Lemon Dill Grilled Salmon with Cucumber Salad

Recipe By:
Ruth
Updated:

There’s something magical about the aroma of Lemon Dill Grilled Salmon with Cucumber Salad wafting through your kitchen. The zesty brightness of lemon mingling with the fresh, herbaceous notes of dill creates a symphony of flavors that dances on your taste buds. Picture this: succulent salmon fillets kissed by the grill’s flames, topped with a refreshing cucumber salad that crunches with every bite. This dish is perfect for those sun-kissed summer evenings or any time you want to feel like a culinary superstar.

Now imagine serving this delightful dish at your next gathering, where friends and family marvel at your chef skills while secretly wondering if you have a secret cooking school they don’t know about. The best part? It comes together in a flash, leaving you plenty of time to sip on that chilled glass of white wine and bask in your culinary glory.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This Lemon Dill Grilled Salmon offers an explosion of flavors while being incredibly easy to prepare
  • The vibrant colors and fresh ingredients make it visually stunning on any dinner table
  • Perfect for summer gatherings but versatile enough for cozy weeknight dinners
  • Plus, it’s healthy enough to keep those New Year resolutions intact

I still remember the first time I made Lemon Dill Grilled Salmon my friends were convinced I had taken a gourmet cooking class. They couldn’t get enough, and I was just thrilled not to burn down the kitchen

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Salmon Fillets: Fresh salmon is key look for skin-on fillets for added flavor and crispy texture.
  • Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is best it gives a bright acidity that bottled juice can’t match.
  • Dill Weed: Fresh dill has more flavor than dried chop it finely for an aromatic punch.
  • Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances flavors it also helps prevent sticking on the grill.
  • Cucumber: Select firm cucumbers for a crunchy salad English cucumbers are great because they have fewer seeds.
  • Red Onion: Adds sweetness and color thinly slice it so it doesn’t overpower the salad.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning don’t skimp on these basics for maximum flavor
  • Fresh Mint (optional): A few mint leaves can elevate the salad’s freshness try it if you’re feeling adventurous.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, chopped dill, salt, and pepper until well combined. The mix should smell like sunshine

Marinate the Salmon: Place salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour marinade over them. Let them soak up those flavors for at least 30 minutes while you mentally prepare yourself for grilling greatness.

Heat Up the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using charcoal, let those coals turn white hot This step is crucial for achieving those perfect grill marks.

Grill the Salmon: Place marinated salmon skin-side down on the grill grates. Cook for about 4-6 minutes per side until fish flakes easily with a fork. Keep an eye out no one likes overcooked salmon

Make the Cucumber Salad: While the salmon grills away, toss sliced cucumbers and red onion in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and optional mint leaves. Give it a gentle mix to keep all those vibrant colors intact.

Plate and Serve: Once grilled salmon is ready, place it on plates alongside that crunchy cucumber salad. Drizzle any remaining marinade over top because who doesn’t love extra flavor?

Enjoy every bite while soaking up compliments from your delighted guests.

You’re now ready to impress everyone around you with this Lemon Dill Grilled Salmon with Cucumber Salad Get ready to bask in compliments as folks marvel at how you turned simple ingredients into something extraordinary

You Must Know

  • This Lemon Dill Grilled Salmon with Cucumber Salad is a fresh and zesty delight, perfect for summer barbecues
  • The vibrant colors and tantalizing aromas will have everyone rushing to the table
  • Plus, it’s so easy to whip up that you’ll feel like a culinary superstar

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the salmon for at least one hour. Grill it on medium heat for six to eight minutes per side, while you prepare the cucumber salad.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out dill for other herbs like basil or parsley. Add some cherry tomatoes or avocado to your cucumber salad for extra flavor and texture.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain moisture and flavor.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Marinate the salmon overnight for more intense flavor
  • Use fresh ingredients for the salad to enhance taste and crunch
  • Always preheat your grill to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking

Sharing this dish at a family gathering led to requests for the recipe from several friends who couldn’t believe how simple yet delicious it was

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw it thoroughly before marinating and grilling.

What can I serve with Lemon Dill Grilled Salmon?

Serve it alongside quinoa or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

How long can I keep leftover cucumber salad?

Leftover cucumber salad is best eaten within two days for optimal freshness.

Print

Lemon Dill Grilled Salmon with Cucumber Salad

Lemon Dill Grilled Salmon with Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that brings summer to your table all year round. The succulent salmon, marinated in zesty lemon juice and fragrant dill, is grilled to perfection and served alongside a crunchy cucumber salad. This vibrant meal is not only visually appealing but also quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for entertaining or enjoying a cozy weeknight dinner.

  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 42 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium cucumber, sliced
  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh mint leaves (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, chopped dill, salt, and pepper.
  2. Marinate salmon fillets in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  4. Grill the salmon skin-side down for 4-6 minutes per side until it flakes easily with a fork.
  5. While grilling, combine cucumber slices and red onion in a bowl; toss with olive oil, salt, and optional mint leaves.
  6. Serve grilled salmon alongside cucumber salad and drizzle any remaining marinade on top.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with salad (approx. 200g)
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 31g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: For more intense flavor, marinate the salmon overnight. Feel free to substitute dill with basil or parsley and add cherry tomatoes or avocado for extra freshness.

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