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Grilled Salmon With Lemon Dill Sauce - Bright, Fresh, And Weeknight Easy

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Salmon: 4 fillets (about 6 ounces each), skin-on if possible
  • Olive oil: For brushing the fish and the grill
  • Lemon: 2 fresh lemons (zest and juice)
  • Fresh dill: About 1/2 cup, finely chopped
  • Garlic: 1–2 cloves, minced
  • Greek yogurt: 3/4 cup (full-fat or 2%)
  • Mayonnaise: 2 tablespoons (for extra silkiness)
  • Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon
  • Honey: 1 teaspoon (optional, to balance the lemon)
  • Kosher salt and black pepper: To season
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: Pinch (optional, for gentle heat)

Method
 

  1. Prep the salmon: Pat the fillets dry with paper towels so they sear instead of steam. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Brush lightly with olive oil.
  2. Heat the grill: Preheat a gas grill to medium-high or prepare a charcoal grill for medium-hot direct heat. Clean the grates and oil them well. A hot, oiled grate helps prevent sticking.
  3. Make the lemon dill sauce: In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon zest, 2–3 tablespoons lemon juice, chopped dill, minced garlic, Dijon, honey (if using), a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth. Taste and adjust: add more lemon for brightness, more salt for balance, or more dill for herbiness.
  4. Optional quick marinade: If you have 10 minutes, drizzle the salmon with 1 tablespoon lemon juice and a sprinkle of dill before grilling. Don’t marinate longer—acid can start to “cook” the fish.
  5. Grill skin-side down first: Place salmon skin-side down on the grill. Close the lid and cook 4–6 minutes, depending on thickness. The skin will crisp and help the fish release easily.
  6. Flip carefully: Slide a thin metal spatula between the flesh and the grate to flip. Grill another 2–4 minutes, until the fish is just opaque and flakes with gentle pressure. Aim for medium: about 125–130°F in the center.
  7. Rest and sauce: Transfer the salmon to a plate and rest for 2–3 minutes. Spoon lemon dill sauce over the top or serve it on the side. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a few dill fronds.
  8. Serve with simple sides: Think grilled asparagus, steamed green beans, roasted potatoes, or a cucumber salad. The sauce is great as a dip for veggies too.