Description
This flavorful Grilled Salmon recipe combines fresh herbs, tangy Dijon mustard, and a hint of honey for a perfectly balanced marinade. Juicy salmon fillets are grilled to perfection, then topped with a vibrant herb sauce that elevates the dish to restaurant-quality dining at home. Ideal for a quick, healthy dinner that serves four.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Marinade
- 2 pounds salmon
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley, basil, dill, and/or thyme, divided)
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (from ½ lemon)
Herb Sauce
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley, basil, dill, and/or thyme, remaining)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium heat, approximately 350-375°F, to ensure even cooking of the salmon.
- Prepare the Salmon: Cut the salmon into 4 equal pieces suitable for individual servings.
- Make the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, half of the chopped fresh herbs, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, and lemon juice until well combined.
- Coat the Salmon: Spread the marinade mixture evenly over the pink flesh side of each salmon piece, covering thoroughly to impart maximum flavor.
- Prepare Herb Sauce: Whisk together the remaining ¼ cup olive oil, remaining chopped herbs, lemon zest, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Set this vibrant sauce aside for serving.
- Grill Salmon Skin Side Down: Place the salmon pieces on the grill, skin side down, to help hold the fillets together and prevent sticking.
- Cook First Side: Grill the salmon for about 3-4 minutes until the skin is crispy and easy to flip.
- Flip and Cook Other Side: Carefully turn the salmon over and grill for another 3-4 minutes or until cooked to your desired doneness – the fish should flake easily with a fork.
- Serve with Herb Sauce: Spoon the prepared herb sauce generously over the grilled salmon just before serving to enhance the flavors and add a fresh finish.
Notes
- The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, but dried may be substituted in a pinch (about 1 teaspoon total).
- For a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to your taste.
- This recipe works well with both wild-caught and farmed salmon.
- Ensure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent salmon from sticking.
