Do you ever crave something healthy but also crave serious flavor? That’s exactly why I love grilled salmon with veggies. It’s fresh, packed with protein and omega-3s, and tastes smoky and charred, which makes each bite delicious. Plus, pairing grilled salmon and vegetables gives you a perfect balance of nutrients to fuel your active lifestyle without wasting hours in the kitchen.
The best part? This recipe is straightforward. With just a few simple ingredients and a hot grill, you’ll have a meal that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant. Don’t like grilling? Turn it into baked salmon and vegetables for a hands-off, equally delicious approach. Whichever way you choose, this meal is as good for your body as it is for your taste buds!
Why Grilled Salmon with Veggies Is a Perfect Meal
Grilled salmon with veggies is hard to beat when it comes to meals that check all the boxes. For starters, salmon is a powerhouse of nutrition. It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your heart, brain, and overall health. It’s packed with high-quality protein to keep you full and energized. With a colorful mix of vegetables, you get a meal that’s as healthy as bright.
But what makes this dish a winner is its versatility. You can customize the veggies based on what’s in season or what you love most. Grilling brings out the natural sweetness of bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus, adding a charred flavor that can’t be beaten. In a hurry, make baked salmon and vegetables instead—the same delicious results but less cleanup!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Grilled Salmon With Veggies
The best thing about grilled salmon with vegetables is the simplicity of the ingredients. You don’t need anything fancy to make mouthwatering; you can just use fresh, quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Salmon Fillets: If possible, choose wild-caught salmon-it’s often fresher and higher in omega-3s. You can use skin-on or skinless, depending on your preference.
- Mixed Vegetables: This is where you can get creative! My go-to mix includes bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and asparagus, but you can also add mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or sweet potatoes.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil helps keep everything moist and adds richness.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the salmon and veggies.
- Seasonings: Start with salt, pepper, and a few garlic cloves. For extra flavor, add a dash of paprika or a sprinkle of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Fresh Herbs (optional): A sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill adds a lovely finish once everything’s grilled.
How to Make Grilled Salmon with Veggies
Now that you have your ingredients ready let’s cook! Grilled salmon with vegetables is appealing because it is easy to prepare. Follow these simple steps for a perfectly balanced meal.
1. Prep the Salmon
Start by patting the 2 salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasoning stick and ensures a perfect grilled texture. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the fillets and rub it in gently. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste, and add 2 cloves of minced garlic for extra flavor. For a zesty kick, squeeze half a lemon over the top. Let the salmon sit for about 10 minutes to marinate in the flavors.
2. Prep the Veggies
Cut your veggies into even pieces to ensure they cook evenly. For this recipe, you’ll need:
- 1 medium zucchini (sliced into ½-inch rounds)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced into strips)
- 1 small red onion (cut into wedges)
- 1 bunch of asparagus (trimmed)
Toss the veggies in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. For added flavor, you can sprinkle in some extra seasonings, like 1 teaspoon of paprika or ½ teaspoon of dried thyme. Make sure everything is well-coated with the oil and seasoning.
3. Preheat the Grill
Fire up your grill to medium-high heat, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes. If you’re using a gas grill, the grates should be hot enough when you see them start to smoke lightly. For an indoor option, heat your grill pan over medium-high heat.
4. Grill the Salmon
Place the 2 salmon fillets on the grill, skin-side down (if you’re using skin-on salmon). Close the lid and cook for about 4-6 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon should release quickly from the grill before flipping, so don’t force it. After 4-6 minutes, flip the fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the salmon reaches your preferred level of doneness. For reference, cook the salmon for about 10 minutes per inch of thickness.
5. Grill the Veggies
While the salmon is cooking, toss your seasoned veggies onto the grill. Spread them out evenly so they cook evenly. Grill for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they have nice grill marks and are tender but still slightly crisp. Don’t overcrowd the grill—give the veggies space to cook properly.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Once the salmon and veggies are done, remove them from the grill. If you’ve used skin-on salmon, it should slide off the skin easily. Serve the grilled salmon with a generous portion of veggies on the side. Pour the juice of the remaining half lemon over everything and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or dill.
Pro Tips for the Best Grilled Salmon and Veggies
You’ve followed the steps and have a delicious, healthy meal! But if you want to elevate your grilled salmon with veggies to the next level, here are some expert tips:
1. Perfect Salmon Flakiness
Avoid overcooking to get perfect, flaky salmon. Salmon is done when it easily flakes with a fork and has an internal temperature of about 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare or 145°F (63°C) for fully cooked. If you don’t have a thermometer, a quick test is to gently press the salmon with a fork—if it flakes, it’s ready!
2. Use a Fish Basket or Aluminum Foil
If you’re worried about the salmon sticking to the grill or falling apart, use a fish basket or make a foil packet. This helps keep the fish intact and allows it to cook evenly. If you’re grilling indoors with a pan, using a fish basket can also make flipping a breeze!
3. Grill in Batches
Don’t overcrowd your grill! Give your salmon and veggies plenty of room to breathe so everything cooks evenly. If you’re grilling a large batch, do it in stages. This ensures the vegetables get some nice char and the salmon doesn’t steam in a crowded space.
4. Grilled Veggies
Feel free to get creative with your vegetable mix! Add sweet potatoes, carrots, or mushrooms for a different flavor profile. For an additional boost, grill garlic cloves (with skins on) alongside your veggies for a smoky, caramelized taste.
5. Marinate for Extra Flavor
If you’ve got the time, marinate the salmon for at least 30 minutes before grilling. A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and honey can infuse the salmon with extra flavor. If you’re using vegetables that tend to dry out, a quick marinade can keep them juicy on the grill.
6. Make it a Meal
To turn this dish into a full meal, serve it with hearty sides like quinoa, brown rice, or a simple salad. A side of avocado slices or a light yogurt-based dressing can also beautifully complement the grilled salmon and veggies.
7. Baking Option
Are you not feeling the grill? No problem! You can easily swap this recipe into a baked salmon and vegetables dish. Simply preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place your seasoned salmon and veggies on a baking sheet. Roast for 15-20 minutes or until the salmon is cooked and the veggies are tender.
Serving Suggestions for Grilled Salmon with Veggies
Now that you’ve mastered the art of grilled salmon with veggies, it’s time to serve it in style! It’s already healthy and delicious, but you can make it even better with a few simple serving suggestions. Here are a few ideas to make your meal even better:
- Mixed Greens Salad: For a refreshing contrast, pair with a light lemon vinaigrette or a cucumber-tomato salad with fresh herbs.
- Grains or Rice: Serve with quinoa, brown rice, or farro for a hearty, nutrient-packed side.
- Fresh Herbs and Sauce: Top with parsley, cilantro, or dill, and drizzle a garlic butter or tahini sauce for extra richness.
- Crusty Bread: Pair with garlic bread or a fresh baguette to dip into the flavorful juices.
- Crispy Roasted Potatoes: Add crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with rosemary and salt for a satisfying side.
- Drink Pairings: Enjoy with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing iced herbal tea with lemon.
- Salmon Wrap or Bowl: Combine the grilled salmon, veggies, grains, and a drizzle of dressing to make a salmon wrap or bowl.
Read More: Kale And Chickpea Stew With Tomato Recipe
Conclusion
It’s easy, healthy, and delicious to grill salmon with veggies, whether for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. With a few easy tips and creative serving options, you can enjoy a meal packed with flavor and nutrients. So, fire up the grill, get cooking, and indulge in this light yet satisfying dish. You’ll feel great—and so will your taste buds!
Grilled Salmon with Veggies
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets 6 oz each
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon sliced
- 1 tbsp garlic minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 zucchini sliced
- 1 bunch asparagus trimmed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the salmon fillets with the olive oil mixture, and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill the salmon fillets for 4-5 minutes on each side until they easily flake with a fork.
- Grill the vegetables (bell pepper, zucchini, and asparagus) for 3-4 minutes until tender and slightly charred.
- Serve the grilled salmon with the veggies, garnished with lemon slices and fresh herbs.
Notes
