Grilled Lemon Herb Salmon 🍋🔥🐟 Juicy, Charred, and Bursting With Bright Citrus, Garlic, and Garden Herbs

This is summer grilling simplicity at its peak — salmon fillets kissed with lemon, garlic, and herbs, seared on the grill until perfectly charred and juicy. It’s light, fast, and endlessly riffable — ideal for backyard dinners, picnics, or weeknight escapes to the Mediterranean.

Serve it over rice, greens, or grilled vegetables with a chilled white wine or crisp lager.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

For the marinade

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp chopped fresh dill, basil, or thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the salmon

• 2–3 salmon fillets (5–6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
• Lemon wedges (for serving)
• Optional: extra herbs or a drizzle of olive oil to finish

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate

In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice/zest, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Pat salmon dry and coat evenly in the marinade. Let sit for 15–30 minutes (but not longer than 1 hour).

Step 2: Preheat Grill

Preheat grill (or grill pan) to medium-high. Oil the grates well to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Grill

Place salmon skin-side down (if using skin-on) and grill for 3–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Flip carefully once — you want light char marks and opaque flesh that flakes easily.

Remove from heat and let rest 2 minutes.

Step 4: Serve

Plate with lemon wedges and fresh herbs. Drizzle with olive oil if desired. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Flavor Variations

• Add Dijon mustard or honey to the marinade for a sweet-savory glaze
• Swap lemon for orange + rosemary for a winter citrus twist
• Top with a spoonful of herby yogurt, tzatziki, or chimichurri
• Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for heat
• Serve over lentils, couscous, or arugula salad for a light meal

Pro Tips

• Oil the grill, not just the fish — stick prevention is key
• Use a fish spatula to flip — it gives control without tearing
• Don’t over-marinate in lemon — acid “cooks” the fish if left too long
• Internal temp should hit 125–130°F (52–54°C) for perfect medium
• Skin-on helps hold the fish together — and crisps beautifully if grilled right

Final Thoughts

Grilled Lemon Herb Salmon is pure, clean flavor — juicy, smoky, citrusy, and fresh. It’s the kind of meal that tastes like sunshine and eats like a special occasion, even if you’re just in your backyard with a cold drink.

Grill it. Brighten it. Let the herbs do the work. 🍋🔥🐟

🦐 More Coastal Seafood Recipes

From cozy casseroles to zesty grilled fish and elegant seafood pastas, this collection of Seafood Recipes covers every ocean-inspired craving — whether you’re planning a dinner party or a quick weeknight win.

• 🐟 Classic Seafood Dish Recipes – Think pan-seared salmon with lemon dill and timeless coastal favorites.
• 🦞 Delicious Seafood Boil Recipes – Spicy, saucy boils packed with crab, shrimp, and corn. The ultimate feast.
• 🍝 Seafood Pasta Recipes – Elegant and indulgent, like shrimp linguine in a white wine sauce.
• 🍤 Shrimp Recipes – Versatile, fast, and flavor-packed; smoky grills to sizzling stir-fries
• 🐟 Salmon Recipes – Baking & grilling to bowls, pastas, and more — healthy, flavorful, and easy to make/
• 🦞 Seafood Casseroles – Bubbly, Buttery & Oven-Ready. Comfort food meets coastal flavor.
• 🥣 Flavorful Seafood Soups – Rich chowders, bisques, and broth-based favorites.
• 🍽️ Easy Seafood Dinner Recipes – Quick, delicious, easy recipes bring bold flavor with minimal prep and cleanup
• 🥗 Healthy Seafood Recipes – Light, fresh & packed with protein and omega-3s with bright, satisfying flavor
• 🍚 Risotto Recipes with Seafood – Creamy, silky rice dishes meet the richness of the sea.
• 🌊 Seafood Stews – Mediterranean, Latin to classic American, hearty stews with satisfying depth in your bowl.
• 🍝🧀 Seafood Lasagna – Lasagna meets the sea in these rich and satisfying delicious twist classic bakes.