Introduction
Grilled Salmon with Dill is a celebrated classic, epitomizing clean, healthy, and incredibly flavorful cuisine. This recipe honors the natural richness of high-quality salmon by pairing it with the bright, slightly anise-like notes of fresh dill—a timeless combination deeply rooted in Scandinavian and Northern European cooking traditions. It is remarkably quick to prepare, making it the ideal centerpiece for a busy weeknight dinner, yet elegant enough to impress guests at a weekend gathering.
Ingredients
- 4 Salmon Fillets (skin on or off), approximately 6 oz / 170g each
- 2 Tbsp / 30 ml Olive Oil or Avocado Oil
- 1/4 cup / 6g Fresh Dill, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 Lemon, thinly sliced (plus 1 Tbsp juice for seasoning)
- 1 tsp / 5g Sea Salt
- 1/2 tsp / 2.5g Black Pepper, freshly ground
Step-by-step Preparation
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Preheat the Grill: Preheat your outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat (approximately 400°F / 200°C). Crucially, clean the grates thoroughly and oil them well to prevent the salmon from sticking.
Tip: Use a folded paper towel dipped in oil and held with tongs to grease the hot grates just before cooking. - Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets completely dry using paper towels. This step is essential for achieving a beautiful, crisp exterior. Brush all sides of the fillets with olive oil.
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Season and Flavor: Season the salmon generously with sea salt and black pepper. Sprinkle the chopped fresh dill evenly over the flesh side of the fillets. Place one or two thin lemon slices directly on top of each fillet.
Tip: If you are concerned about the salmon sticking, you can place the fillets on a sheet of heavy-duty foil directly on the grill, although direct grilling provides a better crust. - Grill the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets on the preheated grill, skin-side down (if using skin-on fillets). Grill undisturbed for 4 to 6 minutes. The skin acts as a barrier, protecting the delicate flesh.
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Flip and Finish: Carefully flip the salmon using a thin metal spatula. Grill the flesh side for another 2 to 4 minutes, depending on the thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F / 63°C, or the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Tip: Do not overcook! Salmon dries out quickly. Always err on the side of slightly underdone, as it will continue to cook briefly after being removed from the heat. - Rest and Serve: Remove the salmon from the grill and let it rest on a serving plate for 3 minutes. Drizzle with the fresh lemon juice reserved from the ingredient list, garnish with extra fresh dill, and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
Salmon is renowned as a nutritional powerhouse. A single serving of grilled salmon (approximately 6 oz) is an excellent source of lean protein (around 35g) and vital nutrients, including Vitamin D and several B vitamins. It is most valued for its high concentration of Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which are crucial for supporting cardiovascular health, reducing inflammation, and promoting brain function. Estimated Calories: Approximately 320-350 kcal per serving (depending on oil usage and cut of fish).
Storage
Store any leftover grilled salmon in a shallow, airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best consumed within 3 days. While salmon is generally best enjoyed fresh, if you need to reheat it, use a low-temperature setting (around 275°F / 135°C) in a toaster oven or standard oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid using a microwave, as the high heat tends to dry out the fish and compromise its texture.
Conclusion
This Grilled Salmon with Dill recipe offers a straightforward path to an elegant, satisfying meal. Serve it alongside complementary fresh flavors, such as roasted asparagus, a simple cucumber and feta salad, or a bed of fluffy quinoa. For an enjoyable variation, try making a quick compound butter infused with dill and lemon zest to melt over the hot fillets, or substitute the dill with fresh tarragon and a splash of white wine for a French-inspired twist. Enjoy this effortlessly healthy, flavor-forward dish!