Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Savory Grilled Salmon with Greek Avocado Salsa and Orzo Delight Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 27 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 0h 20m
  • Cook Time: 0h 25m
  • Total Time: 0h 45m
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

A vibrant and flavorful recipe featuring perfectly grilled salmon topped with a refreshing Greek avocado salsa, served alongside a buttery, herb-infused orzo pasta. This dish combines Mediterranean-inspired ingredients to create a well-balanced meal packed with protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables, ideal for a wholesome lunch or dinner.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Salmon:

  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each, skin-on preferred)
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Greek Avocado Salsa:

  • 1 large ripe avocado, diced
  • 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, quartered
  • 1/2 English cucumber, diced (or 1 cup regular cucumber, seeded and diced)
  • 1/3 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped (optional but recommended)
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

For the Orzo Delight:

  • 1 1/2 cups dry orzo pasta
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth (or water, but broth adds more flavor)
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt (adjust if broth is salty)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter (optional, for richness)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for a fusion twist)
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil or mint, chopped (optional)

For Serving and Garnish:

  • Lemon wedges
  • Extra chopped herbs (parsley, dill, or basil)
  • Extra crumbled feta (optional)
  • Drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil (optional)


Instructions

  1. Marinate the salmon: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Pat the salmon fillets dry and place them in a shallow dish or zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the salmon, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20–30 minutes and up to 2 hours while preparing the salsa and orzo.
  2. Prepare the Greek avocado salsa: In a medium bowl, combine diced avocado, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta, parsley, and dill. In a separate small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the avocado mixture and gently toss to combine without mashing the avocado. Adjust seasoning as desired and refrigerate until serving, ideally within 1 hour.
  3. Cook the orzo delight: Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in dry orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden. Pour in broth, add salt and pepper, and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 8–10 minutes until orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and stir in butter, Parmesan, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, and basil or mint if using. Adjust seasoning and keep warm.
  4. Preheat and prepare the grill: Preheat a gas grill to medium-high heat (400–425°F / 200–220°C) or prepare charcoal grill for medium-hot direct heat. Clean grates thoroughly and oil lightly with an oiled paper towel held with tongs to prevent sticking, especially important for fish.
  5. Grill the salmon: Remove salmon from marinade and let excess drip off. Lightly oil skin side if not coated. Place fillets skin-side down at an angle on the grill. Close lid and cook 4–5 minutes until salmon easily releases and changes color halfway up sides. Flip carefully and grill another 3–5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 125–130°F (52–54°C) for medium or up to 140°F (60°C) for well done. Remove and let rest 3–5 minutes.
  6. Assemble the dish: Fluff the orzo with a fork and adjust consistency if needed. Spoon a generous bed of orzo onto each plate, top with grilled salmon fillet, then spoon Greek avocado salsa over the salmon and orzo. Garnish with extra herbs, feta, and a drizzle of olive oil as desired. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing.

Notes

  • Marinate salmon for a minimum of 20 minutes but no longer than 2 hours to avoid over-curing the fish.
  • For freshest salsa, add avocado shortly before serving to maintain vibrant color and texture.
  • If orzo thickens too much before serving, loosen with a splash of warm broth or water.
  • Use skin-on salmon to help keep fish intact on the grill and add flavor.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes in marinade to control heat level.
  • Optional ingredients like butter and Parmesan in orzo add richness but can be omitted for a lighter version.
  • Grill temperature is crucial to prevent sticking and achieve perfect sear marks.
  • Let salmon rest after grilling to allow carryover cooking and juice redistribution.