Grilled Lemon Garlic Herb Salmon is a fresh, fast dinner made with salmon fillets, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
It has that clean lemon-garlic taste that works well when you want something lighter but still filling.
Serve it with rice, roasted potatoes, salad, grilled vegetables, or whatever side dish is already on your menu.
The ingredients are common, the prep is short, and the finished salmon feels dinner-ready without making the night harder than it needs to be.
This is a nice recipe for warm weather grilling, but it also works on a grill pan when you’re cooking inside.
Keep a few lemons, garlic cloves, and dried seasonings in the kitchen, and salmon dinners like this are easier to work into your normal weeknight routine.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Lemon Garlic Herb Salmon
Ready in 20 Minutes
This salmon is a fast main dish for nights when dinner needs to happen without a long prep list.
Fresh Lemon Garlic Taste
Fresh lemon juice, sliced garlic, thyme, and paprika give the salmon a clean, savory taste without heavy sauce.
Works Indoors or Outdoors
Use an outdoor grill or a grill pan. Both work well for this recipe.
Great With Many Side Dishes
Serve it with rice, potatoes, salad, roasted vegetables, or grilled vegetables.
High Protein Main Dish
Each serving has 34 grams of protein, so it works well as a filling dinner.
A grill pan or outdoor grill works well for this recipe. Tongs help turn the salmon without breaking the fillets.
Ingredient Substitutions
Salmon Fillets
Steelhead trout can be used in place of salmon. The taste is mild, and it cooks in a similar way.
Fresh Lemon Juice
Bottled lemon juice can be used if that is what you have, but fresh lemon gives a cleaner taste.
Fresh Thyme
Dried thyme can be used in place of fresh thyme. Use about ⅓ teaspoon dried thyme for 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves.
Fresh Garlic
Minced garlic can be used instead of sliced garlic. Use about 1 teaspoon minced garlic for 2 cloves.
Paprika
Smoked paprika can be used if you want a deeper taste.
Olive Oil
Avocado oil can be used in place of olive oil.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links where I make a small commission if you purchase anything after clicking a link. There is no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Grilled Lemon Garlic Herb Salmon
Recipes are written with one action per step for accessibility. Short lines. Fewer rereads. A calmer kitchen on mobile or desktop.
Ingredients
- 4 (4 ounces each) salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 lemon cut into wedges
- 4 small fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
- In a small mixing bowl, add the olive oil and lemon juice. Add the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until mixed.
- Brush the lemon garlic mixture over the salmon fillets.
- Place the sliced garlic over the top of the salmon. Sprinkle the thyme leaves over the salmon.
- Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat.
- Place the salmon skin-side down on the hot grill.
- Cook the salmon for 5 to 6 minutes.
- Carefully turn the salmon over. Cook the salmon for 3 to 4 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove the salmon from the grill.
- Place each salmon fillet on a plate. Garnish each fillet with a thyme sprig. Serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
Tips and Tricks
Dry the salmon well – Patting the salmon dry helps the seasoning mixture stick better. Leave the skin on – Salmon skin helps hold the fillets together while grilling. Use a clean grill surface – A clean grill grate or grill pan helps keep the salmon from sticking. Turn the salmon gently – Salmon can break apart if it is handled too much. Use tongs and turn it once. Check for doneness early – Salmon can dry out if it cooks too long. Start checking near the lower end of the cook time.Storing and Reheating
Store in Refrigerator – Place leftover salmon in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in Skillet – Place the salmon in a skillet over low heat. Warm until heated through. Reheat in Oven – Place the salmon in a baking dish. Cover loosely with foil. Warm at 300°F until heated through. Serve Cold – Leftover salmon can also be served cold over salad or rice bowls.Nutrition
Shop our kitchen essentials and favorite cooking tools in our Amazon Storefront.
You May Also Like
