grilled salmon
| | | | | | | | |

Grilled Salmon

Salmon is a real treat, but with a little bit of planning, I have found it can be enjoyed any time of year! Nice cuts of salmon are available fresh and/or frozen pretty much everywhere these days, making this Grilled Salmon recipe one that is great to have in your back pocket, especially during Summer.

cutting a piece of grilled salmon on a black plate with a fork.

“Salmon is my fave, and I usually use lemon pepper as my seasoning of choice. I loved your photo of the accompanying grilled veggies, the perfect match for this easy, healthy, and inexpensive summer meal. Keep those great ideas coming, Jess!”

Janmaus

When I was pregnant with my daughter, the only thing I craved that wasn’t sour fruits or crunchy veggies was salmon! My body must have been onto something because this recipe for Grilled Salmon goes perfectly with a squeeze of sour grilled lemon and vegetables of any kind! I found a great deal on skin-on wild-caught salmon at Walmart for this recipe, making it cost-effective as well as delicious.

And if you love salmon recipes, then definitely check out our Air Fryer Salmon next!

Grilled Salmon


Cost $9.40 recipe / $3.13 serving

5 from 1 vote
Grilled salmon is so simple and delicious—perfect for summer when perhaps you’re trying to eat a little lighter.

Author: Jess Rice

cutting a piece of grilled salmon on a black plate with a fork.

Servings 3 (4-oz. fillets)
Prep 10 minutes
Cook 10 minutes
Total 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 6-oz. pieces skin-on Atlantic salmon ($8.61*)
  • 1 lemon (sliced in half, $0.68)
  • 1 Tbsp vegetable oil ($0.04)
  • 1 tsp sea salt ($0.02)
  • ½ tsp black pepper (freshly cracked, $0.05)

Instructions 

  • Preheat grill on high, 450-500°F. In a small bowl, combine 1 Tbsp vegetable oil, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
  • Brush lemon halves and salmon on all sides with oil and season with salt and pepper
  • Grill salmon (skin side down) and lemons (cut side down) to grill and grill for 6 minutes.
  • Flip lemons and salmon and grill for 4 minutes or until internal temp reaches about 135°F. Remove from grill and allow salmon to rest for a few minutes, where it will finish cooking and reach the perfect internal temperature of 145°F.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.


Notes

*I found fresh Atlantic salmon on a good sale, so that’s what I used. I often find frozen salmon to be cheaper– just thaw following the package directions before using.
Email Me This Recipe
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week!


Nutrition Information

Serving: 4ouncesCalories: 208kcal (10%)Carbohydrates: 2g (1%)Protein: 23g (46%)Fat: 12g (18%)Sodium: 826mg (36%)Fiber: 1g (4%)
The nutrition data is automatically calculated using all ingredients listed on the recipe card, including any listed as optional. Percentages are of daily value.
Have you tried this recipe?Mention @budgetbytes or tag #budgetbytes on Instagram!

how to make Grilled Salmon step-by-step photos

oil and spices in a glass dish.

Mix the seasonings: Preheat grill on high, 450-500°F. In a small bowl, combine 1 Tbsp vegetable oil, 1 tsp sea salt, and ½ tsp black pepper.

brushing oil over salmon fillets.

Season the salmon: Brush the halves of 1 lemon and 2 6-oz. salmon fillets on all sides with oil and season with salt and pepper.

2 salmon fillets and lemon halves on a grill pan.

Grill the salmon: Place the salmon, skin side down, and lemons, cut side down, on the grill and grill for 6 minutes.

partially grilled salmon fillets on a grill pan.

Flip lemons and salmon and grill for 4 minutes or until internal temp reaches about 135°F. Remove from grill and allow salmon to rest for a few minutes, where it will finish cooking and reach the perfect internal temperature of 145°F.

overhead view of a serving of grilled salmon and grilled vegetables on a black plate.

Break out the grill for this easy weeknight meal!

What Else Can I Add?

I kept things basic for this grilled salmon recipe, but it’s easy to season with your favorite spice blends, like:

Serving Suggestions

I love this grilled salmon served with a scoop of fluffy rice, a side of sautéed asparagus, or, better yet, plenty of grilled veggies like zucchini, tomatoes, and onions. Sometimes I’ll add a grilled romaine caesar salad too. I also like to grill some lemon halves and then squeeze the juice over the salmon right before serving (it brightens up all the flavors in the best way!). You can also add a dollop of Tzatziki sauce for a cool and creamy finish. Then, if you really want to up the summer vibes, throw some peaches on the grill and make grilled peaches and ice cream for dessert!

Storage & Reheating

If you have leftovers, you’ll be glad to know grilled salmon keeps really well! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze cooked salmon for up to 3 months. Just be sure it’s cooled completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place it in a freezer‑safe bag or container. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

To reheat, go low and slow so the fish doesn’t dry out. Try popping it back on the grill over low heat, warming it in a 275°F oven wrapped in foil with a little oil, or heating it gently in a skillet until warmed through.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *