When you think of summer evenings, imagine the lively sizzle of Lemon Dill Grilled Salmon with Cucumber Salad gracing your grill. The aroma wafts through the air, tickling your senses with hints of zesty lemon and fresh dill, ready to dance on your taste buds. As the salmon cooks, its skin crisps up while the flesh remains tender and flaky—pure heaven on a plate.
Now, let’s get cozy for a moment. Picture this: friends gathered around a sunlit backyard, laughter filling the air while I proudly present my grilled masterpiece. The reactions are priceless Everyone’s eyes widen in delight as they dive into this vibrant dish, and I can’t help but feel like a cooking superstar. Trust me this recipe is perfect for those sunny afternoons or any time you want to impress without stress.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Lemon Dill Grilled Salmon with Cucumber Salad is incredibly easy to whip up, making it ideal for weeknight dinners
- Bursting with fresh flavors, it creates a delightful balance between zesty and savory
- The visual appeal is simply stunning, adding a pop of color to your table
- Versatile enough for summer BBQs or elegant dinner parties, it will surely be a hit
I once surprised my family with this dish during our annual summer barbecue. Their delighted faces were worth every effort
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Salmon Fillets: Fresh, skin-on fillets work best for optimal flavor and texture when grilling.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides that bright acidity and zesty flavor that complements the salmon perfectly.
- Dill: Use fresh dill whenever possible it brings an aromatic quality that elevates the entire dish.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle of high-quality olive oil adds richness while helping to prevent sticking on the grill.
- Cucumber: Choose crisp cucumbers for a refreshing crunch in your salad English cucumbers are particularly great here.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds sweetness and sharpness that balances beautifully with the creamy dressing.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop brings creaminess to your cucumber salad while enhancing its overall flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Don’t forget these essentials to season everything properly they enhance the natural flavors of all ingredients.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Marinade: In a bowl, combine lemon juice, chopped dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended—this fragrant marinade will infuse your salmon with flavor.
Marinate the Salmon: Place your salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let them soak up those tasty flavors for at least 30 minutes in the fridge—patience is key here
Prepare Your Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F-400°F). Ensure it’s clean and lightly oiled so that nothing sticks—trust me nobody likes fish-flavored charred bits
Grill the Salmon: Carefully place your marinated salmon on the grill skin-side down. Cook for about 5-6 minutes per side or until cooked through—the skin should be crispy while keeping that tender flesh intact.
Create Your Cucumber Salad: While your salmon grills away, slice cucumbers and red onions thinly. Toss them together in a bowl with sour cream or Greek yogurt, adding salt and pepper to taste. This refreshing salad complements your main dish wonderfully.
Serve & Enjoy: Once grilled to perfection, plate up your salmon alongside that colorful cucumber salad. Garnish with extra dill if feeling fancy Take a moment before diving in—enjoy that gorgeous presentation.
Now you’ve crafted a Lemon Dill Grilled Salmon with Cucumber Salad that’s sure to tantalize anyone’s taste buds Enjoy every bite of this delightful meal while basking in compliments from family and friends alike
You Must Know
- Lemon Dill Grilled Salmon with Cucumber Salad is a refreshing dish that brightens any meal
- The tangy lemon complements the rich salmon perfectly, while the cool cucumber salad adds a delightful crunch
- It’s an easy recipe, making it ideal for summer gatherings or weeknight dinners
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the salmon in lemon juice and dill for at least 30 minutes. Grill the salmon skin-side down on medium heat for about 6-8 minutes, then flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes until flaky.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the dill for fresh basil or parsley if you prefer. Add some cherry tomatoes or avocado to the cucumber salad for extra flavor and texture.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm in the oven at 300°F until heated through to maintain moisture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For optimal flavor, use fresh herbs instead of dried ones
- Make sure to check your grill temperature before cooking to avoid sticking
- Pair your salmon with a glass of crisp white wine for a perfect meal
I remember the first time I made Lemon Dill Grilled Salmon my friends were raving about it They even begged me to share the recipe, claiming it was “life-changing.”
FAQ
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, but ensure it’s fully thawed before marinating and grilling.
What can I serve with Lemon Dill Grilled Salmon?
This dish pairs well with rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
How do I know when the salmon is done cooking?
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
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Lemon Dill Grilled Salmon with Cucumber Salad is the perfect summer dish, combining the rich flavors of tender grilled salmon with a refreshing cucumber salad. The zesty lemon and aromatic dill create a delightful marinade that infuses the salmon, while the cool crunch of cucumbers and creamy dressing balances the dish beautifully. Ideal for family gatherings or a casual weeknight dinner, this recipe is as impressive as it is easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate salmon fillets in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375°F – 400°F).
- Grill salmon skin-side down for about 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through.
- While grilling, combine cucumber and red onion in a bowl with sour cream or yogurt; season with salt and pepper.
- Serve grilled salmon with cucumber salad on the side.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (170g)
- Calories: 367
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 83mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
