How to Grill the Perfect Salmon

When I think about summer barbecues and cozy winter dinners alike, grilled salmon immediately comes to mind.
Growing up, my grandmother often made her famous herb-marinated salmon on her vintage grill, and let me tell you — the aroma would bring the whole neighborhood running!
Inspired by her recipe and a love for seasonal eating, I’ve crafted a versatile and flavorful grilled salmon recipe that’s perfect year-round — fresh enough for hot summer days, and hearty enough for chilly winter nights.

Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Salmon Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Done in under 30 minutes!

• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with Omega-3s, high-quality protein, and antioxidants.

• Flavorful: Infused with a savory marinade that enhances salmon’s natural richness.

• Seasonal Variations: Fresh toppings in summer; warm sides in winter.

• Restaurant-Quality: But made right in your kitchen or backyard!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Marinade:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon honey

• 1 teaspoon soy sauce

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

• 1 teaspoon fresh dill (or 1/2 teaspoon dried dill)

For the Salmon:

• 2 salmon fillets (skin-on, about 6 oz each)

• Lemon slices, for garnish

• Fresh herbs (parsley or dill), optional

Equipment Needed

• Outdoor grill or grill pan

• Tongs

• Basting brush (optional)

• Meat thermometer (highly recommended)

How to Make Grilled Salmon (Step-by-Step)

Prepare the Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, soy sauce, paprika, pepper, salt, and dill.
Set aside about 1 tablespoon of the marinade for basting later.

Tip: The balance of sweet (honey) and salty (soy sauce) makes this marinade irresistible!

 Marinate the Salmon

• Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.

• Place them in a shallow dish or resealable bag.

• Pour the marinade over the salmon, ensuring they’re well coated.

• Let them marinate in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes (no more than 30 minutes to avoid over-marinating).

Preheat the Grill

• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C).

• Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Winter Variation: Use a stovetop grill pan or an indoor electric grill if it’s too cold outside.

Grill the Salmon

• Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the grill.

• Grill uncovered for 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness.

• Baste with reserved marinade halfway through.

• Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Serve and Garnish

• Transfer salmon to a plate.

• Garnish with lemon slices and fresh herbs.

• Serve immediately!

Serving Ideas for Summer and Winter

Summer Pairings:

• Fresh garden salad with vinaigrette

• Grilled asparagus or zucchini

• Chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc

Winter Pairings:

• Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon

• Creamy mashed potatoes

• A bold red wine like Pinot Noir

Pro Tip: For a festive winter touch, drizzle salmon with a warm lemon-butter sauce!

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Warm gently in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.

FAQs About Grilled Salmon

Can I grill salmon without the skin?

Yes, but the skin helps hold the fillet together and prevents sticking. If you prefer skinless salmon, use a fish grilling basket.

What’s the best type of salmon to grill?

Wild-caught varieties like sockeye or coho have firmer flesh that holds up well on the grill.

Can I use frozen salmon?

Absolutely! Just make sure it’s completely thawed and pat dry before marinating.

Expert Tips for Perfect Grilled Salmon

• Use a thermometer: Don’t guess — check for 145°F for perfectly cooked salmon.

• Oil the grill grates: Prevents sticking and tearing.

• Don’t over-marinate: Too long in acidic marinade can “cook” the fish and make it mushy.

• Let it rest: Allow salmon to sit for 2 minutes after grilling for juicy results.

How to Grill the Perfect Salmon

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• Author: Kayla Neff
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x

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Description

When I think about summer barbecues and cozy winter dinners alike, grilled salmon immediately comes to mind. Fresh enough for hot summer days, hearty enough for chilly winter nights — this versatile recipe is a year-round favorite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon fresh dill (or 1/2 teaspoon dried dill)
• 2 salmon fillets (skin-on, about 6 oz each)
• Lemon slices, for garnish
• Fresh herbs (parsley or dill), optional

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Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, soy sauce, paprika, pepper, salt, and dill. Set aside 1 tablespoon of marinade for basting later.
2. Pat salmon fillets dry. Place them in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour marinade over salmon, coat well, and marinate for 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C). Lightly oil the grates. Use indoor grill pan if grilling outside isn’t an option.
4. Place salmon skin-side down on the grill. Grill uncovered 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Baste with reserved marinade halfway through. Cook until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
5. Transfer salmon to a plate. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh herbs. Serve immediately.

Notes

Avoid over-marinating to prevent mushy texture. Always oil the grill grates and use a thermometer for perfect salmon every time.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 fillet
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: grilled salmon, summer recipes, healthy salmon, easy grilled fish, year-round salmon