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Crispy Grilled Lemon Herb Salmon Recipe with Easy Garlic Aioli Dip

crispy grilled lemon herb salmon - featured image

A quick and easy grilled salmon recipe featuring a crispy lemon herb crust paired with a creamy garlic aioli dip, perfect for summer dinners and outdoor grilling.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces / 170 grams each), skin-on (preferably wild-caught)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin)
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced or grated
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse the salmon fillets under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and dill.
  3. Season the salmon generously with salt and pepper on both sides, then brush or rub the herb and lemon mixture all over the fillets, focusing on the skin side.
  4. Let the salmon sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soak in the flavors.
  5. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Stir well until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  6. Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot. Lightly oil the grill grates or pan to prevent sticking.
  7. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the grill. Press down gently with the spatula for the first 30 seconds to prevent curling.
  8. Cook without moving for 5-6 minutes, until the skin is crispy and golden.
  9. Flip the fillets carefully and grill for another 2-4 minutes, until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  10. Transfer the salmon to plates and serve immediately with a generous dollop of garlic aioli on the side. Garnish with extra lemon wedges and fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Pat salmon skin dry before seasoning to ensure crispiness. Avoid flipping too soon to prevent skin from sticking or tearing. Let salmon rest a few minutes after grilling for juiciness. If no grill is available, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes skin-side up. Garlic aioli flavors improve if made ahead and chilled.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled salmon, lemon herb salmon, garlic aioli, crispy salmon, summer recipe, quick dinner, healthy fish recipe