Grilled Citrus-Herb Swordfish with Tropical Beach Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

This fresh grilled swordfish is marinated in citrus and herbs, paired with a crisp salad inspired by Fort Lauderdale’s coastal flavors. This Mediterranean-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 52 minutes, pairs swordfish steaks, olive oil, lemon zest 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.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to make the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 swordfish steaks in a shallow dish and pour marinade over them. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes, turning halfway.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove swordfish from marinade and grill for 4-5 minutes per side until opaque and grill marks form.
  4. Step 4: While the fish grills, prepare the salad by combining 5 cups mixed greens, 1 sliced medium cucumber, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 thinly sliced red onion, and 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese in a large bowl.
  5. Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tsp honey, and 1 tbsp olive oil until emulsified. Toss salad with this dressing just before serving.
  6. Step 6: Serve grilled swordfish atop the salad for a light, refreshing meal inspired by Fort Lauderdale’s beach vibes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Herb Swordfish with Tropical Beach Salad take to make?

Total time is about 52 minutes (40 min prep + 12 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 Grilled Citrus-Herb Swordfish with Tropical Beach Salad?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Herb Swordfish with Tropical Beach Salad?

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 Grilled Citrus-Herb Swordfish with Tropical Beach Salad 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 Grilled Citrus-Herb Swordfish with Tropical Beach Salad?

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.

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