Balsamic Salmon Orzo with Roasted Veggies & Feta
This Balsamic Salmon Orzo with Roasted Veggies & Feta is a complete Mediterranean-style meal in one bowl. Tender salmon glazed with sweet balsamic, tossed with lemony orzo, caramelized roasted vegetables, and finished with salty feta. It’s nourishing, colorful, and full of flavor—without any heat, just clean Mediterranean goodness.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: ~40 minutes
Serves: 3–4
Ingredients
Salmon
3–4 salmon fillets (120–150 g each)
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
1 garlic clove, grated
½ tsp dried oregano
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Roasted Vegetables
1 zucchini, sliced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 small red onion, wedges
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1½ tbsp olive oil
½ tsp dried thyme or oregano
Salt & black pepper
Orzo
1 cup orzo pasta
2½ cups vegetable or chicken broth
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
To Finish
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Instructions
1️⃣ Roast the Vegetables
Preheat oven to 200°C / 400°F.
Toss vegetables with olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper.
Roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring once, until tender and lightly caramelized.
2️⃣ Marinate the Salmon
In a small bowl, mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Brush mixture over salmon and let sit 10 minutes.
3️⃣ Cook the Orzo
Bring broth to a boil.
Add orzo and simmer 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
Drain if needed. Stir in olive oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
4️⃣ Cook the Salmon
Pan Method:
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
Cook salmon 3–4 minutes per side until flaky and glazed.
Oven Method:
Bake at 200°C / 400°F for 12–15 minutes.
5️⃣ Assemble
Toss orzo with roasted vegetables.
Top with salmon and crumble feta over the bowl.
Finish with fresh herbs.
How to Serve
As a complete bowl meal
For meal prep lunches
With extra greens (arugula or spinach) for volume
Tips for Best Results
Don’t overcook salmon—remove when just flaky
Lemon brightens the orzo and balances balsamic sweetness
Add feta at the end to keep it creamy, not melted
Variations
High-protein: add chickpeas to the orzo
Dairy-free: skip feta or use vegan feta
Whole grain: use whole-wheat orzo
Cold version: chill and serve as a salmon orzo salad
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this dish sweet?
Lightly—balsamic and honey add balance, not sweetness.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Store up to 3 days in the fridge. Add feta fresh when serving.
Q: Is this spicy?
No 🌿 Completely mild and family-friendly.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~480 kcal
Protein: ~38 g
Carbohydrates: ~42 g
Fat: ~20 g
Fiber: ~5 g