Grilled Salmon
Perfectly grilled salmon fillets with a flaky, moist interior and a slightly crispy skin. A simple lemon, dill, and garlic seasoning makes this a quick and healthy weeknight dinner, ready in under 20 minutes.
For 4 servings
Preheat grill and prepare salmon
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400-450°F (200-230°C).
- Clean the grill grates thoroughly with a wire brush.
- Lightly oil the grates with a high-smoke-point oil to prevent sticking.
- Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. This is key for crispy skin.
Season the salmon fillets
- Brush the salmon fillets on all sides with olive oil.
- In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and chopped fresh dill.
- Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over the flesh side of each salmon fillet.
Grill the salmon
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the hot, oiled grates.
- Close the lid and grill for 4-6 minutes. The skin should be crispy and release easily from the grate when it's ready to flip.
- Carefully flip the salmon using a fish spatula. Grill for another 2-4 minutes on the other side.
- The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork or reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) at its thickest part.
Rest and serve
- Remove the salmon from the grill and transfer to a plate.
- Let it rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Squeeze the juice from half the lemon over the fillets.
- Serve immediately with the remaining lemon cut into wedges.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra crispy skin, make sure the grill is very hot and the salmon is very dry before seasoning.
- 2Don't force the flip! If the salmon skin is sticking, it's not ready. Give it another minute.
- 3A fish spatula is wider and more flexible than a regular spatula, making it ideal for flipping delicate fish.
- 4For a smokier flavor, you can use a cedar plank. Soak the plank in water for at least an hour before placing the seasoned salmon on it and grilling.
- 5Store leftover grilled salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It's great flaked over a salad the next day.
Adapt it for your goals.
Keto
This recipe is naturally keto-friendly. Serve with grilled asparagus or a side salad with a low-carb vinaigrette to complete the meal.
spicySpicy
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.
healthyHealthy
To make it even healthier, reduce the olive oil to 1 tablespoon and increase the amount of fresh herbs. Serve with steamed vegetables.
quickQuick
For a faster prep, use a pre-made lemon-pepper or blackened seasoning blend instead of mixing your own spices.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Salmon is one of the best sources of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and support overall heart health.
High-Quality Protein Source
Provides complete protein essential for muscle repair, bone health, and maintaining a healthy metabolism.
Excellent Source of B Vitamins
Packed with B vitamins, including B12, B6, niacin, and riboflavin, which are crucial for energy production and brain function.
Contains Astaxanthin
The antioxidant astaxanthin gives salmon its pink color and helps protect the skin and nervous system from oxidative damage.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, grilled salmon is very healthy. It's an excellent source of high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids which support heart and brain health, and essential vitamins like B12 and D.
