A bright, fresh, and wholesome seafood dish, this grilled salmon with lemon garlic sauce brings together tender grilled fish and a zesty herb sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners yet elegant enough for entertaining.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish pairs naturally rich salmon with a vibrant lemon–garlic–herb sauce that enhances the fish without overpowering it. The recipe uses simple, clean ingredients, cooks quickly, and offers a healthy source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Whether you prefer wild or farmed salmon, the flavors come together beautifully on the grill.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
20 oz salmon, cut into 3–4 oz fillets
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, grated
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
Preheat the grill or a grill pan over high heat.
Season the flesh side of the salmon fillets with sea salt and black pepper.
Once the grill is hot, lightly spray it with non-stick grilling spray.
Place the salmon on the grill and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness and preferred doneness.
While the salmon cooks, whisk together the olive oil, grated garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper to create the sauce.
When the salmon is cooked to your liking, remove it from the grill and drizzle generously with the lemon garlic sauce before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: 20–22 minutes
Variations
Use different herbs such as fresh dill, chives, cilantro, or basil.
For a creamy variation, replace part of the olive oil with Greek yogurt or a small amount of butter.
Add a touch of spice by mixing in a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the sauce.
Pair the salmon with a side of grilled vegetables, couscous, or a simple green salad.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the lemon garlic sauce separate when possible.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F until warmed through. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent the salmon from drying out.
Freezing: Cooked salmon can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
How do I keep salmon from sticking to the grill?
Ensure the grill is fully preheated and lightly oiled. Placing salmon on a very hot grill helps create a natural non-stick sear.
How do I know when salmon is done?
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque. For more precision, the internal temperature should reach around 125–130°F for medium.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw the fillets completely and pat them dry before seasoning and grilling.
Can I bake this instead of grilling?
Yes. Bake at 400°F for 10–12 minutes or until the salmon reaches your preferred doneness.
What type of salmon works best?
Wild salmon has a richer flavor and firmer texture, while farmed salmon is milder and fattier. Either works for this recipe.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. Stir before using.
Can I leave out the parsley?
Yes. Substitute with other herbs such as basil, dill, or chives.
Should I grill salmon with the skin on?
Keeping the skin on helps prevent sticking and keeps the salmon moist. You can remove it after cooking if preferred.
Do I need to marinate the salmon?
No marinade is necessary. Simple seasoning with salt and pepper works perfectly, as the sauce adds plenty of flavor.
What sides go best with this dish?
Rice, quinoa, roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad pair beautifully with grilled salmon.
Conclusion
Grilled Salmon with Lemon Garlic Sauce is a vibrant, wholesome dish that elevates simple ingredients into a flavorful meal. With its short prep time, fresh citrus–herb sauce, and tender grilled fish, it’s ideal for busy evenings or relaxed weekend dinners. This recipe is a reliable go-to whenever you want something light, nourishing, and delicious.
Grilled Salmon with Lemon Garlic Sauce is a fresh, flavorful seafood dish featuring tender grilled salmon fillets topped with a zesty lemon–garlic–herb sauce. It’s quick to prepare, healthy, and perfect for both casual meals and elegant dinners.
Ingredients
20 oz salmon, cut into 3–4 oz fillets
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, grated
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat the grill or a grill pan over high heat.
Season the flesh side of the salmon fillets with sea salt and black pepper.
Once the grill is hot, lightly spray it with non-stick grilling spray.
Place the salmon on the grill and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness and preferred doneness.
While the salmon cooks, whisk together the olive oil, grated garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper to create the sauce.
When the salmon is cooked to your liking, remove it from the grill and drizzle generously with the lemon garlic sauce before serving.
Notes
Use skin-on salmon to help prevent sticking and retain moisture.
Grill should be hot and lightly oiled for best sear and easy release.
Sauce can be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a day.
Swap parsley with other herbs like dill or chives for variety.
Great paired with grilled vegetables, rice, or couscous.
