Grilled Salmon Orzo Salad Food

GRILLED SALMON WITH ORZO, FETA, AND RED WINE VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• 1. Prepare an outdoor grill for medium- high cooking over direct heat.
• 2. Meanwhile, make the orzo salad: Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the orzo and cook, stirring often, for about 8 minutes, or until just tender. Drain the orzo in a sieve and set aside.
• 3. In a medium bowl, whisk the vinegar, shallots, and garlic together. Gradually whisk in the olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• 4. In a large bowl, toss the warm orzo, spinach, tomatoes, pine nuts, and basil with the vinaigrette. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside at room temperature.
• 5. To cook the salmon: Coat the salmon with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Oil the cooking grate. Place the salmon on the grill with the top right corner of each fillet facing the 2-o'clock position and cook for 4 minutes, without moving the salmon. (This will help give the salmon a good sear of nice grill marks and help it release from the grate.) Using a thin metal spatula, starting at the corner of each fillet nearest you, flip the fillets over. Grill for about 2 minutes, or until the fish is opaque with a slightly rosy center when flaked in the thickest part with the tip of a small knife. Remove from the grill.
• 6. Mound the salad in the center of a large serving platter or four dinner plates. Sprinkle with the feta cheese. Top with the salmon, sprinkle with the chives, and serve.

GRILLED SALMON WITH GREEK ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• Season both sides of salmon generously with salt and pepper.
• Blend dill and olive oil together and brush over salmon. Let stand at room temp for 20 minutes to an hour.
• Make the Orzo Salad:.
• In a strainer set over a medium bowl, toss the cucumber, onion and tomatoes with 1 tsp of kosher salt and let drain for 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the orzo until just done, about 9 minutes. Drain. Rinse with cold water and drain well.
• Toss the cooked orzo with the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, fresh dill and black pepper. Fold in the cucumber mix and the black olives. Set aside while you cook the salmon.
• Grill the Salmon:.
• Pre-heat grill (or broiler) until very hot. Place salmon on grill and cook 2-3 minutes per side, depending on thickness of fillets (for a 3/4" thick piece, this will yield perfectly cooked salmon, medium rare.).
• Mound the orzo evenly in the center of four plates. Top with the salmon and garnish with fresh lemon zest and chopped dill.

GRILLED SALMON & ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• Place large pot of water on a burner and bring to a boil for the orzo.
• In a strainer placed over a bowl, toss cucumber, tomatoes, and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and let drain for 20 minutes.
• Preheat grill.
• Cook orzo until JUST done, about 12 minutes. Drain. Rinse with cold water and drain well. Toss orzo with the 1/3 cup oil, lemon juice, 1/3 cup dill, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.
• Coat salmon with 1 tablespoon oil, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
• Grill salmon, skin-side up, for 4 minutes. Turn and sprinkle with the 1 tablespoon dill and lemon zest.
• Cook salmon until golden and just barely done (the fish should still be translucent in the center), about 3 minutes longer.
• Serve salmon on top of the salad.