Hey there, friends! If you’re looking for a dish that’s not only delicious but also feels like a celebration of flavors, let me introduce you to my favorite: grilled salmon with lemon butter dill sauce served alongside tender asparagus. This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s so simple yet incredibly satisfying. The juicy salmon paired with that zesty lemon butter dill sauce is just a match made in heaven! Plus, grilling brings out such a fantastic smoky flavor that makes everything taste like summer, even if it’s just a regular weekday. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll be on your regular rotation – it’s fresh, healthy, and oh-so-easy to whip up! Let’s dive into this delightful experience together!
Ingredients List
- 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each, skin-on for added flavor and moisture)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin for a richer taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt (sea salt or kosher salt preferred for even seasoning)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked for best flavor)
- 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 pound, with vibrant green color and firm stalks)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (quality butter makes a difference, so go for the good stuff!)
- 1 lemon (juiced and zested, preferably organic for the zest)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (feel free to use more if you love dill like I do!)
- 1 garlic clove, minced (fresh garlic adds a wonderful aroma)
How to Prepare Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter Dill Sauce Asparagus
Prepping the Salmon
First things first, let’s talk about the salmon! Start by patting your salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial for getting that nice sear on the grill. Next, brush both sides with olive oil and generously season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. If you have time, let them marinate for about 15-20 minutes at room temperature. This helps infuse flavor and keeps the fish moist while grilling. Trust me, you’ll be rewarded with a juicier bite!
Preparing the Asparagus
Now, onto the asparagus! Give each stalk a good rinse under cold water to remove any dirt. Then, trim off the woody ends—just snap them off where they naturally break, it’s super easy! Toss the asparagus in a bowl with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure they’re well-coated; this will help them grill up beautifully and evenly. The goal is tender yet slightly crisp asparagus, perfect alongside our salmon!
Grilling Techniques
Alright, let’s fire up the grill! Preheat it to medium-high heat, about 400°F (200°C). Place your salmon fillets skin-side down on the grill grates. Grill them for about 5-6 minutes on each side. You’ll want those gorgeous grill marks—don’t move them around too much! While the salmon is grilling, lay the asparagus perpendicular to the grates. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re tender and have nice char marks. The key is to keep an eye on everything; you want perfectly cooked salmon and asparagus that’s not mushy!
Making the Lemon Butter Dill Sauce
Now for the pièce de résistance—the lemon butter dill sauce! In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant but not browned. Then, stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped dill, and a pinch of salt. Allow it to simmer gently for a couple of minutes, just to meld those lovely flavors together. When you’re ready to serve, drizzle this luxurious sauce over the grilled salmon and asparagus. Wow, right? You’re going to love this finish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Fresh flavors from the lemon butter dill sauce bring the dish to life.
- Grilling enhances the natural smoky flavor of the salmon and asparagus.
- Healthy, packed with protein and nutrients, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
- Beautifully presented, this dish is sure to impress at any dinner table.
Tips for Success
To make sure your grilled salmon with lemon butter dill sauce turns out perfectly, here are some pro tips! First, ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat; this helps achieve those beautiful grill marks and prevents sticking. When selecting your salmon, go for fillets that are bright in color and smell fresh—this makes all the difference in taste. Don’t overcrowd the grill; give each piece enough space for even cooking. If you’re adding wood chips for that smoky flavor, soak them in water for about 30 minutes beforehand to prevent them from burning too quickly. Finally, for presentation, drizzle the lemon butter dill sauce just before serving and garnish with extra dill and lemon slices. It adds a lovely touch and makes the dish look as good as it tastes!
Variations
Get creative with this grilled salmon dish! If you’re not a fan of dill, try swapping it out for fresh basil or tarragon for a different flavor profile. You could also experiment with different vegetables—zucchini, bell peppers, or even cherry tomatoes make fantastic additions to the grill. For the sauce, why not add a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for a tangy twist? You can even make it spicy by incorporating some red pepper flakes! The beauty of this recipe is that it’s versatile, so feel free to mix and match ingredients to suit your taste!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have leftovers of this delicious grilled salmon with lemon butter dill sauce, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure the salmon and asparagus are completely cooled before sealing. When it’s time to reheat, I recommend using the oven to keep that lovely texture intact. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the salmon and asparagus on a baking sheet, and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This way, you can enjoy the flavors just as they were meant to be!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are approximate. Each serving of grilled salmon with lemon butter dill sauce and asparagus typically contains about 450 calories, 30g of fat, 38g of protein, 6g of carbohydrates, and 2g of fiber. It’s a wholesome, protein-packed meal that’s perfect for a healthy lifestyle!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely in the refrigerator before grilling. Frozen salmon can be just as tasty, but be sure to pat it dry well to avoid excess moisture, which can hinder that perfect grill sear.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
The best way to check is to use a food thermometer. Salmon is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Alternatively, you can gently flake it with a fork; if it flakes easily and is opaque, it’s ready to enjoy!
What can I serve with grilled salmon and asparagus?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides! Consider serving it with a light quinoa salad, roasted potatoes, or a fresh garden salad. You can also add a slice of crusty bread to soak up that lovely lemon butter dill sauce!
Can I make the lemon butter dill sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Just prepare the sauce and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat it on low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain its creamy texture.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! Grilled salmon with lemon butter dill sauce and asparagus makes for a fantastic meal prep option. Just store the components separately in airtight containers, and you can enjoy this delicious dish throughout the week!
For more information on the health benefits of salmon, check out this Healthline article. Additionally, if you’re interested in learning about the nutritional value of asparagus, you can visit this Medical News Today article.
Print
Grilled Salmon Lemon Butter Dill Sauce & Asparagus Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Grilled salmon with lemon butter dill sauce served with asparagus
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 pound)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush salmon fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Trim the woody ends off the asparagus and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Place salmon and asparagus on the grill. Grill salmon for 5-6 minutes per side and asparagus for 3-4 minutes until tender.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, dill, and garlic. Stir until combined.
- Remove salmon and asparagus from the grill. Drizzle lemon butter dill sauce over the salmon and serve with asparagus.
Notes
- For a smoky flavor, add wood chips to the grill.
- You can substitute dill with parsley if preferred.
- Serve with lemon wedges for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with asparagus
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: grilled salmon, lemon butter, dill sauce, asparagus
