There’s no healthier, easier, or faster summer entrée than a perfect grilled salmon recipe. This 15-minute meal is a staple in our regular dinner routine, and I’m so excited to share my tips with you today!
Table of Contents
If you’re looking for more of the best salmon recipes, be sure to try this maple-glazed salmon sheet pan dinner, bourbon glazed salmon, Dijon mustard salmon, this 4-ingredient baked salmon, flavorful poached salmon, and these classic salmon patties, too!
I just made this salmon dish for myself this evening. It’s very easy to modify the quantity. Man was it delicious! I’m new to grilling so I was worried but it turned out amazing. The house seasoning is wicked amazing!! Thanks for sharing it.
– Gina
Video: How to Grill Salmon
Aside from pizza and spaghetti, I’d say that this particular grilled salmon recipe is one of the meals that I prepare most frequently for my family. It’s my easy go-to when I feel like we need something nutritious, but I don’t want to spend much time in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
- Quick and Easy. With about 5 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes on the grill, it’s tough to find a faster meal to feed your family.
- Healthy. Grilled salmon is a nutrient-rich food, abundant in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and reduce inflammation in the body. Additionally, its high protein content promotes muscle strength and aids in weight management.
- Smoky Char and Crispy Edges. While you can certainly grill salmon in a foil packet, this recipe works best without foil. When fish is in a foil packet, it steams in the trapped moisture, so it doesn’t get any of those crispy, charred edges. We prefer the smoky flavor and the grill marks that can only be achieved when the fish is placed directly on the grill grates. The fish cooks quickly, so it doesn’t have a chance to dry out!
- Versatile. Pair the versatile protein with almost any of your family’s favorite sides. For instance, make salmon sandwiches with tartar sauce, lettuce, and tomato on crusty rolls. Add the grilled fish to pesto pasta, or serve it alongside rice, rolls, or a baguette.
Grilled Salmon Seasoning
This is the KEY to the perfect piece of grilled fish, my friends! I never prepare our salmon without using my mom’s all-purpose “House Seasoning,” which is just a simple blend of herbs and kosher salt that works like magic in this recipe.
I have provided the instructions to make your own batch of seasoning, which you can use in this grilled salmon recipe, as well as in a variety of other dishes. We use the seasoning blend on chicken, steak, pasta, green salads, pasta salads, roasted vegetables, homemade Tzatziki sauces, and more!
Trust me and make yourself a big batch so that you can continue to enjoy it with grilled salmon and almost everything else that you prepare this season. Once you have a batch of the all-purpose seasoning sitting on your counter, the rest is easy-peasy!
Ingredients
This is just a quick overview of the simple ingredients that you’ll need for our favorite grilled salmon recipe. As always, specific measurements and step-by-step cooking instructions are included in the printable recipe box at the bottom of the post.
- Skin-on salmon fillets: cut the salmon into individual pieces before grilling (kitchen shears work well for this task). The smaller pieces are easier to flip on the grill, and easier to serve! Farm-raised salmon, wild-caught salmon, coho, and sockeye will all work — whatever is available. Leave the skin on the salmon when grilling. This adds flavor and moisture, and helps hold the fillets together. It will peel off easily before serving. Brush the grill grates with oil to prevent the salmon from sticking.
- Extra virgin olive oil: helps the seasoning adhere to the fish, prevents the fish from sticking to the grill, and helps the salmon’s exterior crisp.
- Garlic powder, kosher salt, dried parsley, dried minced onion, dried basil: come together to create the best seasoning for your fish. Use the extra seasoning for grilled veggies, salad, pasta, potatoes, chicken, steak — just about anything! Or, substitute this all purpose seasoning!
Directions
An easy grilled salmon fillet is ready from start to finish in about 15 minutes! The detailed directions are included in the recipe card at the bottom of the post, but here’s a quick overview:
- Slice your salmon fillet into individual pieces before grilling. That will make it much easier to flip! I find that sharp kitchen shears work much better than a knife for cutting through the fish skin.
- Preheat coals for an outdoor charcoal grill, gas grill, or indoor grill pan to medium heat. Cooking the salmon over medium heat (about 350°F-400°F) gives it that delicious, charred exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender.
- Rub the flesh side of the salmon filets with olive oil, then sprinkle with the seasoning. This will prevent the fish from sticking to the grill, and it helps to create a crispy exterior.
- Grill the salmon skin-side up for about 5 minutes, then flip it so that it’s skin side down to finish for about 5 more minutes. Flipping salmon while grilling ensures even cooking and helps prevent it from sticking to the grill. Keep a close eye on the salmon while it cooks. The total cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your fillet and on the temperature of your grill. 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.
- Garnish each serving with fresh lemon wedges, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, marinated cucumbers, or fresh herbs like fresh parsley and fresh basil, if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the simple grilled salmon with just about any of your favorite sides, like a classic Caesar salad, no-knead bread, Charleston red rice, this easy potato salad recipe, potato pancakes, seasoned potatoes, grilled potatoes, or skin on mashed red potatoes, creamed peas, pomodoro sauce, and easy summer veggies like sauteed zucchini, roasted yellow squash, baked ratatouille, cucumber tomato onion salad, a mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette, Southern-style green beans, succotash, and corn on the cob in the oven. Then, finish with Bisquick peach cobbler for dessert!
Prepare grilled salmon sandwiches by serving the fillets on griddled buns with tartar sauce, lettuce, and tomato.
Made this on the gas grill tonight for dinner…my husband said this might be the best salmon he’s ever had. Wow!
– Gretha
Storage
Leftover grilled salmon will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Cooked salmon can also be frozen for 4-6 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.
Recipe Variations
- Instead of the all-purpose seasoning blend shown here, you can season the fish with just kosher salt and black pepper. You might also like a little bit of garlic powder, blackened seasoning, or a bbq rub.
- Scale the recipe to serve your family, cooking as many salmon fillets as you need. For instance, double the ingredients and cook about 3 pounds of fish. When you have a batch of seasoning prepared it’s easy to make a larger meal.
- Use the same ingredients, but bake the salmon in the oven using these instructions.
Wow, I’ve used this seasoning over and over on salmon and it is wonderful. I’ve forwarded this recipe to so many family and friends. Thank you!
– Anne
More Easy Salmon Recipes to Try
Salmon Marinade with Garlic, Lemon, and Herbs
45 minutes mins
Blackened Salmon
15 minutes mins
Bourbon Glazed Salmon
21 minutes mins
Did you make this recipe?
If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a comment with a 5-star review at the bottom of the post. Thank you!
Watch How to Make It
Grilled Salmon
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 1– 1 ½ lbs. salmon fillet, cut into 4 pieces
- Olive oil
For the House Seasoning
- ¼ cup garlic powder
- ¼ cup kosher salt
- ¼ cup dried parsley
- ¼ cup dried minced onion
- ¼ 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 (I use about 1 teaspoon of olive oil and ¼ teaspoon of seasoning per piece).
Grill the Salmon
- Heat coals, gas grill, or grill pan to medium heat (about 350°F-400°F). Brush the grill grates with a little bit of oil to prevent the fish from sticking. Place salmon on the grill. Cover and grill over medium heat for about 5 minutes per side (maybe a few more minutes, depending on the thickness of your fish). The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
Notes
- The FDA recommends cooking fish to 145°F. However, for a flakier, more moist and tender salmon filet, many chefs find that it’s best enjoyed at 125°F (medium). We don’t usually use a thermometer, but instead look to see that the texture flakes easily with a fork. The inside changes from translucent (red or raw) to opaque (pink).
- Scale the recipe to serve your family, cooking as many salmon fillets as you need. For instance, double the ingredients and cook about 3 pounds of fish. When you have a batch of seasoning prepared it’s easy to make a larger meal.
-
Nutrition
This post was originally published in May, 2018. The photos were updated in May, 2024.
Hello! I was wondering what you would recommend serving with this? Thanks!
Hi, Natalie! We usually keep it simple and serve it with a salad and some crusty French bread on the side. It also pairs nicely with rice or pesto pasta, dinner rolls, biscuits, roasted asparagus, roasted broccoli, or just about any other veggie. Enjoy!
Very crispy
I made this and it is wonderful! My husband is not a salmon fan but he tried it and said it was by far the best salmon I had ever fixed! Having salmon again tonight! Thank you for sharing!!!
So glad to hear that, Vicki! Thank you for your kind words! 🙂
Hi can you grill skinless salmon the same way?
Hi, Brittany! Yes, that should be fine!
Wonderful, delicious salmon recipe. I am not a fish lover, nor is my husband but with your Mom’s seasoning we both wanted more. We will grill extra next time. Silly question, since I will use your seasoning
often I need a cute container like yours for my stove too. Can you tell me the brand and where you bought it. Thank you
Thank you, Sherry! The spice jar is made by Le Creuset, but I can’t find a link to the exact dish. It’s basically a ramekin with an airtight lid. This one looks similar: https://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/le-creuset-stoneware-mini-round-cocotte/?catalogId=58&sku=3507829&cm_ven=PLA&cm_cat=Google&cm_pla=Bakeware%20%3E%20Ramekins%20%26%20Mini%20Cocottes&cm_ite=3507829&gclid=CjwKCAjw8-LnBRAyEiwA6eUMGuu7qVrEZ-ucgvzS5PuDK9nwsPz56fHUTmmyfgmARvDDCHqyA43HthoCJm8QAvD_BwE
So glad that you like the fish! 🙂
Can I do this in the oven? What temp? Timing?
Hi, Gail! Absolutely! Here’s a post for a baked salmon recipe: https://www.theseasonedmom.com/easy-baked-salmon-fillet/ You can use the olive oil and house seasoning called for in this recipe, but follow the baking instructions in that post. Enjoy!
So delicious! I also put the rub on chicken for my son who hates fish and it was delicious also. Made a lemon garlic butter sauce to go on top of the fish and grilled asparagus and it was one of the best meals we have had in a long time. Thank you for a great recipe!
Awesome! Yes — the seasoning is so good on chicken, veggies, etc. I’m glad that you all enjoyed the meal, Marcy! 🙂
Great recipe! I just made a small batch for the salmon I had as I didn’t have enough to make the recommended batch.
Question – what other fish would be to use this seasoning for other than salmon? Have you tried any other fish with your house seasoning? Thanks!
Hi, Melissa! I’m glad that you liked it! We use this seasoning with just about everything! It’s great on chicken, it’s nice with shrimp, and it works with fish like halibut, tilapia, tuna, cod, or whatever else you enjoy. We also sprinkle the seasoning with olive oil on vegetables before roasting or sauteeing, or sprinkle it on top of salad. It’s so versatile! 🙂
Eating was believing! Absolutely delicious. Grilled on recommended temperature made the difference. Nice smoky outside, flake tender inside. I love simple, easy recipes as well. This one is a keeper .
Thanks so much, Brenda!
This recipe is so delicious and that special blend of seasoning is now also a staple in my home. I use it on lots of things n my kids eat it up. Thank you so much for sharing.
Thank you, Crystal!
Can I use cedar planks on the grill? Also, what temperature and how long? Making tonight!
Hi, Gail! Yes, you can absolutely use this seasoning and salmon on cedar planks — I just haven’t tested it myself. You’ll want to find a good cedar plank salmon recipe to reference, so you might start with something like this: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/cedar-plank-salmon-recipe-2013938
or this in order to get specific temp and time instructions:
https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/cedar-plank-salmon-354516
Enjoy!
Thanks for the links! We followed but our cedar planks caught on fire! Our grill was too high at 450! My husband quickly got the salmon off and they were absolutely perfect! Everyone enjoyed and asked for the seasoning recipe! Thanks again! I will next be using it on chicken! Any special instructions for boneless breasts?
Yikes! Did you pre-soak the planks in water? I think that most recipes suggest you pre-soak so that the wood doesn’t catch fire. Anyway, I’m glad that you were able to salvage the fish and enjoy this recipe! If you want to grill chicken breasts, here’s a recent recipe: https://www.theseasonedmom.com/grilled-chicken-breast/ You can skip the marinade called for in that recipe and just rub the meat with olive oil and add the house seasoning. Grill according to the recipe instructions. 🙂
It’s not often I follow internet recipes because I’ve been really disappointed in the past with incomplete ingredient lists and/or the taste of the recipe. I bought two salmon fillets the other day and was thinking of ways I could make them “different” from my usual grill pan salmon, oven salmon, etc. I came across your recipe and it sounded complete, so I thought, why not? WOW! I made enough for two pieces and both my daughter and I were pleasantly surprised! The were terrific, moist, flavorful pieces of salmon, perfectly cooked in my cast iron grill pan. I saved your spice list and will make enough for last 6 months! I also never thought to use olive oil to coat the fish. I used Grape Seed oil because it has no taste and it worked too. Thank you!
Thank you, Lynn! That’s so great to hear. Glad that you now have a new go-to seasoning and salmon recipe. 🙂
I just made this salmon dish for myself this evening. It’s very easy to modify the quantity. Man was it delicious! I mnew to grilling so I was worried but it turned out amazing. The house seasoning is wicked amazing!! Thanks for sharing it.
That’s awesome, Gina! Thank you!
I seldom if ever comment on a recipe, but the salmon and chicken using your rub recipe and directions made our family dinner this evening outstanding. It has been such a long time that my culinary skills have been praised, I basked in the glow. I do believe the fam was surprised. Thank you for the posting. I’ll be searching for more of your suggestions.
Thank you, Jane! That’s the best feeling — basking in the glow of a successful meal! 🙂
Made this on the gas grill tonight for dinner…my husband said this might be the best salmon he’s ever had. Wow! As I’m not fond of garlic on salmon next time I’ll try it without the garlic but keep everything else pretty much the same. I didn’t have dried onion, dried parsley or garlic powder so I used fresh for all of those items. Thanks for the recipe. Also the tip for using scissors to cut the fish!
That’s wonderful! Thanks, Gretha!
I have recently started cooking fish & other meats ( grew up as a vegetarian & was never exposed to cooking meats) Was very hesitant to cook Salmon but my kids were very keen on doing it at home. Since this recipe looked simple, I decided to give it a shot. Boy is it delicious.. dinner got polished off super quick. Highly recommend this recipe.
Thanks, Shruti! I’m so glad that your family enjoyed it!
I like to buy Salmon at Sam’s club and bake it. It is a very simple way to prepare Salmon. But I wanted more seasoning. This recipe was a favorite. I loved the seasoning and the grilled flavor! I especially appreciated that it was easy to prepare and I could use seasonings that I had on hand. Thanks!
Thanks, Shawnda! I’m so glad that this worked well for you!
Wow, I’ve used this seasoning over and over on salmon and it is wonderful. I’ve forwarded this recipe to so many family and friends. Thank you! If you have any other recipes to share, I will definitely try. Thanks again for sharing!
I just realized there are a ton of recipes on their blog. Thanks again!
I’m so glad to hear that, Anne! Thanks for sharing with your friends. I have so many recipes on my site, so feel free to search around (you can type in search words in the right hand sidebar) to see what else you might enjoy. Thanks again!
I prepared this recipe on my Smokeless Grill. So simple, yet amazing. My family definitely enjoyed it the first, second. and third time I prepared it. Needless to say I now keep a container of your “House Seasoning” in the spice cabinet.
That’s wonderful! Thanks, Darian!
This worked out great. I didn’t have minced onion so I subbed half the amount of onion powder. My husband and I are doing Whole30 this month, so we were looking for something simple and tasty. We grilled it over charcoal after the flames had died down. We also grilled halved bell peppers over coals and roasted asparagus in the oven all coated with the house seasoning and it was all excellent. Thanks for the recipe.
Awesome! Thank you, Michelle! The grilled bell peppers and asparagus sound delicious, too!
Kids loved it! I’ve always had trouble with fish sticking to the grill, but not with this recipe. This might have to be a weekly meal. So easy, sooooo good!
That’s great, Rick! I’m so glad that your kids enjoyed it, too. 🙂
Excellent! I drizzled honey at the end.
Thank you for this recipe. I followed your instructions and the salmon was absolutely perfect. This was my first time grilling salmon and your instructions were very easy to follow and they turned out excellent just as the recipe States. Thank you for sharing this.
Yay! That’s amazing, Emma! I’m so glad that you enjoyed it. Thanks for taking the time to leave me a note!