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    Home » What We're Eating » Salmon Marinade with Lemon, Garlic and Herbs

    Salmon Marinade with Lemon, Garlic and Herbs

    Published: Apr 12, 2021 by Blair Lonergan

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    Close up side shot of a piece of grilled marinated salmon with text title overlay
    Overhead shot of salmon marinade with text title overlay
    Grilled salmon marinade recipe in a mason jar with text title overlay
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    Piece of marinated grilled salmon with lemon on a plate with text title box at top
    Overhead shot of a plate with grilled marinated salmon and text title box at top

    This quick and easy grilled salmon marinade is a flavorful and healthy way to enjoy a seafood dinner -- with just 5 minutes of prep! The simple, classic combination of lemon, garlic, herbs and olive oil makes this the best salmon marinade for grilling. Pair the fish with a crusty baguette and a Caesar salad for a delicious meal that suits your busy schedule!

    Close overhead shot of a piece of marinated grilled salmon with lemon

    Salmon Marinade | 1-Minute Video

    Grilled Salmon Marinade

    This easy salmon marinade for grilling is a great way to add tons of flavor to your fish! You'll love the fresh Mediterranean-inspired combination of lemon, garlic and herbs. Best of all, it takes about 5 minutes to shake the ingredients together in a jar, then your job is practically done. Let the salmon soak in the marinade, then cook it on the grill for a total of about 8-10 minutes. It's simple, healthy, and totally satisfying!

    Marinade Ingredients

    This is just a quick overview of the ingredients that you'll need for a delicious grilled salmon marinade. As always, specific measurements and complete cooking instructions are included in the printable recipe box at the bottom of the post.

    • Olive oil: the base of the marinade.
    • Lemon juice and red wine vinegar: the acidic components that tenderize the fish and add a bright, tangy taste.
    • Honey: you can substitute with brown sugar if you prefer. This touch of sweetness balances the lemon juice and also helps with the caramelization so that you get a great char on the grill.
    • Garlic, basil, parsley, rosemary, salt and pepper: all of these ingredients add delicious flavor to the marinade!

    A jar of grilled salmon marinade in front of a white wall with lemon and herbs nearby

    How to Make Salmon Marinade

    This is about as easy as it gets! I love using a mason jar because it has measurement lines on the side of the jar, so I can avoid washing extra measuring cups.

    1. Place all of the marinade ingredients in a jar with a lid.
    2. Give it a good shake until everything is completely combined. Set aside ¼ cup of the marinade to use for basting later.
    3. Place the salmon in a large Ziploc bag or in a glass dish.
    4. Pour the remaining marinade over the fish, seal or cover tightly, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
    5. Remove the salmon from the bag and discard the marinade.

    Process shot showing how to make salmon marinade

    How Long to Marinate Salmon

    Since salmon is naturally very tender, you don't need to leave the fish in the marinade for very long. I recommend about 30 minutes, and not more than 1 hour. Thanks to the lemon juice and red wine vinegar, this marinade is quite acidic. If left in the marinade for too long, the acid in a marinade can start to "cook" the fish (like ceviche) and may result in a mushy piece of grilled salmon.

    Can I reuse marinade that salmon was in?

    You'll want to set aside about ¼ cup of the marinade to use for brushing the fish as it cooks, and then discard the rest of the marinade that the salmon was soaking in. This avoids the risk of consuming any potentially harmful bacteria from the raw fish.

    How to Cook Marinated Salmon

    Salmon is one of my go-to options when it comes to healthy dinners, but eating the same exact meal week after week can get pretty darn boring. That's why this is truly the best salmon marinade -- it adds so much great flavor to the fish, but it requires minimal effort. We always love grilled salmon when the weather cooperates, but you can also use this salmon marinade for baked or broiled fish.

    1. For the Grill: Heat the coals or a gas grill to medium heat. Place the marinated salmon on the grill. Cover and grill for 4-5 minutes per side. Brush the salmon with the reserved ¼ cup of marinade a couple of times as the fish cooks. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
    2. For the Broiler: Place the marinated salmon on a broiler pan. Put the fish directly under the broiler for 5 minutes. Flip it over and continue to broil for about 4-6 more minutes, or until the flesh flakes easily with a fork.
    3. For the Oven: To bake the marinated salmon, preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the fish on a rimmed baking sheet that has been lined with foil and sprayed with cooking spray. Bake for 8-11 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. You can put the salmon under the broiler for the final few minutes if you'd like to get the top a bit crispier!

    Side shot of grilled salmon on a plate with a side of baguette

    What to Serve with Marinated Salmon

    The lemon, garlic, and herb-infused salmon is delicious with a wide variety of sides. Here are a few ideas that pair nicely with the fish:

    • A loaf of crusty No-Knead Bread, Soft Dinner Rolls, French Baguette or Homemade Focaccia
    • Mashed Potatoes, Baked Potatoes or Grilled Potatoes
    • 3-Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits, Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits or Easy Drop Biscuits
    • Macaroni Salad
    • Tomato, Cucumber and Onion Salad
    • Rice Salad with Corn, Bacon and Pimentos
    • Garlic Oven Roasted Broccoli
    • Southern Succotash or Fried Corn
    • Amish Green Beans with Brown Butter
    • Skillet Cornbread or Corn Muffins
    • Couscous Salad
    • Sauteed Spinach or Sauteed Zucchini
    • Wedge Salad or Caesar Salad

    Overhead shot of grilled salmon marinade on a blue and white plate with fresh lemon

    Storage

    Leftover salmon will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. 

    Cooked salmon can also be frozen for four to six months, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Thaw cooked salmon in the refrigerator or immersed in cold water. Use cooked, thawed salmon in salads or as a substitution for canned salmon in casseroles, pasta dishes, sandwiches or wraps.

    Overhead horizontal shot of salmon marinade lemon and herbs

    Recipe Variations

    • Use brown sugar instead of honey. If you like a sweet marinade, increase the amount of sweetener to at least 2 tablespoons.
    • Try other fresh herbs. Anything goes, so pick your favorites or use what's available. Swap out the rosemary for thyme, or add chives instead of basil. Dill is also a great companion for salmon.
    • Use freshly-squeezed lime juice or orange juice instead of the lemon.
    • In a pinch, you can substitute dried herbs for the fresh herbs. You'll need to use less of the dried herbs, so cut it back to about 2 teaspoons of dried basil and 1 teaspoon each of the dried parsley and dried rosemary.
    • Scale the recipe to suit the size of your family. If you're just cooking for two, cut all of the ingredients in half and marinate just 2 pieces of fish. For a large family, double the ingredients and marinate the salmon in two separate bags.

    Close up side shot of a piece of marinated grilled salmon on a blue and white plate with fresh herbs and lemon

    Tips for the Best Salmon Marinade

    • A Ziploc bag is a great way to marinate fish because it doesn't leak and it keeps the marinade close to the fish on all sides so that the salmon can soak up as much flavor as possible.
    • Marinate the salmon for at least 30 minutes so that is has time to soak up all of the delicious flavor, but not more than 1 hour. Marinating for too long can result in a mushy piece of fish.
    • Always marinate salmon in the refrigerator so that it stays fresh.
    • Use fresh herbs and freshly-squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
    • Keep a close eye on the salmon while it cooks. You'll know that the fish is done when the flesh flakes easily with a fork. You don't want to overcook it or the salmon will become dry.

    Overhead shot of a salmon marinade for grilling served with a side of crusty bread

    More Salmon Recipes To Try

    • Perfect 15-Minute Grilled Salmon
    • Baked Salmon Fillet
    • 5-Ingredient Blackened Salmon
    • Salmon with Dill Sauce
    • Teriyaki Salmon
    • Parmesan Herb Baked Salmon
    • Honey Soy Salmon
    Close overhead shot of a piece of marinated grilled salmon with lemon
    Print Pin
    5 from 7 votes

    Salmon Marinade with Lemon, Garlic and Herbs

    This quick and easy grilled salmon marinade is a flavorful and healthy way to enjoy a seafood dinner -- with just 5 minutes of prep!
    Course Dinner, Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Keyword grilled salmon, grilled salmon marinade, Herb Salmon, marinated salmon, Salmon Marinade
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 10 minutes
    Marinating Time 30 minutes
    Total Time 45 minutes
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 132.6kcal
    Author Blair Lonergan

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup olive oil
    • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
    • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon honey
    • 4 teaspoons minced garlic
    • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
    • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
    • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
    • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
    • ½ teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
    • 1 ½ lbs. salmon, cut into 4 pieces

    Instructions

    • Combine all of the ingredients (except for the salmon) in a large jar with a lid. Shake vigorously until completely combined (or whisk ingredients together in a small bowl).
    • Set aside about ¼ cup of marinade for later.
    • Place salmon and remaining marinade in a large zip-top plastic bag or in a glass container. Place in the refrigerator to marinate for about 30 minutes (and not longer than 1 hour).
    • Heat the coals or a gas grill to medium heat. Place the marinated salmon on the grill. Cover and grill for 4-5 minutes per side. Brush the salmon with the reserved ¼ cup of marinade a couple of times as the fish cooks. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork.

    Video

    Notes

    • A Ziploc bag is a great way to marinate fish because it doesn't leak and it keeps the marinade close to the fish on all sides so that the salmon can soak up as much flavor as possible.
    • Marinate the salmon for at least 30 minutes so that is has time to soak up all of the delicious flavor, but not more than 1 hour. Marinating for too long can result in a mushy piece of fish.
    • Always marinate salmon in the refrigerator so that it stays fresh.
    • Use fresh herbs and freshly-squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
    • Keep a close eye on the salmon while it cooks. You'll know that the fish is done when the flesh flakes easily with a fork. You don't want to overcook it or the salmon will become dry.
    • For the Broiler: Place the marinated salmon on a broiler pan. Put the fish directly under the broiler for 5 minutes. Flip it over and continue to broil for about 4-6 more minutes, or until the flesh flakes easily with a fork.
    • For the Oven: To bake the marinated salmon, preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the fish on a rimmed baking sheet that has been lined with foil and sprayed with cooking spray. Bake for 8-11 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. You can put the salmon under the broiler for the final few minutes if you'd like to get the top a bit crispier!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 2tablespoons of the marinade | Calories: 132.6kcal | Carbohydrates: 3.4g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 14g | Sodium: 582.1mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 2.4g

    This recipe was originally published in May, 2017. The photos were updated in April, 2021.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice

      May 22, 2017 at 7:15 am

      Isn't this weather the best? I'm loving the spring and summer weather we've had lately too! This marinade looks perfect, Blair! I make salmon almost once a week, as my husband and I love it, so I will have to try this. Sounds SO good and so easy to make!

      Reply
      • Blair

        May 22, 2017 at 11:32 am

        Love this time of year!! And any excuse to grill some salmon is welcome. 🙂 Hope you get a chance to try it, Gayle!

        Reply
      • Sue

        April 04, 2021 at 2:52 pm

        5 stars
        Totally delish!! I could eat this salmon every day of the week. I live alone so I thought that would be two meals for me. So good I kept on eating, but had to stop before it was all gone. My tummy couldn't hold any more. Still have yummy bit to mix with eggs in the morning. Haven't made a marinade in awhile and this was an excellent 1st choice.

        Reply
        • Blair

          April 04, 2021 at 8:15 pm

          I'm so glad to know that you've found a keeper, Sue! 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to come back here and let me know. 🙂

          Reply
    2. linda

      May 22, 2017 at 10:32 am

      Dinner tomorrow night! It is time to start grilling even with unseasonable cool and wet weather.

      Reply
      • Blair

        May 22, 2017 at 11:32 am

        That's wonderful, Linda! Enjoy!

        Reply
    3. Lindsay | With Salt and Pepper

      May 23, 2017 at 6:34 pm

      Warm weather makes me soooooo happy! And I've been grilling up a storm this spring, but have yet to put salmon on the grill. This marinade sounds like the perfect reason to! 🙂

      Reply
    4. Nayda

      April 06, 2018 at 6:04 pm

      5 stars
      Best marinade for salmon!!!! Delicious. Would also be goid as a dressing! Thanks.

      Reply
      • Blair

        April 06, 2018 at 7:39 pm

        Awesome! I agree, Nayda! I've definitely used it as a salad dressing, too! 🙂

        Reply
    5. Emily

      October 05, 2018 at 10:47 am

      5 stars
      This salmon marinade is so simple and delicious, definitely need to try it on chicken too!

      Reply
    6. kelsie

      December 02, 2018 at 7:44 pm

      Why not marinade longer than an hour? Is it a health thing or just too lemony if longer??

      Reply
      • Blair

        December 02, 2018 at 8:06 pm

        Hey, Kelsie! The acid in the marinade starts to "cook" the fish if it marinates for too long. The end result would be ceviche! 🙂

        Reply
    7. Blair

      January 21, 2019 at 2:00 pm

      Hi, Savannah! Sure! You can marinate the salmon in the same way, and then bake it in the oven at 450 degrees F for 10-12 minutes (or until it flakes easily with a fork). On the stovetop, you can sear the marinated salmon in a skillet. To do so, heat about 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place salmon, flesh-side down, in the hot oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes, and then flip salmon with a spatula. Cook for about 5-6 more minutes, or until skin becomes crispy and fish flakes easily with a fork. Hope that helps, and enjoy!

      Reply
    8. JEAN SIMMERMAN

      September 12, 2019 at 6:27 pm

      Once you've marinated salmon for 30 minutes, do you think you could freeze the fillets for later use?

      Reply
      • Blair

        September 12, 2019 at 7:00 pm

        Hi, Jean! Yes -- I think that would probably work well!

        Reply
    9. Arum

      December 05, 2019 at 2:12 pm

      My nephews love eating fish so I just made the marinade and will bake the fish once my nephews come back from school. Thanks for sharing the recipe with us.

      Reply
      • Blair

        December 05, 2019 at 2:47 pm

        That's wonderful! I hope that the boys enjoy the salmon! 🙂

        Reply
        • Arum

          December 05, 2019 at 5:35 pm

          It turned out great. Thanks.

          Reply
          • Blair

            December 06, 2019 at 5:37 am

            Wonderful! Thanks, Arum!

            Reply
    10. Mary

      May 26, 2020 at 6:16 pm

      I saw ur recipe and I made it and salmon is at this minute marinadeing now. It sounds soooo goos

      Reply
      • Blair

        May 27, 2020 at 5:41 am

        Hope you enjoyed it, Mary!

        Reply
    11. MIchael Redmond

      October 14, 2020 at 1:53 pm

      5 stars
      Great marinade, will try on chicken as suggested and maybe on a pork chop as well.
      Only issue I have is the 5 minute prep time. I don't have a sous chef to wash and chop all the ingredients.
      Totally happy with the end result!!

      Reply
      • Blair

        October 14, 2020 at 4:06 pm

        Thank you, Michael! 🙂

        Reply
    12. Sarah

      August 11, 2021 at 1:19 pm

      Hi, I don't have red wine vinegar. Could you recommend a substitution? Or would it be OK without it?

      Reply
      • Blair

        August 11, 2021 at 1:59 pm

        Hi, Sarah! You could use white vinegar, cider vinegar, champagne vinegar, or even some extra lemon juice. 🙂

        Reply
    13. Caroline J Aguilar

      November 07, 2021 at 5:45 pm

      5 stars
      loved the zesty salmon!

      Reply
      • Blair Lonergan

        November 07, 2021 at 7:22 pm

        Thanks, Caroline!

        Reply
    14. Gayle Miller

      April 04, 2022 at 3:40 pm

      Could you make this and serve it cold?

      Reply
      • Blair Lonergan

        April 04, 2022 at 4:43 pm

        Hi, Gayle! Yes, if you enjoy chilled salmon, there's no reason that you couldn't eat this salmon that way, too. It would be good on top of salad greens, in a wrap, or used in a mayonnaise-based salmon salad (similar to tuna salad).

        Reply

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