Lemon Herb Grilled Salmon Recipes

It’s 5:30 PM. Your brain is fried. The family is hungry. You need a hero.

You need a dinner that looks fancy, tastes incredible, and asks for almost zero effort from you. I hear you. I live that life, too.

That’s why I’m obsessed with Lemon Herb Grilled Salmon Recipes. This is your weeknight rescue mission. It’s fast, healthy, and packed with the kind of bright flavor that makes everyone think you slaved for hours. If you love this style of cooking, you’ll adore our Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken for another quick, flavor-packed main.

We’re talking juicy fish, a zesty marinade, and a hot grill. Dinner is 20 minutes away. Let’s do this.

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: American
• Category: Main Course
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes (includes marinating)
• Servings: 4

Ultimate Guide to Lemon Herb Grilled Salmon Recipes

This isn’t just another grilled fish guide. This is your blueprint for no-stress, maximum-flavor dinners all summer long.

Why does this recipe work so well? First, salmon is forgiving. It’s hard to mess up. Second, the lemon and herb combo is a classic for a reason. It’s fresh, it’s tangy, and it cuts through the richness of the fish perfectly. For another fantastic seafood dish that uses similar bright, herby flavors, try this Lemon-Herb Shrimp Scampi.

You get a gorgeous meal with minimal cleanup. No fancy skills required. Just great food, fast. This method will become your go-to for easy BBQ ideas and quick summer recipes.

The Simple Ingredients

Here’s the best part. You probably have most of this in your kitchen right now. No last-minute grocery runs needed.

• 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin-on or skinless
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 2 large lemons (about 1/3 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 lemon, sliced into rounds (for grilling)

Let’s Get Cooking! (The Step-by-Step)

Ready? The clock starts now. This process is incredibly simple. Follow these steps and you’re golden.

1. Make the marinade. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dill, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. That’s your flavor power right there.
2. Marinate the salmon. Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or a large zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over them, making sure they’re fully coated. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes at room temperature. Don’t skip this! It makes all the difference.
3. Heat the grill. While the salmon marinates, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled so the fish doesn’t stick.
4. Grill the lemon slices. Toss your lemon rounds on the grill for 2-3 minutes per side. You want nice grill marks. This caramelizes the sugars and makes them less bitter. Set them aside for garnish.
5. Cook the salmon. Place the salmon fillets on the hot grill, skin-side down if they have skin. Close the lid and cook for 5-6 minutes. Carefully flip the fillets. Cook for another 4-6 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. The total cook time is usually 10-12 minutes.
6. Serve immediately. Plate your gorgeous grilled salmon. Top with the grilled lemon slices and an extra sprinkle of fresh herbs. Dinner is served!

What to Serve With This Dish

You need sides that are just as easy. Here are my busy-night favorites.

A simple bagged salad with a vinaigrette works perfectly. So does a quick quinoa or rice pilaf you can make while the salmon marinates.

For summer recipes, I love grilled asparagus or zucchini. Toss them in oil, salt, and pepper, and throw them on the grill next to the fish. Everything cooks together. Easy.

No-cook options are great too. A quick cucumber and tomato salad or some crusty bread to soak up the juices. Done.

Make This Recipe Your Own (Quick Swaps)

Don’t have something? No problem. This recipe is made for swapping.

Swap the herbs. Use 2 tablespoons of Italian parsley instead of dill. Or try fresh thyme or chives. Dried herbs work in a pinch—use 1/3 of the amount.

Swap the acid. Out of lemons? Use limes or oranges. The flavor profile changes slightly, but it’s still delicious and zesty.

Swap the cooking method. No grill? Use a grill pan on your stovetop. Or bake the salmon at 400°F for 12-15 minutes on a parchment-lined sheet pan. It’s just as good.

How to Store Leftovers (If You Have Any!)

Leftover salmon is a gift for future-you. Let it cool completely.

Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for up to 2 days. The texture is best when gently reheated in a low oven or enjoyed cold on top of a salad the next day.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

• Calories: ~350
• Protein: 34g
• Fat: 22g (mostly healthy omega-3s)
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 0.5g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes! Just make sure it’s fully thawed in the fridge first. Pat it very dry with paper towels before marinating. This helps the flavor stick and gives you a better sear.

How do I know when the salmon is done?

The best test is the flake test. Gently poke the thickest part with a fork and twist slightly. If it flakes apart easily and is opaque all the way through, it’s done. An instant-read thermometer should read 125-130°F for medium.

Do I have to marinate it?

For the best flavor, yes. But if you’re in a total rush, just brush the marinade on as a sauce while it cooks. It still tastes great. The marinade just gives the flavor more time to get into the fish.

See? I told you this was easy. You just got a restaurant-quality meal on the table in the time it takes to watch half a sitcom.

This lemon herb grilled salmon is your new secret weapon. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute guests, or when you just need a healthy win. Print it, bookmark it, make it your own. And if you’re looking for a sweet way to end your meal, our Lemon Blueberry Bread is the perfect, easy dessert.

Go fire up that grill and win back your weeknight! Let me know how it goes by leaving a comment and rating below!