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Best Lemon Grilled Salmon for Winter Meals

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The Best Lemon Grilled Salmon for Winter Meals is a simple, flavorful dish that brings brightness to colder months with lemon‑infused salmon fillets, grilled to perfection. The citrusy zest balances the richness of the salmon and the gentle smoky grill marks make it ideal for weeknight dinners or when you want something elegant yet easy.

Ingredients

  • 24 salmon fillets (skin on or off, about 68 oz each)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Optional garnish: lemon slices, fresh parsley or herbs

Instructions

  1. Pat salmon fillets dry and place them in a shallow dish or a zip‑top bag.
  2. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, thyme or rosemary (if using), salt and pepper to make a marinade.
  3. Pour the marinade over the salmon and let it sit for 20–30 minutes at room temperature (or up to 1 hour in the fridge).
  4. Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium‑high heat. Lightly oil the grates or grill surface.
  5. Place salmon fillets on the grill, skin‑side down first (if using skin). Grill for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and has nice grill marks.
  6. Remove from heat and let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with lemon slices or fresh herbs and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Add 1 tbsp honey or Dijon mustard to the marinade for a sweet‑savory twist.
  • Swap with orange juice and orange zest for another citrus variation.
  • Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin to the seasoning for extra depth.
  • If you don’t have an outdoor grill, use a grill pan or pre‑heated oven broiler to get similar results.
  • Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F for about 8–10 minutes or flake cold over a salad or grain bowl.

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