Ingredients
- Salmon Fillets: 4 (6-8 ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off, preferably center-cut for even cooking
- Olive Oil: ¼ cup, extra virgin olive oil, for marinating and grilling
- Fresh Lemon Juice: 3 tablespoons, freshly squeezed, for brightness and flavor
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced, for aromatic depth
- Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup, chopped, Italian flat-leaf parsley preferred for its robust flavor
- Fresh Basil: ¼ cup, chopped, adds a sweet and peppery note
- Fresh Oregano: 2 tablespoons, chopped, provides a slightly pungent and earthy flavor
- Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon, adds a subtle, earthy undertone that complements the other herbs
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste, sea salt or kosher salt recommended
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, freshly ground, or to taste, for a touch of spice
- Optional Garnish: Lemon wedges, fresh parsley sprigs, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Herb Marinade
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh basil, chopped fresh oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the herbs are evenly distributed throughout the marinade. The marinade should be fragrant and vibrant with the aroma of fresh herbs and garlic.
Step 2: Marinate the Salmon Fillets
- Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag.
- Pour the herb marinade over the salmon fillets, ensuring they are evenly coated on all sides.
- If using a dish, turn the fillets to coat both sides. If using a bag, seal the bag and gently massage the marinade into the salmon.
- Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Marinating for longer than 2 hours is generally not recommended for salmon as the lemon juice can start to break down the delicate flesh and make it mushy. However, even a short 30-minute marinade will significantly enhance the flavor of the salmon.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F or 200-230°C). For a gas grill, this usually means setting the burners to medium-high. For a charcoal grill, ensure the coals are glowing red and covered with a light layer of ash.
- Clean the grill grates thoroughly with a grill brush to remove any debris from previous grilling sessions. This prevents sticking and ensures clean grill marks on the salmon.
- Lightly oil the grill grates with olive oil or cooking spray. This is crucial to prevent the salmon from sticking and tearing during grilling. You can use a paper towel dipped in oil and tongs to carefully oil the hot grates.
Step 4: Grill the Salmon
- Carefully remove the salmon fillets from the marinade, letting any excess marinade drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if using skin-on fillets) or flesh-side down directly onto the preheated and oiled grill grates.
- Grill for 4-6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fillets and the desired level of doneness. Avoid overcooking salmon as it can become dry.
- To check for doneness, gently flake the salmon with a fork. The salmon is cooked through when it is opaque and flakes easily, and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Be careful not to overcook it; slightly undercooked salmon is often more moist and flavorful.
- If you prefer grill marks, avoid moving the salmon around too much during grilling. Let it sear undisturbed for a few minutes on each side to develop those beautiful grill marks.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Once the salmon is cooked through, carefully remove it from the grill using a spatula.
- Transfer the grilled salmon fillets to serving plates.
- Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and fresh parsley sprigs, if desired.
- Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your delicious Olive Garden-inspired Herb Grilled Salmon!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 350-450
- Sugar: < 1 gram
- Sodium: 300-400 mg
- Fat: 20-30 grams
- Saturated Fat: 4-6 grams
- Carbohydrates: 2-3 grams
- Fiber: < 1 gram
- Protein: 35-45 grams
- Cholesterol: 100-120 mg