt. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add the cooked orzo to the bowl and toss to coat thoroughly. (3 minutes)
09
StepDivide the lemony orzo among four serving plates. Top each portion with a piece of the baked salmon and a generous spoonful of the basil-bacon peas. Garnish with the remaining fresh basil leaves and a final squeeze of lemon juice over the salmon, if desired. (5 minutes)
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Mozell Roob
Jun 8, 2025Next time I will try it with shrimp!
Reyna Lesch
Jun 4, 2025I added some chopped asparagus to the pea mixture, and it was delicious!
Loraine Kemmer
Feb 11, 2025The lemon orzo is absolutely divine! The perfect complement to the salmon and peas.
Cloyd Mclaughlin
Nov 28, 2024The garlic-basil rub on the salmon is genius! So much flavor with minimal effort.
Rory Koepp
Oct 12, 2024My kids who don't like salmon even ate this recipe!
Emmie Conroy
Aug 4, 2024I've made this recipe several times now, and it's always a hit!
Arlene Willms
Jul 23, 2024This recipe is absolutely amazing! So easy to follow and the result is restaurant quality! Thank you!
Narciso Hansen
Jun 12, 2024This recipe is a lifesaver! It's so quick and easy to make, and my family loves it.