The sun shines bright, and the tantalizing aroma of grilled salmon fills the air. Imagine biting into a perfectly charred piece of Lemon Dill Grilled Salmon with Cucumber Salad, where each mouthful bursts with zesty citrus and the fresh crunch of cucumber. This dish feels like summer on a plate, transporting you to a beach picnic or a backyard barbecue with friends.
I remember the first time I made this delightful dish for my family. We were gathered for our annual summer get-together, and as soon as the grill fired up, everyone flocked to the kitchen, eager to taste my culinary creation. The joy and laughter that followed made it clear: this recipe was destined to be a family favorite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Lemon Dill Grilled Salmon is super easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- The flavor is vibrant and refreshing, perfect for seafood lovers
- Its gorgeous presentation is sure to impress your guests at gatherings
- Versatile enough for grilling or baking, it fits any cooking method you prefer
One summer evening, while enjoying this dish on my patio, my niece declared it better than any restaurant meal she had tasted. Her enthusiastic approval brought delighted smiles all around.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Salmon Fillets: Choose fillets that are bright in color with no strong fishy odor for best results.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice elevates the flavor bottled just won’t cut it.
- Dill: Fresh dill is preferred it adds a fragrant herbal note that complements the salmon beautifully.
- Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for drizzling over the fillets before grilling.
- Cucumbers: Select firm cucumbers they add a refreshing crunch to your salad.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion provides a nice bite without overwhelming flavors.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors in this dish.
- Garlic Powder: A sprinkle adds depth without needing fresh garlic preparation.
- Optional Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta makes for an excellent topping if you want an extra flavor punch
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. This marinade will infuse your salmon with incredible flavor.
Marinate the Salmon: Place your salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes to absorb all those delicious flavors.
Prep Your Grill or Oven: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). If using an oven, set it to broil at 500°F. This ensures perfect cooking conditions for your salmon.
Grill or Bake Your Salmon: Place marinated salmon on the grill rack or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Grill for about 5-6 minutes per side or bake until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Create Cucumber Salad: While your salmon cooks, toss sliced cucumbers and red onions in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and add salt and pepper to taste mix well.
Serve It Up: Once cooked through, remove salmon from heat and plate alongside your refreshing cucumber salad. Add feta cheese on top if using – because why not?
Enjoy every bite of this Lemon Dill Grilled Salmon with Cucumber Salad It’s perfect for those warm evenings when you crave something light yet satisfying.
This dish not only pleases palates but also creates lasting memories around the dinner table a true celebration of flavors that warms hearts as much as stomachs
You Must Know
- Lemon Dill Grilled Salmon with Cucumber Salad is not just delicious it’s a refreshing way to enjoy seafood
- The balance of zesty lemon and fresh dill creates a mouthwatering experience, while the crunchy cucumber salad adds a delightful contrast in texture and flavor
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the salmon for at least 30 minutes. Grill it skin-side down for six to eight minutes per side. Meanwhile, prepare the cucumber salad, ensuring everything is ready when the salmon comes off the grill.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out dill for other herbs like basil or parsley. You can also add a touch of garlic to the marinade or toss in some cherry tomatoes to your cucumber salad for a burst of color and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover grilled salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave on low power until warmed through, ensuring it remains moist and flavorful.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always preheat your grill to achieve perfect grill marks on your salmon
- Avoid flipping the fish too soon let it release naturally from the grill grates
- Lastly, serve immediately for optimal flavor and presentation
Sharing this dish at family gatherings always brings smiles, especially when my aunt claims she can’t grill fish It becomes a fun challenge every summer barbecue to prove her wrong with this recipe.
FAQ
Can I use frozen salmon for Lemon Dill Grilled Salmon with Cucumber Salad?
Yes, just ensure it’s fully thawed before marinating and grilling.
What should I serve with Lemon Dill Grilled Salmon?
Serve with warm quinoa or brown rice for a complete meal experience.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the marinade and salad earlier just grill the salmon fresh before serving.
Lemon Dill Grilled Salmon with Cucumber Salad
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Lemon Dill Grilled Salmon with Cucumber Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish that captures the essence of summer. Each bite of perfectly grilled salmon is infused with zesty lemon and fragrant dill, paired with a crisp cucumber salad for a delightful crunch. This easy-to-make recipe not only pleases the palate but also creates cherished memories during warm gatherings with family and friends.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz) fresh salmon fillets
- 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 medium cucumbers, sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Place salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400°F) or oven to broil (500°F).
- Grill salmon skin-side down for about 5-6 minutes per side or bake until it flakes easily with a fork.
- In a bowl, toss cucumber slices and red onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the salad.
- Serve cooked salmon alongside the cucumber salad; add feta cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (170g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
