Lemon Dill Orzo Salad with Wood Smoked Salmon
This vibrant Lemon Dill Orzo Salad is a delightful combination of textures and flavors, featuring tender orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, and the rich taste of wood smoked salmon. Perfect as a light lunch or a hearty side dish, the bright notes of lemon and the aromatic dill pair beautifully with the smokiness of the salmon. In just under 30 minutes, you can create a gourmet meal that is both satisfying and nutritious, making it a perfect go-to recipe for busy weeknights or elegant gatherings.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
orzo pasta
1 cup (cooked)
sea salt
1 teaspoon (flakey)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
peas
1/2 cup (cooked)
dill
1 tablespoon (fresh and chopped)
lemon
1 (grated zest only)
flat leaf parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
olive oil
3 tablespoons (extra virgin)
lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
baby spinach leaves
2 cups (fresh)
wood smoked salmon
200 g (hot smoked and broken into chunks)
Instructions
1
Cook orzo pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo with flakey sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
3
Gently fold in the cooked peas, chopped dill, grated lemon zest, and flat leaf parsley until evenly mixed.
4
Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice over the orzo mixture, tossing gently to combine all ingredients.
5
Add the baby spinach leaves and the broken chunks of wood smoked salmon, carefully folding everything together to maintain the integrity of the salmon.
6
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then transfer to a serving platter or individual bowls.
7
Serve immediately, or refrigerate for a chilled salad experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lemon Dill Orzo Salad with Wood Smoked Salmon?
This is a vibrant salad featuring tender orzo pasta, fresh vegetables like peas and baby spinach, and rich wood smoked salmon, all tossed in a bright lemon and dill dressing.
How long does it take to make this recipe?
You can create this gourmet meal in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
What are the main ingredients for this salad?
The main ingredients include orzo pasta, wood smoked salmon, baby spinach, peas, fresh dill, flat leaf parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil.
What kind of salmon is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 200g of hot wood-smoked salmon, which should be broken into chunks before being added to the salad.
Can I serve this salad chilled?
Yes, you can serve it immediately or refrigerate it for a chilled salad experience.
How do I prepare the orzo pasta?
Cook the orzo according to the package instructions, then drain it and let it cool slightly before mixing with other ingredients.
Should I use fresh or dried herbs?
The recipe specifically recommends fresh chopped dill and fresh flat leaf parsley for the best aromatic flavor.
What type of oil is recommended?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended to drizzle over the orzo mixture for a rich, smooth finish.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious meal that combines satisfying pasta with protein-rich salmon and fresh greens.
How much lemon juice is needed?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice along with the zest of one lemon.
How do I keep the salmon from breaking apart?
Carefully fold the broken chunks of smoked salmon into the mixture at the end to maintain the integrity of the fish.
Can I use frozen peas for this recipe?
Yes, you can use 1/2 cup of cooked peas; frozen peas that have been boiled or steamed work perfectly.
What seasoning is used in this salad?
The salad is seasoned with flakey sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Is this a good dish for entertaining?
Absolutely, its gourmet flavor and elegant appearance make it perfect for gatherings or dinner parties.
Can I substitute the baby spinach?
While baby spinach is recommended, you could potentially use other tender salad greens if desired.
How many grams of salmon are required?
The recipe requires 200 grams of wood smoked salmon.
What makes the flavor profile unique?
The bright, acidic notes of lemon and the aromatic dill provide a beautiful contrast to the deep, smoky flavor of the salmon.
Should the lemon be zested or just juiced?
Both; the recipe uses the grated zest of one lemon and two tablespoons of the juice.
Is this recipe quick to prepare?
Yes, it is categorized as a quick recipe that takes less than 30 minutes to complete.
How should the orzo be seasoned?
The cooked orzo should first be combined with sea salt and black pepper before adding the vegetables and dressing.
What type of parsley should I buy?
Look for flat leaf parsley (also known as Italian parsley) and chop it finely.
Can I use different types of pasta?
While orzo is the star of this salad, other small pasta shapes like ditalini or couscous could be used as a variation.
Is this salad filling enough for a main course?
Yes, it is hearty enough to be served as a light lunch or a satisfying main meal.
How much orzo pasta do I need?
You will need 1 cup of orzo pasta for this recipe.
Does the recipe use fresh lemon?
Yes, it uses one fresh lemon for both its zest and its juice.
What is the texture of the salad?
The salad features a delightful mix of tender pasta, leafy spinach, and flakey chunks of smoked salmon.
Is this a good meal prep recipe?
Yes, since it can be served chilled, it is a great option for preparing in advance.
When should I add the salmon?
Add the salmon in the final steps, folding it in gently with the baby spinach.
What kind of salt is best?
Flakey sea salt is recommended to enhance the textures and flavors of the salad.
Can I adjust the seasonings?
Yes, the recipe encourages tasting and adjusting the seasoning before transferring the salad to a serving platter.