Harissa Salmon and Orzo with Tahini

Ingredients

For the Harissa Salmon:

• 3 tbsp harissa paste
• 2 tbsp avocado oil
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• Zest from 1 lime
• 1 1/4 lb salmon (center cut, skin removed)
• Kosher salt
• 3/4 lb asparagus, trimmed and sliced into approx. 1 1/2" pieces
• 1 lime, thinly sliced
• 1 1/4 cups orzo (dry)

For the Tahini Dressing:

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp tahini (drippy kind)
• 1 1/2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1-3 tbsp water (as needed to thin)
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt

For Garnish:

• Fresh dill, chopped
• Fresh mint, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the Harissa Salmon:

• In a small bowl, mix together the harissa paste, avocado oil, lime juice, and lime zest.
• Season the salmon with a pinch of kosher salt and brush half of the harissa mixture over it. Allow excess to drip into the baking dish.
• Toss the asparagus with a bit more avocado oil, and season with salt and pepper. Place the asparagus around the salmon in the baking dish. Top with lime slices.
• Broil on high for 5 minutes. Remove from the oven, brush the remaining harissa mixture on the salmon, and return to the oven. Broil for an additional 4-6 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked to your liking. If the asparagus needs more time, remove the salmon and broil the asparagus for 1-2 more minutes.

2. Cook the Orzo:

• While the salmon and asparagus are broiling, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook for 8-9 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.

3. Make the Tahini Dressing:

• In a small jar or bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, tahini, lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of water. Mix well, adding more water as needed to achieve your desired consistency. Season with 1/2 tsp kosher salt.

4. Assemble the Dish:

• Toss the cooked orzo with about half of the tahini dressing.
• Transfer the orzo to a large serving dish.
• Flake the cooked salmon into irregular pieces and scatter it over the orzo along with the asparagus.
• Garnish with chopped dill and mint, and season with flaky salt.
• Drizzle the remaining tahini dressing over the top just before serving.