Grilled Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce

Alright, here's a recipe for grilled salmon with lemon dill sauce, coming straight from my kitchen to yours! This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner – it's healthy, flavorful, and comes together in under 30 minutes. Plus, there's flexibility! You can grill the salmon with the skin on or off, depending on your preference.

Estimated Timing:

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 7-8 minutes (skin-on salmon) or 4-6 minutes (skinless salmon)

Total time: 17-18 minutes (skin-on salmon) or 14-16 minutes (skinless salmon)

Ingredients:

For the Salmon:

• 2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Lemon Dill Sauce:

• ¼ cup mayonnaise (low-fat or full-fat, depending on your preference)
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped finely (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Pinch of garlic powder (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Here's how to make this delicious dish:

1. Fire up the grill!  Get your grill nice and hot, aiming for medium-high heat. If you're using a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are hot and ashy.
2. Prep the salmon: Pat those salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush the flesh side with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Whip up the lemon dill sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, chopped dill, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder (if using), and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.  Whisk it all together until smooth and creamy.
4. Time to grill!  Place your salmon fillets on the preheated grill. If you're cooking with the skin on, start skin-side down. Grill for 3-4 minutes, or until the skin is nice and crispy. Then, gently flip the salmon and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through.  If you opted for skinless salmon, simply grill for 2-3 minutes per side. The best way to tell if your salmon is done is by checking the flesh – it should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
5. Glaze with goodness (optional):  In the last minute or two of cooking, you can brush the top of the salmon with some of the lemon dill sauce. This creates a light glaze that adds a burst of flavor.
6. Serve and savor!  Carefully transfer the grilled salmon to plates. Spoon the remaining lemon dill sauce over the top or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with a sprig of fresh dill (if you have some extra) and a lemon wedge for a pop of color and freshness.
7. Enjoy! This grilled salmon with lemon dill sauce is a fantastic way to enjoy the health benefits and delicious taste of salmon. The lemon dill sauce adds a bright and tangy counterpoint to the richness of the fish, making it a truly satisfying meal.

Tips for the tastiest grilled salmon:

• Pick the perfect salmon: Freshness is key! Look for salmon fillets that are firm to the touch and have a vibrant orange or pink color. Wild-caught or farm-raised salmon will both work here.
• The power of room temperature: Take those salmon fillets out of the fridge about 20-30 minutes before you plan to cook them. This lets them come to room temperature, which ensures even cooking.
• Skin on or off? It's totally up to you! Leaving the skin on protects the flesh of the fish while it cooks and adds a layer of crispiness. If you're not a fan of skin, ask your fishmonger to remove it, or carefully peel it off yourself with a sharp knife before grilling.