I love this marinade for salmon because it perfectly marries bright lemon and subtle honey sweetness with robust garlic and dill notes. This lively blend transforms a simple fish dish into an exciting, zestful experience. Its balanced flavors make it ideal for summer grilling or any laid-back get-together, totally delicious.

Jump to Recipe

I love this Salmon Marinade because it brings together some really practical ingredients that not only enhance the natural flavor of the fish but also add nutritional value like healthy fats found in olive oil. I usually mix 1/4 cup olive oil with 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice along with 2 cloves of minced garlic.

The Dijon mustard and a spoonful of honey helps balance the acidity and add a touch of sweetness making it perfect for grilling salmon. I like to finish it off with a couple of tablespoons of chopped fresh dill and season with a pinch of salt and a sprinkle of black pepper.

This recipe is amazing for a quick fish dinner and its simplicity lets you enjoy all the benefits of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Its ease of preparation makes it a favorite especially during the summer grilling season and it’s a great way to enjoy marinated salmon.

Why I Like this Recipe

Here’s how I usually make my salmon marinade and why I’m all about it. First, in a small bowl I mix 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, chopped dill, salt and black pepper until everything is combined. Then I put my salmon in a shallow dish and pour all that goodness over the fish so every piece gets some flavor. I leave it in the fridge for 20-30 minutes so it can really soak up the taste while I preheat my grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Once things are hot, I grill the salmon about 4-6 minutes on one side and then on the other. I sometimes spoon a little extra marinade over the fish as it cooks for even more flavor. When it’s slightly charred and flakes easily with a fork, I take it off the heat, let it rest a few minutes, and then dig in with my favorite side dish.

I like this recipe for a few reasons. First, I love the way the fresh lemon juice and garlic give the marinade a bright, zesty punch that makes the fish taste super fresh. Second, the mix of honey and Dijon mustard creates this perfect balance of sweet and tangy that I just cant get enough of. Third, the chopped dill adds a special, herby note that makes the whole dish smell amazing while it cooks. Lastly, the whole process is really simple and fast which is great when Im hungry and dont have too much time.

Ingredients

Print Recipe (No Advertisments)

Olive Oil: Olive oil gives smooth, rich healthy fats essential for flavor and moisture.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds tangy sour notes that brighten flavors and tenderizes salmon.
Garlic: Garlic delivers a spicy warmth and boosts flavor with some beneficial antioxidants.
Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard intensifies taste with a sharp, tangy kick that complements other flavors.
Honey: Honey provides natural sweetness that balances sour and spicy components perfectly.
Fresh Dill: Chopped dill offers a light, herbal freshness that really lifts the overall dish.
Salt & Pepper: Salt and pepper season the dish, simply enhancing natural flavors without overpowering.
Overall: Combined, these ingredients create a balanced, flavorful marinade that elevates the salmon.

Ingredient Quantities

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon honey

2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

How to Make this

Print Recipe (No Advertisments)

1. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, chopped dill, salt and black pepper until its all well combined.

2. Put your salmon in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, making sure every part of the fish gets some.

3. Let the salmon sit in the marinade for about 20 to 30 minutes in the fridge so it soaks up all the tasty flavors.

4. While waiting, preheat your grill or a large skillet to medium-high heat.

5. Place the salmon onto the grill or skillet, skin-side down if your fish has skin.

6. Cook the salmon for about 4 to 6 minutes on one side, then flip it over and cook for another 4 to 6 minutes.

7. If you like, spoon a little extra marinade over the salmon while it cooks for even more flavor.

8. When the salmon is charred a little and flakes easily with a fork, take it off the heat.

9. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving so the juices settle.

10. Serve hot with your favourite side dish and enjoy your summer grilling meal!

Equipment Needed

1. Measuring cups and spoons for exact ingredient portions
2. A small bowl to mix the marinade
3. A whisk or fork to blend the marinade ingredients together
4. A shallow dish to marinate the salmon
5. A grill or a large skillet for cooking the salmon
6. A spatula or tongs to flip the salmon while it cooks
7. A timer or clock to track cooking and marinating times
8. A fork to check if the salmon flakes easily when done

FAQ

Q: Can I use this marinade on something else besides salmon?

A: Sure, you can use it on other fish or even chicken, but it works best with salmon cause its flavors really complement the rich taste.

Q: How long should I let the salmon marinate?

A: I recommend marinating for at least 30 minutes up to 2 hours. Just dont leave it for over 4 hours or the acid might break down the fish too much.

Q: What cooking methods work best with this marinated salmon?

A: Whether you grill, bake, or even pan-sear it, all are good options. The flavors come through nicely in every method.

Q: Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

A: Yup, you can store the marinade in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure not to reuse any marinade that touched raw salmon.

Q: What if I dont have fresh dill available?

A: If you dont have fresh dill then you can use dried dill instead. Use about half the amount since dried herbs are more potent.

Salmon Marinade Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Olive Oil: If you dont have olive oil on hand, try using avocado oil or grapeseed oil – either works pretty well.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Instead of lemon, you can try a bit of lime juice or even white wine vinegar if you need that citrus tang.
Dijon Mustard: You can swap this with yellow mustard or mix a pinch of dry mustard powder with a little water to get a similar flavor.
Honey: Maple syrup or agave nectar are good substitutes if you dont have honey around.
Fresh Dill: If youre out of fresh dill, a bit of dried dill (about 1/3 of the amount) works fine succesfully.

Pro Tips

1. Try not to marinate the salmon too long cause the lemon juice can start “cooking” the fish a bit, making it mushy. Stick to that 20-30 minute window if you can.

2. If you don’t have a grill, no worries. Make sure your skillet is super hot before you toss the salmon in to get those nice charred marks without sticking.

3. When flipping the salmon, be gentle to keep the marinade on it. Those extra bits of flavour can make a big difference, so use a spatula carefully.

4. Let the salmon rest for a few minutes after cooking. I know it’s tempting to dig right in, but this step helps keep the juices inside, making every bite way tastier.