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A close-up of a grilled salmon fillet topped with herbs and sauce, served on a plate with lemon wedges.

Grilled Salmon Recipe

This grilled salmon recipe is simple, fresh, and full of flavor. With crispy skin, tender flakes, and a hit of lemony herb butter in every bite, it’s a go-to dish for easy dinners. It’s great for a quick meal on the grill when the sun is shining.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: grilled salmon
Servings: 4
Calories: 448kcal

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

  • 17.6 ounces salmon fillets around 4 pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 lemon zest (reserve some for the butter)

Butter Lemon Herbs:

  • ½ cup butter
  • 1 fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs parsley, oregano, dill, chopped

Video

[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id="S0weqdiz" upload-date="2025-10-17T10:15:57+00:00" name="Healthy Grilled Salmon" description="Quick and easy recipe for perfectly charred, juicy salmon every time." player-type="default" override-embed="default"]

Instructions

  • Pat salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, and a little lemon zest.
    17.6 ounces salmon fillets, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 lemon zest, Salt and pepper
  • Melt the butter in the microwave or in a small saucepan. Stir in lemon juice, zest, olive oil, garlic, and chopped herbs. Mix well and set aside. Reserve half for serving.
    ½ cup butter, 1 fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 cloves garlic, 2 tablespoons fresh herbs
  • For charcoal grills: Build a two-zone fire by placing hot coals on one side only (indirect heat setup). For gas grills: Preheat all burners to high (aim for 400°F (200°C)), then reduce to medium before adding the salmon.
  • Place the salmon skin-side down on the grill. This helps the fillets stay intact and gives a crisp skin. Brush generously with the herb butter.
  • Grill uncovered for 4–5 minutes, then close the lid and continue cooking for another 5–10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and your preferred doneness.
  • Drizzle the grilled salmon with the reserved herb butter and garnish with lemon slices or extra chopped herbs. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Skin-on is best: It keeps the fillets together and crisps up nicely.
  • Oil the grates: If your grill tends to stick, a light brush of oil goes a long way.
  • Hands off: Don’t move the salmon around too much—let it sear before flipping or lifting.
  • Use a fish spatula: It makes removing the fillets smoother and less messy.
  • Dried herbs work too: If you’re out of fresh, use half the amount of dried.
  • Add some heat: For a little spice, stir in some crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Oven-friendly: No grill? I sometimes bake then broil the salmon instead—just watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.

 

Storage and Reheating Instructions

  • Fridge: Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: You can reheat it gently in the microwave or flake it cold over salads, rice bowls, or even into a quick pasta dish. Just avoid overcooking it as it tends to dry out.

Nutrition

Calories: 448kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 130mg | Sodium: 239mg | Potassium: 648mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 930IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 1mg
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