Grilled Salmon with Lemon and Herbs 🔥🍋 Smoky, Zesty, and Built for the Grill
Grilled Salmon with Lemon and Herbs is the summer staple that never misses. It’s fast, fresh, and ultra flavorful — citrus, olive oil, and a hit of herbs bring brightness, while the grill adds just the right smokiness to rich salmon fillets.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend cookouts, or protein-packed salads.
Ingredients (Serves 2–4)
- 1–1½ lbs salmon fillets (skin-on recommended)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1–2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs (parsley, dill, thyme, or basil — or a mix)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: lemon slices for grilling
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Oil the grates or use a grill basket. Pat salmon dry and place skin-side down on a plate or tray.
Step 2: Make the Herb Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Season the Salmon
Brush the herb mixture generously over the salmon. Let sit at room temp for 10–15 minutes while the grill heats.
Step 4: Grill
Place salmon skin-side down directly on the grill. Close the lid and grill for 6–8 minutes. Carefully flip (or leave skin-side down if fillet is delicate) and cook another 2–4 minutes until it flakes easily with a fork and reaches 125–130°F internally.
Step 5: Serve
Serve hot with extra lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Flavor Variations
- Add a spoon of Dijon mustard to the marinade for tang
- Use lime juice and cilantro for a citrusy southwest twist
- Swap olive oil for melted butter and add paprika for richness
- Grill lemon halves cut-side down to serve as caramelized garnish
Serving Ideas
- Over herbed rice, couscous, or quinoa
- With grilled vegetables or a fresh green salad
- In lettuce wraps or grain bowls
- Alongside a cold pasta or potato salad
Pro Tips
- Use skin-on fillets — the skin protects the flesh and gets deliciously crispy
- Don’t overflip — one turn is enough
- Let salmon rest 2–3 minutes off the grill before serving
- Clean and oil the grill grates well to prevent sticking
Final Thoughts
Grilled Salmon with Lemon and Herbs is fresh, fast, and full of flavor — smoky from the grill, sharp from the lemon, and balanced by tender herbs. It’s the kind of dish that feels light but delivers big.
Oil it. Char it. Zest it. 🔥🍋🐟
🐟 Explore Salmon Recipes for Every Occasion
From quick weeknight dinners to elegant mains, these salmon recipes cover everything from baking and grilling to bowls, pastas, and more — healthy, flavorful, and easy to make.
🔥 Easy Baked Salmon in the Oven – Tender, flaky salmon with garlic butter and lemon.
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🌿 Grilled Salmon with Lemon and Herbs – Lightly charred and bright with citrusy herb flavor.
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🥑 Keto Salmon with Avocado – Low-carb, high-flavor, and full of healthy fats.
🍯 Honey Glazed Salmon – Sweet and savory glaze with a caramelized finish.
🧀 Stuffed Salmon with Spinach – Creamy spinach filling wrapped in perfectly baked fillets.
🍱 Asian Glazed Salmon – Soy-ginger glaze with sticky, umami-packed goodness.
🦐 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.
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- 🐟 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
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- 🍝🧀 Seafood Lasagna – Lasagna meets the sea in these rich and satisfying delicious twist classic bakes.