There’s nothing quite like the aroma of Lemon Dill Grilled Salmon wafting through your kitchen, making you feel like a culinary superstar. This delightful dish, paired with a refreshing cucumber salad, is not just food it’s a celebration on a plate that dances with vibrant flavors and colors.

Picture this: it’s a sunny Saturday afternoon, and you’re hosting friends for a backyard barbecue. You fire up the grill while the warm sun kisses your skin, and before you know it, the tantalizing scent of grilled salmon fills the air. Trust me, your guests will think you’ve been training in a five-star kitchen. The best part? It’s as easy to make as it is delicious
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Lemon Dill Grilled Salmon with Cucumber Salad offers an explosion of fresh flavors that are perfect for any occasion
- It’s easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weekdays or special gatherings
- The vibrant colors make it irresistible on any dinner table
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to be served warm or cold
Sharing this dish with friends brought them to their feet with compliments about my “culinary genius.”
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Salmon Fillets: Opt for fresh fillets with bright color they provide the best flavor and texture.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds zing and brightness that elevates the salmon.
- Dill: Fresh dill is key here its aromatic flavor complements the richness of salmon perfectly.
- Garlic: Use minced fresh garlic for maximum flavor it intensifies the marinade beautifully.
- Cucumber: Choose crisp cucumbers they add a refreshing crunch to your salad.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion provides a slight bite that balances the dish beautifully.
- Olive Oil: A high-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor and aids in grilling.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning adjust to taste for perfect balance.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Marinade: Start by whisking together lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. The fragrance will have your taste buds tingling with anticipation.
Marinate the Salmon: Place your salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let them soak up those flavors for at least 30 minutes—don’t rush this step
Prep Your Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. A hot grill means beautiful sear marks that not only look good but also enhance flavor.
Grill the Salmon: Lay those marinated fillets on the grill skin-side down. Cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until they flake easily with a fork—watch out for flare-ups
Create Your Cucumber Salad: While your salmon grills away, toss sliced cucumbers and red onions in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper for instant crunch.
Serve It Up: Plate your beautifully grilled salmon alongside that refreshing cucumber salad. Garnish with extra dill or lemon wedges if you’re feeling fancy.
With each bite of this Lemon Dill Grilled Salmon with Cucumber Salad, you’ll be transported to summer barbecues where laughter flows as freely as lemonade. Your taste buds will revel in every zesty morsel while you bask in compliments from family and friends
You Must Know
- This Lemon Dill Grilled Salmon with Cucumber Salad is not just a feast for the eyes it’s a burst of flavors that will make your taste buds dance
- The fresh aroma of lemon and dill combined with crunchy cucumbers creates a refreshing dish perfect for summer barbecues or cozy dinners
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the salmon for at least 30 minutes, then preheat your grill to medium-high. Grill the salmon skin-side down for about 6-8 minutes, flipping it carefully halfway through for even cooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out dill for fresh basil or parsley if you prefer. You can also toss in some cherry tomatoes or radishes in the cucumber salad for an added splash of color and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently on low heat to maintain the salmon’s moisture without drying it out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfect grill marks on your salmon, ensure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled before cooking
- Try not to flip the salmon too early let it develop a nice crust first
- Always use fresh herbs for maximum flavor impact, especially when garnishing salads
Nothing says “I love summer” quite like a backyard barbecue with friends, where laughter fills the air and delicious aromas waft from the grill. I’ll never forget grilling this lemon dill salmon with my best friend Sam, who insisted on showing off his ‘expert’ grilling skills. Spoiler alert: we ended up with a bit more char than we intended
FAQ
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely Just ensure it’s completely thawed before marinating and grilling.
What side dishes pair well with Lemon Dill Grilled Salmon?
Try pairing it with quinoa or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
How do I know when the salmon is cooked properly?
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

Lemon Dill Grilled Salmon with Cucumber Salad
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- Author: Clara Rosewood
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Lemon Dill Grilled Salmon is a mouthwatering dish that brings together the zesty flavors of lemon and the aromatic touch of dill, perfectly complementing tender salmon fillets. This easy recipe, paired with a refreshing cucumber salad, is ideal for summer barbecues or cozy dinners. Impress your guests with a vibrant dish that’s not only delicious but also simple to prepare. Get ready for compliments as you serve up this delightful meal!
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (plus more for grilling)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, garlic, dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the Salmon: Place salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high.
- Grill the Salmon: Place marinated salmon skin-side down on the grill. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side until opaque and easily flakes with a fork.
- Make Cucumber Salad: In a bowl, combine cucumber and red onion. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Plate grilled salmon alongside cucumber salad; garnish with extra dill or lemon wedges if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (170g) with salad
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg