Wood-Grilled Salmon with Citrus Herb Vinaigrette
Tender salmon fillets grilled over wood smoke and topped with a bright citrus herb vinaigrette for a fresh, smoky flavor. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 27 minutes pairs 6 oz each salmon fillets, olive oil, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp orange juice
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp, finely chopped fresh dill
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup, soaked wood chips for grilling
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat around 400°F and soak 1 cup wood chips in water for 30 minutes to produce smoke.
- Step 2: Pat dry 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) and brush both sides with 2 tbsp olive oil, then season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly.
- Step 3: Drain the wood chips and place them in a smoker box or wrap in foil with holes, placing on the grill to create smoke.
- Step 4: Grill the salmon fillets skin-side down over direct heat for 5-6 minutes, then flip and grill another 3-4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F and edges are slightly crispy.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, whisk together 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp orange juice, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, 1 tbsp chopped dill, and 2 minced garlic cloves to make the vinaigrette.
- Step 6: Remove salmon from grill and spoon the citrus herb vinaigrette over each fillet while warm to infuse bright, fresh flavor.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Wood-Grilled Salmon with Citrus Herb Vinaigrette 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 Wood-Grilled Salmon with Citrus Herb Vinaigrette?
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 Wood-Grilled Salmon with Citrus Herb Vinaigrette?
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 Wood-Grilled Salmon with Citrus Herb Vinaigrette 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 Wood-Grilled Salmon with Citrus Herb Vinaigrette?
American 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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