Grilled Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce

Grilled salmon is one of those dishes that feels elegant yet incredibly simple to prepare. With its rich texture, mild flavor, and versatility, salmon remains a favorite choice among seafood lovers. This recipe elevates salmon with a light yet vibrant lemon dill sauce, which brings brightness, freshness, and balance to the natural richness of the fish.

Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting a special gathering, this dish offers restaurant-quality flavor using simple ingredients you likely already have at home. The grill adds a beautiful charred flavor, creating the perfect contrast to the creamy and refreshing sauce.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s:

• Light yet satisfying
• Fresh, flavorful, and beautifully balanced
• Fast to make—yet impressive enough to serve guests
• Healthy, high in protein, and rich in omega-3 fats

The juicy grilled salmon paired with the silky lemon dill sauce creates a mouthwatering combination that feels refined but takes just minutes to prepare.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• It comes together in under 20 minutes.
• Salmon pairs beautifully with many side dishes, making it incredibly versatile.
• The lemon dill sauce is refreshing and addictive — you’ll want to put it on everything!
• Perfect for healthy eating, weight management, and elegant dining.

Recipe Overview

Category	Details
Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	10–12 minutes
Total Time	20–22 minutes
Servings	2 servings
Calories per Serving	Approx. 390 calories
Course	Main Course
Cuisine	Mediterranean / American

Ingredients

For the Salmon

• 2 salmon fillets (about 170–200 g each)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 lemon slice (optional, for grilling on top)

For the Lemon Dill Sauce

• 3 tbsp mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (or half and half for balance)
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• ½ tsp lemon zest
• 1 clove garlic, minced (or ¼ tsp garlic powder)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Pat salmon dry and season with oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill salmon for 4–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
4. While salmon cooks, whisk together all sauce ingredients.
5. Serve salmon warm, topped with lemon dill sauce.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prep the Salmon

Pat dry and brush both sides with olive oil. Season generously.

Step 2: Preheat the Grill

Oil the grill grates so the salmon doesn’t stick.

Step 3: Grill

Place salmon skin-side down first (if skin is attached).
Grill until lightly charred and cooked through.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Combine yogurt/mayonnaise, dill, garlic, lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper.

Step 5: Serve

Plate salmon and spoon the lemon dill sauce over the top.

How to Serve

Serve warm with:

• Steamed asparagus
• Garlic butter potatoes
• Wild rice or quinoa
• Fresh garden salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Lemon wedges and extra chopped dill

Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook salmon: Internal temperature should reach 52–57°C (125–135°F).
• Let the salmon rest 3–4 minutes after grilling.
• If grilling without skin, use a grill basket for easier turning.
• Fresh dill gives the best flavor, but dried dill can be used in a pinch.

Variations

Style	Modification
Spicy Lemon Dill Salmon	Add ½ tsp chili flakes or cayenne to seasoning.
Honey Garlic Grilled Salmon	Add 1 tsp honey to the seasoning rub before grilling.
Herb Crusted Salmon	Use parsley, thyme, and rosemary in addition to dill.
Creamy Avocado Dill Sauce	Replace mayo/yogurt with blended avocado for a dairy-free creamy option.
Butter-Basted Salmon	Melt butter with garlic and baste during grilling.

Storage & Freezing

Storage Method	Duration
Refrigerate cooked salmon	Up to 3 days
Refrigerate sauce	Up to 5 days
Freeze salmon (uncooked or cooked)	Up to 2 months
Reheat	5–7 minutes in oven at 150°C (300°F) — do NOT overheat

Special Equipment Needed

• Outdoor grill or grill pan
• Tongs or spatula
• Small mixing bowl

Conclusion

This Grilled Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce is fresh, flavorful, effortless, and refined. With its crisp grilled exterior, tender flaky interior, and refreshing herb-lemon sauce, it’s a dish that fits any occasion — from quick weeknight meals to elegant dinner parties.

Healthy, satisfying, and full of vibrant flavor, this recipe deserves a place in your regular meal rotation.