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Perfect Grilled Lemon Herb Salmon Recipe with Creamy Dill Sauce

grilled lemon herb salmon - featured image

A quick and easy grilled salmon recipe featuring fresh lemon, herbs, and a creamy dill sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions with a bright, fresh, and rich flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz / 170 g each), skin on
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped thyme, parsley, salt (about ½ teaspoon), and a few grinds of black pepper to make the marinade.
  2. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place them in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over. Ensure each fillet is well-coated. Let sit for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
  3. While salmon marinates, combine Greek yogurt, fresh dill, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (~400°F / 200°C). Oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.
  5. Place salmon skin-side down on the grill. Close the lid and cook for 5-6 minutes without moving.
  6. Flip gently with a fish spatula and grill the other side for 3-4 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily and reaches an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare or 145°F (63°C) for fully cooked.
  7. Remove salmon from grill and let rest for 2-3 minutes.
  8. Serve with a generous dollop of creamy dill sauce on top or on the side. Garnish with extra lemon wedges and fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Pat salmon dry before marinating to get a nice sear. Oil grill grates to prevent sticking. Avoid flipping salmon too early to develop a crust. Rest salmon after grilling to keep juices locked in. Marinate for 15-20 minutes only to avoid ‘cooking’ the fish with lemon juice. For dairy-free sauce, substitute Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt. Frozen herbs can be used with adjusted quantities.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled salmon, lemon herb salmon, creamy dill sauce, easy salmon recipe, healthy seafood, quick dinner, grilled fish