This grilled salmon recipe is easy to make and simply the best! Follow these grilling tips for flavorful salmon that turns out flaky and tender for a tasty summer dinner.
Our family loves grilling recipes! We often make grilled chicken, steak kabobs and grilled shrimp skewers, too.
Easy Lemon Grilled Salmon
This easy grilled salmon recipe is a favorite during BBQ season! It makes a healthy dinner feel effortless. A simple seasoning, crispy skin, and beautiful char marks make a flaky piece of salmon right off the grill taste amazing and you don’t even need to be a grill master!
Of course, a good steak in the oven or hamburger recipe has its moments, but when you don’t feel like eating red meat, grilled salmon is the perfect answer. Follow these grilling tip for beautiful fork-tender fish fillets that have a caramelized exterior, and citrusy finish.
Recipe Ingredients
- Boneless skinless salmon fillets: You will need 4 pieces that are about 1-inch thick. I like to use Wild Alaskan salmon but Atlantic salmon works great, too.
- Olive oil: This adds flavor, moisture and helps coat the salmon to prevent sticking.
- Salt and pepper: To season and taste.
- Lemon: I love the fresh taste of lemon paired with salmon.
Marinade & Seasoning Variations
All of these seasoning and marinade variations are great for any method. Baked, broiled, grilled, pan-seared, you name it.
- Garlic herb butter
- Sweet Thai chili
- Dill and lemon
- Garlic & onion powder
- Italian seasoning
- Lemon and capers
- Teriyaki sauce
- Basil Pesto
How to Grill Salmon
- Bring salmon to room temperature, trim if necessary then coat evenly with olive oil, salt and pepper.
- Once the grill has reached 350°F, place salmon skin side down on the hot grill grates using tongs. Do not add salmon until the grill has reached optimal temperature to prevent further sticking.
- Close the grill lid and cook about 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until it becomes opaque in color and flakes easily with a fork.
- Transfer to a serving platter and serve while warm. Squeeze fresh lemon over the top and add fresh herbs if desired.
Tips for Perfect Grilled Salmon
- Always clean your grill before you begin. Even if you cleaned it at the end of your last grill session.
- You can grill smaller fillets, or one big fillet and cut before serving.
- Keep the skin on. Not only does it make for yummy crispy goodness, but it also helps keep the salmon intact while it grills. You can remove the skin afterward if you don’t want to eat it.
- Close the lid to your grill so the fish gets a nice even heat through.
- Grill in foil if you’d prefer. It’s a great way to not have to worry about your fish fillet falling apart, it traps steam so it keeps everything moist, and you never have to worry about it sticking to the grill.
Ways to Serve Grilled Salmon
- The best dip: My entire family loves to dip in garlic aioli, whether grilled salmon or the veggies on the side. A tartar sauce is also delicious.
- Vegetable sides: Try these grilled veggies, vegetable skewers, roasted zucchini and squash, fajita veggies, skillet potatoes, and roasted brussels sprouts. My personal favorite is to serve with grilled sweet potatoes and grilled asparagus as a delicious and nutritious complete meal. The next day I make a salmon bowl recipe with some leafy greens and have myself a cold salad for lunch! So good.
- Grains and pasta: Quinoa, brown or white rice, coconut rice or rice pilaf all taste great. Or a simple sheet pan gnocchi makes the perfect compliment.
FAQs
You could flip it once while cooking it on the grill. Start with the flesh side down and skin side facing you. After 6-8 minutes, flip and continue to cook until done.
You know your grill best. Depending on the brand, or even how old it is, or how hot it gets, that will determine how long it needs to on the grill. I find anywhere from 6-8 minutes per side gives me perfectly cooked salmon that is still tender and flaky. Depending on the thickness of your fillet and the heat of your grill, you could be grilling for as little as 2 to 3 minutes per side.
Grilled salmon should be grilled to a safe internal temperature of 145°F. It is good to remember that any grilled meat will ‘carry-over’ cook when it comes off the grill. This means that the temperature will continue to rise. I like to remove my salmon at 130°F from the grill and then let it rest during which it will continue to cook the remainder of the way.
Your grill should be closed when grilling salmon otherwise it will not cook properly.
Storing & Reheating
- To store: Leftovers of this grilled salmon can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
- To reheat: You can reheat in the microwave, especially if you’ve just got a piece or two to heat up. Otherwise, if you want to get the best taste and texture back, you may want to consider reheating on the grill, in an air fryer, or in the oven. Cook at 300°F for 5 minutes.
More salmon recipes include tuscan salmon, baked salmon recipe, sheet pan salmon and balsamic glazed salmon!
More Grilled Favorites
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Grilled Salmon Recipe
Ingredients
- 24 ounces boneless skinless salmon fillets , 4 pieces about 1-inch thick
- 2 to 3 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 lemon , cut into wedges
For serving (optional): Freshly chopped parsley
Instructions
- Clean your grill and preheat to 350°F or medium heat. Trim the salmon if needed.
- Coat the salmon evenly with olive oil, salt and pepper.
- Place on the grill grates using tongs. Close the grill lid and cook about 6 to 8 minutes per side, or it becomes lighter in color and flakes easily with a fork.
- Transfer to a serving platter and serve while warm. Squeeze fresh lemon over the top. Add fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: 30 Minute Meals, 5 Ingredients Or Less, Dinner, Gluten-Free, Grilling, Low Carb, Whole 30
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
Do you leave the skins on?
No, I buy the skinless salmon.
This is a fantastic way to prepare salmon. Will be using this all summer long!
This grilled salmon was delicious and so easy to make!