Lemon-Thyme Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa

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

Juicy grilled salmon fillets marinated in lemon and thyme, topped with a refreshing avocado salsa bursting with fresh herbs and lime. This Mediterranean-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs salmon fillets, lemon juice, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 25 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Place 4 salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let them marinate for 20 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove salmon from marinade and grill skin-side down for 5-6 minutes. Flip and grill for an additional 3-4 minutes until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  3. Step 3: While the salmon grills, combine 1 large diced avocado, 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1 minced small jalapeño in a bowl. Gently toss to combine and season with salt to taste.
  4. Step 4: Serve the grilled salmon topped generously with the avocado salsa alongside your favorite grains or greens.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Thyme Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (25 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 Lemon-Thyme Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa?

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 Lemon-Thyme Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa?

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 Lemon-Thyme Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa 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 Lemon-Thyme Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa?

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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