This Panko-Crusted Salmon with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto and Orzo is one of those meals that looks fancy, tastes restaurant level, but actually takes barely any effort. It’s warm, savory, a little creamy, and packed with protein, perfect for a busy weeknight when you still want to eat like you care about your body.It’s also done …
This Panko-Crusted Salmon with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto and Orzo is one of those meals that looks fancy, tastes restaurant level, but actually takes barely any effort. It’s warm, savory, a little creamy, and packed with protein, perfect for a busy weeknight when you still want to eat like you care about your body.
It’s also done in about 25 minutes, which feels like a small miracle.
I love meals like this because they feel balanced without being boring. You’ve got crispy salmon, healthy zesty garlic spices, tender orzo, salty feta, fresh spinach, and that rich sun-dried tomato pesto tying everything together. It’s cozy, but still light. Comfort food, but make it healthy.
This is the kind of dish you make once… and then suddenly it becomes a regular in your rotation.
Golden Panko Salmon with Mediterranean Orzo
This Golden Panko Salmon with Mediterranean Orzo is one of those meals that feels like you ordered it from a restaurant… but it’s made in your own kitchen in about 25 minutes. It’s warm, savory, a little creamy, and packed with protein, perfect for a busy weeknight when you still want something that feels nourishing and intentional.
Ingredients
Method
Before Starting
- Preheat the oven to 425℉ & bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchemnt paper.
- To a small bowl, add mayo and half the Zesty Garlic Blend.
- Roughly chop your spinch
- Thinly slice your chives
Prep Work
- Meanwhile, heat a medium non-stick pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add your 2 tsps of olive oil, then your panko.
- Toast for 2-3 mins, stirring often, until golden. Transfer to a shallow dish and set aside for now.
Roasting Salmon
- Pat your salmon dry with paper towels.
- Season with the remaining Zesty Garlic Blend, Salt & Pepper
- Coat the flesh sides of the salmon with your Mayo-Zesty Garlic Blend mixture.
- Working with one piece at a time, press the mayo-coated side into your toasted panko breadcrumbs.
- Arrange your salmon on your baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Roast in the top of the oven for 12-14 mins, until your salmon is cooked through. (min internal temperature of 158℉)
Cooking the Orzo
- Meanwhile, to the boiling water, add your orzo
- Cook for 8-10 mins, stirring occasionally, until your pasta is tender but still firm to the bite. Make sure to reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water.
- Strain the orzo, then return to the pot, off heat.
- To the pot with the orzo, add 1 tablespoon butter, sun-dried tomato pesto, spinach and 2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water.
- Stir for 1 min, until well combined and the spinach is wilted.
- Add half the feta and season with salt and pepper
Finish & Serve
- Divide the orzo between bowls (or meal prep contrainers)
- Top with salmon and sprinkle your chives and remaining feta over top.
2 Comments
Jessica Parker
January 17, 2026This was so delicious!! Also my 1st time eating Orzo hahahaha thank you for introducing something new to me.
Vicky
January 22, 2026I could eat this every day. I didn’t have a zesty, garlic blend and couldn’t find it so I made my own. I used garlic powder, lemon pepper, paprika, and cumin. Worked perfectly.