Grilled Lemon-Tarragon Salmon with Avocado and Cucumber Salad

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

Lightly grilled salmon seasoned with fresh lemon and tarragon served alongside a creamy avocado and crisp cucumber salad for a bright Whole30 dish. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 (gluten free) ready in about 27 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, freshly squeezed lemon juice, chopped fresh tarragon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 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: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp avocado oil.
  2. Step 2: Brush 4 salmon fillets evenly on both sides with half of the lemon-tarragon mixture. Reserve the remaining marinade.
  3. Step 3: Grill the salmon fillets skin side down for 5-6 minutes, then flip and grill for another 3-4 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  4. Step 4: In a medium bowl, combine 1 large diced ripe avocado, 1 medium diced English cucumber, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and the reserved lemon-tarragon marinade. Toss gently to combine.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled salmon warm alongside the avocado-cucumber salad for a refreshing, balanced meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Lemon-Tarragon Salmon with Avocado and Cucumber Salad take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 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 Lemon-Tarragon Salmon with Avocado and Cucumber Salad?

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 Grilled Lemon-Tarragon Salmon with Avocado and Cucumber 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 Lemon-Tarragon Salmon with Avocado and Cucumber 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.

Is Grilled Lemon-Tarragon Salmon with Avocado and Cucumber Salad whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, dairy free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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