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Fresh Grilled Lemon Herb Salmon Recipe with Easy Tomato Relish

grilled lemon herb salmon - featured image

A quick and easy grilled salmon recipe infused with lemon and herbs, paired with a vibrant, fresh tomato relish that balances rich flavors with bright, tangy notes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb fresh salmon fillet, skin on (wild-caught preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered (or ripe vine tomatoes, diced)
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (or fresh parsley)
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salmon Marinade (5 minutes): In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
  2. Marinate the Salmon (15 minutes): Place the salmon fillet on a plate or shallow dish and brush the marinade generously over the top and sides. Let it rest at room temperature.
  3. Make the Tomato Relish (10 minutes): In a medium bowl, combine quartered tomatoes, chopped red onion, minced garlic, basil, red wine vinegar, honey (if using), olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss gently and adjust seasoning.
  4. Preheat the Grill (5-10 minutes): Heat grill to medium-high (about 400°F). Oil the grill grates lightly to prevent sticking.
  5. Grill the Salmon (8-10 minutes): Place salmon skin-side down on the grill. Cook 6-7 minutes without moving, then flip and cook 2-3 more minutes until opaque and flakes easily. Aim for internal temperature 125-130°F.
  6. Rest and Serve (2-3 minutes): Remove salmon from grill and let rest. Serve topped with tomato relish.

Notes

Pat salmon dry before marinating to help with searing. Oil both grill grates and salmon to prevent sticking. Use an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking. Tomato relish tastes better after resting for a few hours. If no grill, broil or pan-sear salmon instead.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled salmon, lemon herb salmon, tomato relish, easy salmon recipe, healthy dinner, quick salmon, summer recipe, fresh herbs, seafood