This Zesty Citrus Grilled Salmon is the absolute taste of summer on a plate—juicy, tender salmon with a flavor-packed seasoning and the bright lift of citrus. It’s bold, beautiful, and so simple that even on your busiest evening, you’ll pull off a stunning meal that’s sure to impress everyone at your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Lightning-Fast Dinner: You can have Zesty Citrus Grilled Salmon on your table in just 15 minutes—faster than ordering takeout!
- Vibrant, Layered Flavors: The special house seasoning together with bright citrus makes every bite lively and perfectly balanced.
- Minimal Cleanup: A quick rub and a toss on the grill—no fussy marinades, no mountain of dishes, all the flavor.
- Healthy & Family-Friendly: Packed with protein and omega-3s, this salmon appeals to kids and adults alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Zesty Citrus Grilled Salmon recipe is picked for maximum impact—there’s nothing extra, just exactly what you need for flavors that really shine. Here’s what goes into creating those juicy, herby, citrus-infused salmon fillets you’ll crave again and again.
- Salmon fillets (1–1½ lbs., cut into 4 pieces): Choose wild-caught if you can for the richest flavor, and ask for fillets with the skin on—they hold together best on the grill.
- Olive oil: A quick rub makes the salmon moist and keeps it from sticking; extra-virgin is best for flavor.
- Garlic powder (¼ cup): Lends savory backbone to the house seasoning—skip fresh garlic since it could burn on the grill.
- Kosher salt (¼ cup): Coarse salt seasons deeply and unlocks the other flavors in the blend.
- Dried parsley (¼ cup): Brings a gentle earthiness and a touch of color to every bite.
- Dried minced onion (¼ cup): Adds a pop of sweet-savory flavor that caramelizes a little as you grill.
- Dried basil (¼ cup): The secret zest—you’ll notice its fresh, herbal brightness with every forkful.
Variations
One of my favorite things about Zesty Citrus Grilled Salmon is just how easy it is to make your own. With a few tweaks or swaps, you can tailor it to suit your mood, your crowd, or even what you’ve got in the pantry. Here are a few ideas to get you inspired!
- Citrus Upgrade: Add fresh orange or lime zest to the seasoning mix for even more brightness and a gorgeous aroma.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle a little crushed red pepper or smoked paprika into the house seasoning for a gentle heat.
- Oven-Baked Version: No grill? Just bake the seasoned salmon at 400°F for 10–12 minutes and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
- Herb Swap: Try swapping in dried dill or tarragon for variety, or add a pinch of lemon pepper for extra zing.
How to Make Zesty Citrus Grilled Salmon
Step 1: Mix Up the House Seasoning
In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, kosher salt, dried parsley, dried minced onion, and dried basil. You’ll make more than you need for one meal, but trust me—you’ll use it again and again! Store any extra seasoning in an airtight jar so you can whip up Zesty Citrus Grilled Salmon at a moment’s notice.
Step 2: Prep the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry and brush each piece with about a teaspoon of olive oil. This not only helps the seasoning stick, but ensures the fish will stay beautifully moist and release easily from the grill. Sprinkle each fillet with ¼ teaspoon (or more, to taste) of your vibrant house seasoning on both sides.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
Fire up your grill (or grill pan) to medium heat, around 350°F–400°F. Give the grates a quick brush with oil to prevent sticking. Lay each salmon piece skin-side down, cover, and grill for about 5 minutes per side. The magic happens when the salmon flakes easily with a fork and that irresistible zesty aroma wafts up—watch closely, as grilling time can vary by thickness. Don’t overcook; juicy is the goal!
Step 4: Add Citrus & Serve
Once your Zesty Citrus Grilled Salmon is off the heat, finish with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice (or your favorite citrus). This final flourish brightens every bite and brings out the herby, savory notes in the salmon. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Zesty Citrus Grilled Salmon
- Skin-On Advantage: Cooking the salmon with the skin on keeps it succulent and helps prevent sticking—plus, it’s easier to flip without breaking apart.
- Temperature Sweet Spot: Aim to pull the salmon from the grill just as it turns opaque and flakes easily—a quick-read thermometer should show 125°F for super-moist, restaurant-quality results.
- Batch House Seasoning: Double or triple the seasoning blend and stash it in a jar; it’s fantastic on shrimp, chicken, roasted veggies, and more!
- Fresh Citrus Boost: Always finish with a generous squeeze of lemon, lime, or orange—the brightness transforms the dish and ties all the flavors together beautifully.
How to Serve Zesty Citrus Grilled Salmon
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, a few slices of lemon or lime, and maybe a pinch of flaky sea salt turn your Zesty Citrus Grilled Salmon into a restaurant-worthy plate. Don’t be shy with the citrus—it adds that irresistible visual pop and a final layer of flavor right at the table.
Side Dishes
This salmon pairs perfectly with quick-cooking sides like grilled asparagus, a simple leafy salad, or fluffy lemon rice. For a more indulgent meal, try roasted potatoes or a creamy herb yogurt sauce for dipping. The bright flavors in the salmon are super versatile and really shine alongside crisp, fresh vegetables.
Creative Ways to Present
For a showstopper platter, arrange the salmon fillets over a bed of arugula or microgreens, scatter citrus slices and fresh herbs around, and serve with extra lemon wedges on the side. Try flaking the salmon on a big grain bowl or over grilled bread with a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant, crowd-friendly brunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool your leftover Zesty Citrus Grilled Salmon to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It’s just as delicious chilled—from lunch salads to easy salmon wraps, the leftovers open up quick, healthy possibilities.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked salmon by wrapping individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or placing them in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
For the juiciest results, reheat Zesty Citrus Grilled Salmon gently—either in a 325°F oven, covered with foil for 8–10 minutes, or pop it in a skillet over low heat just until warm. Or, embrace leftovers cold; the flavors really mellow and deepen overnight!
FAQs
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Can I use frozen salmon for Zesty Citrus Grilled Salmon?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw your salmon fully in the refrigerator before grilling, and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and gives you that perfect, crisp-edged finish.
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What if I don’t have an outdoor grill?
No worries—a grill pan on your stovetop works beautifully, or you can pop the seasoned salmon under a broiler or bake it in the oven at 400°F for 10–12 minutes. Keep a close eye; you’re aiming for salmon that flakes easily with a fork.
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How can I tell when my salmon is done?
The best sign is when the flesh turns from translucent to opaque and flakes easily with a fork. If you like using a thermometer, pull it at 125°F for moist, tender salmon—if you prefer it more well-done, go for 145°F.
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Do I have to make the house seasoning, or can I use a store-bought blend?
While homemade house seasoning has the freshest flavor (and you’ll love having it handy for other meals!), you can absolutely use your favorite all-purpose or lemon-herb grill seasoning in a pinch. Just keep in mind that store-bought blends may be saltier, so season to taste.
Final Thoughts
If you’re dreaming of a quick, vibrant meal that won’t let you down, Zesty Citrus Grilled Salmon is the answer—bursting with flavor, effortless to prepare, and always impressive. I hope you’ll give it a try and share it with those you love; it’s a recipe that turns any day into something special. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Zesty Citrus Grilled Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
This Zesty Citrus Grilled Salmon recipe combines the freshness of citrus with savory seasonings to create a flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 1– 1 1/2 lbs. salmon fillet, cut into 4 pieces
- Olive oil
For the House Seasoning
- 1/4 cup garlic powder
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- 1/4 cup dried parsley
- 1/4 cup dried minced onion
- 1/4 cup dried basil
Instructions
- Prepare the House Seasoning Mix ingredients together and store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
- Prepare the Salmon Rub each piece of salmon with olive oil and sprinkle with house seasoning, to taste (about 1 teaspoon of olive oil and ¼ teaspoon of seasoning per piece).
- Grill the Salmon Heat grill to medium heat. Brush grates with oil, place salmon on grill, cover, and grill for about 5 minutes per side until flaky.
Notes
- The FDA recommends cooking fish to 145°F for safety, but many prefer salmon at 125°F for better texture.
- Adjust recipe quantities as needed; seasoning can be stored for future use.
- Salmon can also be baked in the oven using similar ingredients.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece of salmon
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
