Salmon fillets brushed with a tangy garlic and Dijon-herb sauce, finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon, make a simple weeknight dinner that’s both flavorful and nutritious.
Grilled Garlic Dijon Herb Salmon
This grilled salmon recipe features a quick Dijon mustard sauce made with garlic, Herbs de Provence, red wine vinegar, and olive oil. The sauce adds depth and brightness without masking the natural flavor of the fish. Salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids and protein, so it’s a great choice for a healthy dinner. The method below works on an indoor cast-iron grill pan, an outdoor grill, or under the broiler if you prefer.
How to Cook Salmon
Heat a grill or grill pan until very hot, then reduce to medium-low for cooking. Lightly oil the grates or spray the pan to prevent sticking. For a broiler, position the rack so the fish is about 6 inches from the heat and add the mustard-herb sauce during the final minute or two of cooking so it doesn’t burn.
For fillets about 1 inch thick, plan on roughly 9–10 minutes total cooking time: 5 minutes on the first side, then 4–5 minutes after flipping, while basting with the sauce. Thinner fillets will cook faster; watch for the fish to flake easily with a fork and remain slightly translucent in the center.
What to Serve with Dijon Herb Salmon
This salmon pairs beautifully with green vegetables and bright sides. Try roasted asparagus, roasted green beans, a crisp green salad, or an herbed orzo pasta salad. A few lemon wedges served alongside highlight the Dijon-garlic flavors and brighten each bite.
Variations
- Herbs: Herbs de Provence is a classic French blend that typically includes thyme, rosemary, marjoram and fennel. If you don’t have it, substitute your favorite dried herb mix—thyme and rosemary or an Italian seasoning work well.
- Fish options: If salmon isn’t available, this Dijon-garlic sauce complements other firm white fish such as halibut, mahi mahi, or flounder. Frozen salmon is fine if thawed before cooking.
Recipe Details
Yield: 4 servings
Serving size: 1 fillet with lemon
Prep time: 5 mins — Cook time: 10 mins — Total: 15 mins
Ingredients
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tsp dried Herbs de Provence (or your preferred dried herb blend)
- 1 tsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Olive oil spray or a light brush of oil for the grill/pan
- 4 wild salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), approximately 1″ thick (if frozen, thaw first)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Dijon-garlic herb paste: In a mini food processor or using a mortar and pestle, mash together the crushed garlic, dried herbs, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and Dijon mustard until a smooth paste forms. Set aside.
- Season the salmon: Pat the fillets dry and season lightly with salt and fresh ground pepper on both sides.
- Heat the grill or pan: Preheat a grill or cast-iron grill pan over high heat until hot. Lightly spray or brush with oil, then reduce the heat to medium-low for cooking.
- Cook the first side: Place salmon, skin-side down if present, on the hot grill pan and cook without moving for about 5 minutes to develop a sear.
- Flip and baste: Turn the fillets and cook the second side for 3–4 minutes, spooning half of the Dijon-garlic herb sauce over the tops.
- Finish cooking and glaze: Turn the fillets once more, spoon the remaining sauce over the fish, and let them finish cooking for another minute or so until just done. Total cooking time should be about 9–10 minutes per 1″ thickness; reduce the time for thinner fillets.
- Serve: Transfer the salmon to plates and serve immediately with lemon wedges to squeeze over the top.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 233 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 240.5 mg
- Sugar: 0.5 g
More Salmon Recipe Ideas
- Honey-teriyaki glazed salmon
- Basil-parmesan crusted salmon
- Grilled Mediterranean cedar plank salmon
- Salmon salad with beets, arugula, pistachios, and pomegranates
- Broiled salmon with rosemary
This grilled garlic Dijon herb salmon is an easy, flavorful way to enjoy a healthy source of omega-3s. The mustard-based glaze is quick to make and brings a bright, savory finish that complements simple sides and fresh lemon. Enjoy for a weeknight meal or serve for guests—cooking time is short, but the result feels special.
