If you’re craving a light, healthy, and delicious meal, look no further than this Grilled Lemon Dill Salmon with Asparagus. This dish is perfect for a quick dinner that’s both fresh and flavorful, made with just a few simple ingredients.
The tangy lemon, fresh dill, and juicy salmon pair wonderfully with tender, roasted asparagus, making this meal not only tasty but also nutrient-packed.
Let’s dive into this flavorful recipe and show you how to make it from start to finish!
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Lemon Dill Salmon with Asparagus
- Simple and quick to prepare in under 30 minutes
- Packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins
- Light and healthy, yet filling and satisfying
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep
- Fresh, bright flavors that pair perfectly with the smoky grilled salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses basic, fresh ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Salmon Fillets: Fresh, skin-on fillets work best for grilling and will give you a crispy, flavorful crust.
- Asparagus: Fresh asparagus stalks, trimmed at the bottom, bring a nice crunch and earthy flavor.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest give the dish a burst of tangy brightness.
- Fresh Dill: This herb is the star of the dish, adding a fresh, slightly sweet flavor that complements the salmon perfectly.
- Olive Oil: Used for brushing the salmon and asparagus to keep them juicy while grilling.
- Garlic: Adds depth and flavor to the marinade.
- Salt and Pepper: To season the fish and veggies to taste.
How to Make Grilled Lemon Dill Salmon with Asparagus
This meal comes together quickly and easily, with just a few simple steps. Here’s how you can make it:
Prepare the Marinade for the Salmon
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, fresh dill, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until well mixed.
Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let the salmon marinate in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Prepare the Asparagus
While the salmon is marinating, prep the asparagus. Snap off the tough ends of the asparagus stalks and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat the asparagus evenly.
Grill the Salmon and Asparagus
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Once the grill is hot, place the salmon fillets on the grill, skin-side down. Grill for 4-6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon should be flaky and slightly crispy on the outside when done.
At the same time, grill the asparagus for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and lightly charred.
Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is grilled to perfection, serve the salmon fillets on a plate with the grilled asparagus on the side. You can garnish the salmon with extra lemon wedges and fresh dill if desired.
Tips for Perfect Grilled Salmon and Asparagus
- Salmon Cooking Tip: Make sure not to overcook the salmon. It should be tender, moist, and just slightly pink in the center.
- Asparagus Texture: If you like your asparagus extra tender, grill it for a little longer. For a firmer texture, keep an eye on it and remove it once it reaches your desired doneness.
- Grilling Tip: To prevent the salmon from sticking to the grill, make sure the grill is well-oiled, and avoid flipping the fillets too many times.
- What to Serve with Grilled Lemon Dill Salmon and Asparagus
- While this dish is filling on its own, here are a few ideas to round out your meal:
- Crisp Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens and a simple vinaigrette will complement the salmon beautifully.
- Rice or Quinoa: Serve the salmon with a side of rice, quinoa, or couscous for a complete meal.
- Grilled Potatoes: Roasted or grilled baby potatoes with a bit of garlic and rosemary would pair perfectly with this dish.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely before marinating and grilling.
Can I cook the salmon in the oven instead?
Yes! If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the salmon in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness.
Can I make this ahead of time?
While grilling is best fresh, you can prepare the marinade and asparagus ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Grill the salmon and asparagus just before serving.
Grilled Lemon Dill Salmon with Asparagus
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (around 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade for the Salmon:In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, fresh dill, salt, and pepper.Brush the salmon fillets with the marinade and let them sit for 10–15 minutes.
- Prepare the Asparagus:Trim the tough ends of the asparagus and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Grill the Salmon and Asparagus:Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.Grill the salmon for 4-6 minutes per side, or until cooked to your liking.Grill the asparagus for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and slightly charred.
- Serve and Enjoy:Once everything is cooked, plate the salmon with the grilled asparagus. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor.
