Grilled Salmon & Vegetables is one of those dinners that checks every single box—fresh, quick, colorful, and packed with bold, summery flavor. Imagine juicy salmon fillets kissed by the grill, vibrant green veggies, and a charred lemon-garlic vinaigrette that instantly perks everything up. It’s a weeknight wonder and a dinner-party superstar all in one!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy and Satisfying: You can have Grilled Salmon & Vegetables sizzling on the table in under 30 minutes, with barely any prep work needed.
- Vibrant Summery Flavor: The charred lemon-garlic vinaigrette adds a tangy, smoky kick to both the salmon and veggies, boosting every bite with citrusy freshness.
- Naturally Healthy: Loaded with lean salmon and green veggies, this meal gives you nutrients, color, and feel-good energy—without ever feeling heavy.
- Totally Adaptable: Use your favorite seasonal vegetables or tweak the vinaigrette to make this recipe your own again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The stars of Grilled Salmon & Vegetables are all about quality and simplicity. Each ingredient brings its own layer of flavor and texture—fresh produce for crunch and color, perfectly seasoned salmon for that juicy bite, and of course, a zesty vinaigrette tying it all together.
- 2 medium zucchini, trimmed and halved lengthwise: Slices up beautifully for grilling, picking up that irresistible char and maintaining a little bite.
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed: Adds a pop of green and grills up sweet and tender—just be sure to remove the woody stems for the best texture.
- 5–6 tablespoons Charred Lemon-Garlic Vinaigrette, divided: This bright, tangy dressing wakes up every part of the dish; you’ll brush it onto the veggies, toss with salmon, and drizzle at the end.
- 1 ¼ pounds salmon fillet, cut into 4 portions: Salmon is the main event here, so choose fresh, high-quality fillets for the juiciest, most flavorful result.
- ¼ teaspoon salt, divided: Gently seasons the veggies and salmon, balancing flavors and making everything sing.
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper, divided: Adds just enough mild heat to complement the fresh vegetables and rich salmon.
Variations
One of the best things about Grilled Salmon & Vegetables is how effortlessly you can customize it. Change up the veggies, tweak the vinaigrette, or swap the salmon for another favorite—there are so many delicious possibilities to try.
- Swap the Veggies: Feel free to substitute bell peppers, eggplant, or even cherry tomatoes for even more color and different flavors on your grill platter.
- Mix Up the Fish: Try grilling trout, cod, or even shrimp using the same vinaigrette and seasoning for a fun twist on the original.
- Spice Up the Vinaigrette: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or finely minced fresh herbs (like dill or basil) to the vinaigrette for an extra jolt of personality.
- No Grill? No Problem: Roast the salmon and veggies in a hot oven (450°F) on a sheet pan for a slightly different but still fabulous result.
How to Make Grilled Salmon & Vegetables
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Start by heating your grill to medium-high. This temperature ensures you’ll get those signature grill marks and a little char without drying out your salmon or burning the vegetables. Give your grill grates a quick clean and a swipe of oil to prevent sticking if needed.
Step 2: Season and Prep the Vegetables
Brush the zucchini and asparagus with about 2 tablespoons of the charred lemon-garlic vinaigrette. Sprinkle with half (1/8 teaspoon each) of the salt and pepper. This step adds flavor right from the start and helps those veggies caramelize beautifully on the grill.
Step 3: Season the Salmon
Next, drizzle the salmon fillets with 2 teaspoons of vinaigrette and give them a gentle sprinkle of the remaining salt and pepper. Letting the vinaigrette sit on the fish while you prep the grill helps infuse the salmon with citrusy goodness.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Place the vegetables and salmon, skin-side down, directly on the hot grill. The veggies need about 6–8 minutes total, turned a few times until tender with lovely char marks. Salmon requires 8–10 minutes (don’t turn it!)—it’s ready when it flakes easily with a fork.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Cut the grilled vegetables into bite-sized pieces and toss them with another 2 tablespoons of the vinaigrette. Remove the skin from the salmon, if you like. Plate the salmon with the veggies, and for extra flavor, drizzle a final tablespoon of vinaigrette over the top. Dinner done—simple and spectacular!
Pro Tips for Making Grilled Salmon & Vegetables
- Vinaigrette Timing: Brush the vinaigrette on just before grilling to lock in flavor, but wait to drizzle any extra until after grilling to keep everything bright and zesty.
- Grill Control for Even Cooking: If your grill runs hot in some spots, start the veggies on the hotter side and salmon on the cooler, then rotate for even color and perfect doneness.
- Salmon Skin Strategy: Grilling the salmon skin-side down helps lock in moisture and prevents sticking—if you prefer to skip the skin, it slides off easily after grilling.
- Batch Cooking Tip: Make a little extra vinaigrette and keep it in the fridge; it’s fabulous drizzled over leftover veggies or as a marinade for chicken another night!
How to Serve Grilled Salmon & Vegetables
Garnishes
Finish your Grilled Salmon & Vegetables with a sprinkle of fresh herbs—think chopped parsley, dill, or basil. A few lemon wedges on the side add a splash of color and a hit of brightness that guests can squeeze on at the table.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own, but you can round it out with fluffy couscous, wild rice, or a slice of crusty sourdough for soaking up tangy vinaigrette. For extra crunch, a simple green salad makes a perfect pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the grilled veggies on a big platter, layer the salmon fillets on top, and give a final drizzle of vinaigrette for a showstopping centerpiece. Or, flake the salmon and toss it all together for a family-style salad—super fresh and fun for picnics or potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Grilled Salmon & Vegetables keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 2 days. Store the salmon and vegetables in a sealed container, and keep any extra vinaigrette separate so everything stays as fresh as possible.
Freezing
While salmon can be frozen, for the best taste and texture it’s worth enjoying this dish fresh. Grilled vegetables tend to lose their snap after freezing, but you can freeze cooked salmon portions tightly wrapped for up to one month if needed.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the salmon and veggies gently in a skillet over low heat, or in the microwave at 50% power until just heated through. Drizzle on a little fresh vinaigrette before serving to bring back that fresh-grilled zing.
FAQs
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Can I use bottled vinaigrette instead of homemade for Grilled Salmon & Vegetables?
Absolutely, a high-quality store-bought vinaigrette will work in a pinch—look for one with plenty of lemon and garlic for that signature zing. Homemade, though, really takes the flavor to the next level!
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How can I tell when the salmon is cooked through?
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has just turned opaque in the center. Overcooking leads to dryness, so keep an eye on the timing and use medium-high heat as suggested.
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Can Grilled Salmon & Vegetables be cooked in the oven if I don’t have a grill?
Definitely! Arrange everything on a parchment-lined sheet pan and roast at 450°F. You’ll lose a touch of smoky flavor, but the bright vinaigrette keeps the meal vibrant and delicious.
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What other vegetables work best with this recipe?
Try bell peppers, eggplant, mushrooms, or even snap peas. Choose vegetables with similar grill times so everything finishes together for easy serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s something a little magical about how Grilled Salmon & Vegetables comes together—so easy, so full of color and flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it part of your regular summer (or anytime) dinner lineup. It’s a recipe I come back to again and again, and I can’t wait for you to fall in love with it too!
PrintGrilled Salmon & Vegetables Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Enjoy a delicious and healthy meal with this Grilled Salmon & Vegetables recipe. Perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner.
Ingredients
Zucchini:
- 2 medium zucchini, trimmed and halved lengthwise
Asparagus:
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
Charred Lemon-Garlic Vinaigrette:
- 5 – 6 tablespoons, divided
Salmon:
- 1 1/4 pounds salmon fillet, cut into 4 portions
Seasoning:
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper, divided
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high.
- Prepare Vegetables: Brush zucchini and asparagus with 2 tablespoons vinaigrette, sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Prepare Salmon: Drizzle salmon with vinaigrette, season with salt and pepper.
- Grill: Grill vegetables until tender, then grill salmon until cooked through.
- Combine: Cut vegetables, toss with vinaigrette. Serve salmon and vegetables together.
Notes
- Refrigerate any leftover vinaigrette for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 80mg