This marinated salmon is fresh salmon fillets flavored with olive oil, garlic and herbs, then grilled or baked to perfection. You’ll want to grill salmon all summer long after you taste this easy marinade!
Salmon is the perfect fish for grilling – it doesn’t fall apart and it doesn’t dry out. When you add a simple yet flavorful marinade to the mix, you get a crowd pleasing dish that will end up on your permanent dinner menu rotation.
For me, summer is all about grilling, and one of my favorite things to grill is seafood. I make this marinated salmon constantly during the warmer months and there are never any leftovers. Even my kids love this one!
How do you make marinated salmon?
The marinade for this salmon is a mixture of olive oil, honey, soy sauce, lemon zest and herbs. The salmon sits in the marinade for up to 6 hours, then is grilled or broiled to perfection. I intentionally left lemon juice out of this recipe because acids like lemon juice can actually “cook” the salmon as it sits in the marinade. The lemon zest adds tons of citrus flavor without the risk of changing the texture of the salmon.
This is a simple recipe, which means that it’s best to buy the highest quality salmon you can afford. Fresh salmon often tastes better than frozen salmon, and wild caught salmon is healthier and more flavorful than farmed salmon. Don’t have salmon fillets? Salmon steaks will also work, or try marinating a whole side of salmon and baking it in the oven.
What is the best seasoning for salmon?
My favorite way to season grilled salmon is with a combination of lemon, garlic, fresh herbs, salt and pepper. You can use whatever herbs you have on hand. This recipe calls for parsley and thyme leaves, but other great choices are chives, oregano or dill. Don’t have fresh herbs in the house? Try a teaspoon or two of a dried herb seasoning blend such as Italian seasoning.
How do you grill salmon?
You can grill salmon either on an outdoor grill or an indoor stove top grill pan. It’s important to leave the skin on the salmon so that the fillets will hold together and not fall apart on the grill. Typically you’ll want to cook the salmon for 5-6 minutes per side, but this time can vary depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets. I often add some vegetables to the grill at the same time, such as asparagus, zucchini, or corn on the cob to round out the meal.
The finishing touch on this marinated salmon is a drizzle of reserved marinade. It adds so much extra flavor! I serve my garlic herb salmon over rice, mashed potatoes or pasta, along with some veggies for a complete meal.
This grilled marinated salmon is easy enough for a quick weeknight dinner, yet elegant enough to serve to company. Whether you grill or bake your salmon, everyone is sure to love it!
More salmon recipes you’ll love
- Salmon Foil Packets
- Honey Garlic Salmon
- Salmon with Avocado Salsa
- Lemon Dill Salmon in Foil
- Salmon Teriyaki
Marinated Salmon
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets 4-6 ounces each
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
- 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Place the olive oil, honey, soy sauce, lemon zest, parsley, thyme, salt and pepper in a bowl. Whisk to combine.
- Reserve 1 tablespoon of the marinade for later use. Add the garlic to the bowl.
- Add the salmon and marinade to a resealable freezer bag and seal. Shake to coat the salmon with the marinade.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 6 hours.
- Remove the salmon from the marinade and scrape off any excess bits of herbs or garlic (otherwise they could burn on the grill!).
- Grilling instructions: Preheat an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan over medium high heat. Add the salmon fillets and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side or until salmon is opaque throughout.
- Oven instructions: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Place the salmon fillets on a sheet pan lined with cooking spray. Bake for 15 minutes or until salmon is cooked through.
- Brush the reserved marinade over the salmon fillets, then serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Lance says
Hey! I’ve tried many of your recipes now and all are excellent. With this one, I am wondering if I can pan sear after marinating? If so, should I pay dry the salmon of the marinade before frying? Thanks in advance!
Sara says
That should be fine, you’ll want to remove large chunks of herbs, garlic etc so that they don’t burn.
Ellie says
Do you have a recipe for the couscous on the side?
Ps I loved the salmon. I also added a little harissa paste to the marinade!!
Sara says
It’s a box of pearl couscous pilaf with diced tomatoes and parsley mixed in!
Sandi Kaplan says
I make a lot of salmon and this recipe was absolutely amazing.
Bhomey says
I hate when reviewers have to add “I added my own lemon infused arugula with a hint of Japanese ginger and it was fabulous!” Just review the damn recipe!
Sandy says
You shouldn’t read them if it bothers you. I myself like to read what others add or subtract from a recipe.
Jennifer Brown says
Amazing!!! I added a few more herbs… So very tasty!
Marian Bond says
This is my family’s favorite salmon marinade, they always ask when I am going to make it again…delicious!!!
Ab0731 says
My teenage boys and I loved this. I used fresh rosemary and thyme for the herbs and baked it. Served with a rice noodle stir fry with napa cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, peppers, and green onions. Better than any restaurant meal.
michael says
Tried this this evening baked in the oven, Delicious. Thank you. Added a handful of chopped coriander when serving..Oh yes! It was accompanied by pack choi quick fried in toasted sesame oil with soy added when almost ready plus side of spinach and pesto pasta salad with pine nuts..
Jeff says
I’ve made this once before with chinook I catch myself in Oregon. I grill it on a cedar plank and serve over smashed small potatoes which are broiled and crispy. It’s amazing!
One question I’ve wondered though… Can I marinate this and serve it the following day?
Sara says
Yes that should be fine, glad you liked the recipe!
Judy says
I make this ahead all the time and then freeze in the marinade. It´s always amazing.
Connie Halon says
This is perfection! So happy to add this great recipe to my repertoire. Thank you.
Joanne says
This is the first time I made salmon on the grill… I have to say Im so glad I found this salmon recipe. It was wonderful!!! My salmon came out nice and tender and nicely seasoned. This will be my go to when I make my salmon. Served with Roasted baby potatoes and carrots. Thank you Sara for posting this recipe.
jade says
Delicious! Served with cauliflower rice and yellow squash! Was a hit with the family!
Pete says
Best salmon recipe I have ever done on my grill.
Leslie Shatz says
This turned out great! It had just the right amount of sweetness and gave a nice char to the salmon on the grill. Would definitely make it again.
Natalie Gilbert says
I added lemon to the marinade and a big more olive oil; and it was utterly delicious!!!
Linda B. says
I made this dish last night with fresh Atlantic salmon. I didn’t have all the fresh herbs, so I substituted dried parsley and added some dill in the marinade. After cooking, I topped the fish with chopped fresh cilantro I had. The fish was fantastic! My family loved it, absolutely wonderful flavors!
Lynne says
Made this and baked it. Absolutely divine!
Be cky says
Do you use pink salmon or sock-eye? Thanks!
Sara says
I typically use fresh atlantic salmon!
Ray Jordan says
This is my “go to” marinade anytime I’m making grilled salmon , I also added a dollop of stone ground mustard to give it a little kick and it’s delicious …
Heather says
This is one of my favorite marinades! I have used fresh and dried herbs and it still turns out delish! This is a must have recipe!