Garlic and Citrus Marinated Grilled Salmon
Tender grilled salmon marinated in a bright garlic and citrus blend, perfect for a light healthy dinner. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes pairs 6 oz each salmon fillets, fresh lemon juice, fresh orange juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces, 6 oz each salmon fillets
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp fresh orange juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Place 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to infuse.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove salmon from marinade and grill skin-side down for 4-5 minutes until edges are crispy.
- Step 4: Flip salmon and grill for an additional 3-4 minutes until cooked through and opaque.
- Step 5: Serve immediately with a drizzle of any remaining marinade warmed slightly.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Garlic and Citrus Marinated Grilled Salmon take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Garlic and Citrus Marinated Grilled Salmon?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep 6 oz each salmon fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic and Citrus Marinated Grilled Salmon?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Garlic and Citrus Marinated Grilled Salmon for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Garlic and Citrus Marinated Grilled Salmon?
Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
