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Grab your big girl (or big boy) apron, your tongs, and your attitude, because we’re conquering culinary fears with this easy, perfect, you-can’t-mess-it-up Grilled Salmon.

The best Grilled Salmon in Foil topped with lemon and dill

How to Grill Perfect Salmon Every Time

Even if you are intimidated to cook fish (I was for years!) or intimidated to use the grill (yep, I was scared of that too), this grilled salmon recipe is foolproof.

I’ve included all the best tips for how to grill salmon, ways to flavor salmon, what to serve with salmon, and more!

This post is your grilled salmon toolkit.

This recipe is based on my go-to Baked Salmon.

Before grilling season leaves us, I’ve had on my mind to adapt, test, and perfect that much loved baked salmon recipe to the grill. Today is the day!

  • Read on for detailed photos and step-by-steps for how to cook grilled salmon.
  • At the bottom of the post, I’ve included a recipe for grilled salmon with lemon and dill (and garlic and butter). It’s a lovely combination.
  • You can follow those flavor recommendations or use the same grilling method with one of the other suggested variations below.
Best Grilled Salmon in Foil topped with dill and lemon to serve with vegetables

The Easiest Way to Grill Salmon

While you can grill salmon without foil (see these classic Grilled Salmon Fillets and Cedar Plank Salmon for recipes), for a foolproof method that works especially well for a large piece of salmon, use the foil packet method.

  • Using foil to make a packet around the salmon keeps the salmon moist when grilling. It ensures the salmon turns out perfectly tender and flaky, not dry.
  • With the foil method, you also don’t need to worry about the salmon falling apart or sticking to the grill grates.

Avoid sad, stuck-on, dry salmon: use foil to grill! Want to test your salmon grilling skills? Check out my Grilled Salmon, sans foil.

Fresh salmon to be cooked to 145 degrees F on the grill for Grilled Salmon in Foil

How to Make the Best Grilled Salmon in Foil

1. Start by Selecting The Best Fish

  • Look for salmon that is bright pink in color, that smells fresh but not fishy, and, if possible, is wild caught.
  • For more information on how to pick salmon, see How to Cook Salmon.

2. Lay a Large Sheet of Foil on a Baking Sheet

  • You’ll want a piece large enough to fully wrap around your piece of fish, with plenty of overhang on all sides to make a foil packet.
  • I recommend using a heavy-duty foil or at least slightly thicker foil, as it is less prone to tearing.
  • The baking sheet is there so it’s easy to carry to your grill. When you’re done grilling, you can slide the foil packet right back onto it, then carry it straight to the kitchen (or your table).
  • If you do not want your food to touch the foil directly, lay a sheet of parchment paper on top of the foil to act as a barrier. Cooking food directly in foil has been noted as a health concern by some, so do whatever makes you the most comfortable.
Fresh lemon slices and dill in foil to be topped with salmon for Grilled Salmon in Foil

3. Place Half of the Herbs and Citrus on the Foil

  • Most often, I do a simple grilled salmon: a few sprigs of herbs and lemon slices. I like dill, but you can use any mix of fresh herbs and citrus that you like.
  • If you use a stronger herb like rosemary or dill, be more sparing on the herbs. Herbs like parsley or cilantro are more delicate, so you can be more generous.
  • For citrus, use lemon, lime, or orange (or try all 3!). Of these, lime is the strongest.
  • Of course, you don’t have to use lemon and herbs—you can use salmon that’s rested in your favorite marinade, or a different blend of herbs and seasonings.

4. Arrange the Salmon on Top

  • Place the salmon on the foil skin side down, flesh side up.
  • If you realize your sheet of foil is too small, simple tuck a second one behind it.
Fresh salmon, lemon slices, and dill on foil to be grilled for Grilled Salmon in Foil

5. Add Butter, Garlic, and Seasonings

  • For grilled salmon, I’ve been loving the flavor of melted butter. Two tablespoons are all you need for a full 1 ½ pounds of fish. Worth it!
  • If you prefer not to use butter or need the grilled salmon dairy free, you can use olive oil or another cooking oil of choice.
  • For seasonings, I like minced fresh garlic, along with plenty of kosher salt and black pepper.
  • Be generous with the salt and pepper! The more fish you have, the more you need.
  • Place more herbs and citrus on top.
  • For other ways to flavor the salmon, try Salmon Seasoning for a dry rub or this go-to easy Salmon Marinade.
Grilled asparagus and Grilled Salmon in Foil cooked to 145 degrees on the grill

6. Seal the Foil Packet and GRILL!

  • A large piece of salmon should be grilled over medium heat, about 375 to 400 degrees F. This recipe is written for a gas grill, and it also works for a charcoal grill, Traeger grill, or Big Green Egg.
  • Once you close the grill lid, the salmon should cook for 14-18 minutes, until almost completely cooked through at the thickest part. The cooking time will vary based on the thickness of your salmon.
Grilled Salmon in Foil with the skin removed topped with lemon and dill

How to Tell When Salmon is Finished Cooking

The eternal question! The greatest of salmon crimes (in addition to under seasoning) is overcooking.

  • As this Salmon Temperature Guide outlines, the best way to tell if salmon is done is to use an instant read thermometer like this one. Remove the salmon at 135 degrees F, then let it rest.
  • The FDA recommends cooking salmon to 145 degrees F, but its temperature will continue to rise as it rests.
  • If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can check for doneness by taking a sharp knife and peeking into the thickest part of your salmon. If it is beginning to flake, but still has a little translucency in the middle, it is done.
  • If your piece is thinner (around 1-inch thick) check several minutes early to ensure your salmon does not overcook. If your piece is very thick (1 1/2 inches or more), it may need longer.
Grilled Salmon in Foil topped with lemon and dill and a side of grilled asparagus on a white plate

What to Serve with Grilled Salmon

More Ways to Season Grilled Salmon

In addition to the dill and lemon grilled salmon below, here are more tasty suggestions to keep the recipe feeling fresh:

  • Grill Salmon in Foil with Capers. For a bright, slightly Italian spin, use a few sprigs of thyme in place of the dill and reduce the salt to ½ teaspoon. Sprinkle the finished fish with 1 to 2 tablespoons of drained capers.
  • Grilled Salmon with Lime. Use lime for the lemon and cilantro in place of dill. Enjoy alongside a Skinny Margarita.
  • Grilled BBQ Salmon. Instead of the melted butter and garlic, brush 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce (try this homemade barbecue sauce) on the salmon before grilling. Top with lemon slices as directed.
  • Grilled Salmon with Soy Sauce. For an Asian spin on your Grilled Salmon in Foil, swap out the melted butter for 1/4 cup of soy sauce. Drizzle the soy sauce over the salmon and top with garlic as directed before placing on the grill. Because of the high sodium content in soy sauce, you can also omit or reduce the added salt. This version would be delicious served with Asian Noodle Salad.
  • Grilled Salmon with Brown Sugar. A sweet twist on this Grilled Salmon in Foil! Stir 1/4 cup brown sugar into 1/4 cup melted butter, and brush evenly over the salmon. Top with the garlic, salt, pepper, and lemon as directed.
  • Grilled Salmon Marinade. Takes all of 2 minutes to put together. It uses soy sauce for salt and umami, honey or pure maple syrup for sweetness (salmon loves sweet!), and Dijon mustard for balance and zip.

More Ways to Cook Salmon

Yes, we adore baked or grilled salmon in foil, but there are also many other healthy salmon recipes that don’t use foil.

Asparagus, lemon, and dill served with Grilled Salmon in Foil on a white plate

Have you made a simple grilled salmon fillet before?

If you try this recipe or have other salmon grilling tips, I’d love to hear from you in the comments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do You Have to Flip Salmon on the Grill?

No, you do not need to flip salmon when grilling (in fact, if you do try to flip it, you’re very likely to have it stick and fall apart). The foil packet method in this recipe does an especially good job making sure the salmon cooks evenly without flipping.

Is It Better to Grill Salmon with the Skin Off or On?

Since the skin is easy to remove after salmon is cooked, you can grill it with the skin off or on. Leaving the skin on can help the keep the salmon moist and deter overcooking, so if you are on the fence or new to cooking salmon, leave it on. If you prefer the skin is off for presentation purposes, if you grill the salmon in foil, you can remove the skin, since you don’t need to worry about the salmon falling apart.

Which Side of Salmon Do You Grill First?

If you grill salmon directly on grill grates, grill it skin side down. Do not grill it face side down, as the flesh is likely to tear and stick. With the foil packet, you don’t need to worry about sticking. You can also place a cast iron skillet on the grill and make Pan Seared Salmon.

Grilled Salmon

4.72 from 144 votes
How to make grilled salmon. Easy step-by-step for PERFECT, flaky salmon in foil. Tips for how to know when salmon is done and seasoning ideas!

Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 25 minutes

Servings: 4 (6 oz) Servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 pound side of salmon skin off or on
  • 1 small bunch of fresh dill divided
  • 1 medium lemon plus additional for serving
  • 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter or canola oil or olive oil
  • 3 cloves minced garlic
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Remove the salmon from the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients. Preheat an outdoor grill to medium (about 375°F). Line a rimmed baking sheet (large enough to hold your piece of salmon) with a large piece of aluminum foil. If you prefer your food not to touch the foil directly, lay a piece of parchment paper on top (be sure none of it pokes out when the packet is sealed).
  • Lightly coat the foil with baking spray. Then, arrange a few sprigs of dill down the middle. Cut the lemons into thin slices and arrange half of the slices down the middle with the dill. Place the salmon on top.
  • Drizzle the salmon with the melted butter. Sprinkle with the salt and pepper. Scatter the garlic over the top, then lay a few more springs of dill and the remaining lemon slices on top of the salmon. Chop a tablespoon or so of the remaining dill and reserve for serving.
  • Fold the sides of the aluminum foil up and over the top of the salmon until it is completely enclosed. If your piece of foil is not large enough, place a second piece on top and fold the edges under so that it forms a sealed packet. Leave a little room inside the foil for air to circulate.
  • Carefully slide the wrapped salmon onto the grill. Close the grill and grill the salmon for 14-18 minutes, until the salmon is almost completely cooked through at the thickest part. The cooking time will vary based on the thickness of your salmon side. If your piece is thinner (around 1-inch thick) check several minutes early to ensure your salmon does not overcook. If your piece is very thick (1 1/2 inches or more), it may need longer.
  • Open the grill, and carefully open the foil so that the top of the fish is completely uncovered (be careful of hot steam). Close the grill, and continue grilling until the fish is cooked through completely, about 3 minutes more. Watch the salmon closely to make sure it doesn’t overcook. Remove the salmon from the grill (I like to use the foil to lift it right back on top of the baking sheet). If it still appears a bit underdone, you can wrap the foil back over the top, and let it rest for a few minutes. Do not let it sit too long—salmon can progress from "not done" to "over done" very quickly. As soon as it flakes easily with a fork, it's ready.
  • To serve, cut the salmon into portions. Remove the topmost sprigs of dill and discard. Sprinkle with freshly chopped dill and top with an extra squeeze of lemon as desired.

Video

Notes

  • This recipe is best enjoyed the day that it is made, as salmon usually dries out when reheated. If you have leftover salmon, try serving it room temperature over a salad the next day or flaking and scrambling it with eggs.
  • TO MAKE DAIRY FREE: Swap olive oil or the oil of your choice for the unsalted butter.
  • TO MAKE WHOLE30/PALEO: Swap olive oil or the oil of your choice for the unsalted butter
  • For more tips about how to tell when salmon is done or ideas to vary up this recipe to different tastes, see blog post above.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving (6 oz)Calories: 301kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 34gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 109mgPotassium: 871mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 262IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 27mgIron: 2mg

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Erin Clarke

Hi, I'm Erin Clarke, and I'm fearlessly dedicated to making healthy food that's affordable, easy-to-make, and best of all DELISH. I'm the author and recipe developer here at wellplated.com and of The Well Plated Cookbook. I adore both sweets and veggies, and I am on a mission to save you time and dishes. WELCOME!

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121 Comments

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    1. So delicious!!! Dried dill weed, lemon dill Himalayan salt and extra garlic were the only differences in mine. I definitely recommend leaving skin on, it got all crispy and yummmm.5 stars

  1. This was a delicious recipe!! I have never been successful in preparing salmon, but this was a winner. Thank you!5 stars

    1. I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the recipe, Jackie! Thank you for sharing this kind review!

  2. Excellent recipe. Super easy and salmon came out perfectly cooked with just a drizzle of olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic. 5 stars

  3. My goodness I am not a grill master… but I impressed everyone with this recipe! It was the best Salmon we have had! I agree fool proof. The tips in the foil and cook time spot on 400 degree perfect timing.5 stars

  4. This turned out really well! I grilled 1.3 lbs of salmon for about 18 minutes and with 8 minutes left I threw the zucchini, asparagus and portobello mushrooms on the grill next to it. Everything was done at the same time and the whole family enjoyed! I had finally perfected the oven method of cooking salmon, but now with the warmer weather here, needed to perfect the grilling method & this recipe did the trick! Thanks!5 stars

    1. I’m so happy that you enjoyed the salmon, Maria! Thank you for sharing this kind review!

    1. Bob, I actually do this on a gas grill, but I think you could do either (I’d probably do direct if you need to choose). The key is to make sure the grill is the right temp—about 375 degrees. If you try the recipe, I’d love to hear how it goes!

  5. SO easy and SO good! Looks fancy and tastes amazing! How have I never grilled fish before?! To die for! Thank you so much!5 stars

  6. Hello Erin, I just bought a lovely piece of fresh Atlantic salmon with the skin on. Can I make this recipe with the skin on ? Your recipe sounds delicious. I look forward to grilling it on my gas bbq tomorrow night !!

  7. So delicious! I didn’t have fresh dill, so used dried, and it was so good! Also, I was making 3 pounds, so moist and flavorful.5 stars

  8. This salmon recipe is so good and so easy! I made it last month and my husband….not necessarily a salmon lover, loved it. I’m making it again tonight and it is staying in our monthly rotation. Thank you.5 stars

  9. Sensational! I added to my keepsake book. I served it with brown rice medley with grilled peppers and baby zucchini in balsamic  glaze olive oil + spices marinade.
    This fabulous meal gave us a lot of pleasure ?
    I am lucky to have found it!

    Thank you Erin!
    Tamara 5 stars

    1. I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Peter! THANK YOU for sharing this kind review and for ordering my book!

  10. This is amazing…perfect every time…and I make a lot of salmon! Thank you! Wonder if you could do this with shrimp?! 5 stars

    1. I’m so happy that you’ve enjoyed the recipe, Suzanne! I’d recommend checking out one of the delicious shrimp recipes on my website!

  11. I loved this. It was really easy to make and it tasted delicious! It added so much flavor. I did whole little potatos with olive oil, salt and dill also in foil on the grill ( I precooked them in the microwave to lessen the grill time). My family is not a big fan of salmon and they loved it. Mom for the win!5 stars

  12. so amazingly good!!! It was my 1st grilling lol and I nailed it because of your recipe! Thank you, even kids cleaned their plates5 stars

  13. I served this to guests and they LOVED it! I used a 3# piece of salmon so I doubled everything. I used a combination of peeled orange, lemon and lime slices. (I don’t like the flavor of rind). I used a generous amount of fresh parsley instead of dill. I used 2 TBS olive oil for the 3 pounds. And about 8 minced garlic cloves. It got rave reviews. I was nervous because I had never made it before. I cooked it for 18 minutes as it was very thick and served it immediately so there was no time for it to cook more once removing. I might have cooked it 2 minutes less, but, it was not dry at all and it was moist and juicy but not at all rare, which grosses me out! A very pretty presentation! Thanks for a great and very easy salmon option!5 stars

  14. Excellent, my grandson and I just made this tonight for the family, we had baked potatoes and asparagus
    First time using the grill for both of us, I am grandchildren sitting
    So good
    Thanks so much for easy to follow recipe 👍5 stars

  15. Salmon dream!
    Nutritious and tasty.
    Simpl.
    Pleased everyone in the family, including the kiddos!5 stars

  16. i have to watch my sodium intake and i was wondering if you can put your sodium intake at the end of your recipe i cant have no more then 2300 or less a day. but i am going to try your baked salmon in foil it sound real good. this is the first time i been on your page. if you no the sodium intake on the salmon will you please let me no. I m looking forward to more of your healthy food recipe.
    THANK YOU VERY MUCH

    1. Hi Alanda! I stopped including sodium info because it can vary so much depending upon what products you used, and I found a lot of conflicting info online, so ultimately I didn’t feel comfortable publishing it because sometimes it wasn’t even in the ballpark. If you’d like to calculate it yourself, there are lots of free tools online (myfitnesspal.com is popular). I hope that helps!

  17. I made this exactly as directed. It was not bad, but I have made other salmon recipes that I preferred over this. I thought the lemon and dill were a little over-powering. I also like my salmon to get little bits of crisp, so I’m not sure I will use a foil packet for salmon again. It was fun to try something different and still made for a good dinner. I’m sure folks who really like lemon and dill will enjoy it.

    I did make your grilled sweet potato fries and those were very good and easy!3 stars

    1. Hi Jessica, I’m sorry to hear that this recipe fell short of your expectations. I (and other readers) truly enjoyed this dish, so I really wish you would’ve too!

  18. This recipe calls for far too much garlic. The salmon filet I used was over two pounds and the garlic ruined the recipe for everyone. I had to rinse the cooked salmon off before we could eat it and not have to throw out an expensive cut of fish. The method itself produced a moist and perfectly cooked farmed salmon filet. The dill and lemon were very good. If you decide to try the recipe, I would either omit the garlic completely, or perhaps use 1 -2 cloves and saute the minced garlic in the butter first and till fragrant but not browned for 60-90 seconds over low heat. Then strain out the garlic pieces. I served this with sushi rice and a corn and tomato summer saute seasoned with basil and minced chives.2 stars

    1. I’m sorry to hear you didn’t enjoy the recipe, Gail. Many other readers have tried it and loved it, but I know everyone has different tastes. I truly wish you would have loved it!

      1. I actually liked the basic recipe very much! I have made it again since using the technique I wrote about above (lightly sauteing the minced garlic in the butter and then discarding the garlic pieces.) This added a nice, light garlic touch to the dish so the dill and lemon also came through. We use a lot of garlic and enjoy it but with the delicate flavors in this dish, I thought a lighter touch was needed and it worked out very well. This way, the recipe will be a keeper!

  19. Loved this recipe! Followed your recipe to the letter and it was perfect!
    It’s our favorite salmon dinner now! My husband can be a picky eater at times but always looks forward to this meal. Thank you!!5 stars

  20. Wow! We have made this several times and it’s always delicious! We love the Whole 30 Salmon recipe as well. We wanted to incorporate more fish into our diet but I didn’t have any recipes. These have both become staples. Thanks, Erin!5 stars

  21. I work very hard catching salmon on Lk Huron in northern Michigan. Although this receipt “looks” outstanding sadly the taste is HORRIBLE. It was so bad I had to through 3/4’s of my fillet away.1 star

    1. I’m sorry to hear that you had trouble with this recipe, Jim. I know it’s frustrating to try a new recipe and not have them turn out, so I really wish you would’ve enjoyed them!

  22. Made it this weekend for a healthy Labor Day. I’m a girl still learning to grill and have a tendency to overcook out of fear, but this was perfect. Light flaky and a relief it came out so well. Thank you!5 stars

  23. Flavors are good, but 14-18 minutes is waaaay to long except if you’re cooking thick fillets. Any thinner fillets should come out several minutes earlier3 stars

    1. Hi Thomas! This is why I specifically say in the blog post “The cooking time will vary based on the thickness of your salmon.” This is why I also have a whole section dedicated to “How to Tell When Salmon is Finished Cooking” to give everyone pointers as to make sure they are cooking their salmon correctly.

  24. Great ideas. I like to take the salmon and put blobs if butter on top the blind of the soft port wine cheese. It comes out with a cheesey crust top.

  25. I followed the tips of grilling at about 400 degrees, using an instant read thermometer, removing the salmon when just under 140 degrees and letting rest for 5 minutes before opening the packet. It turned out great – tender, moist and flaky. I will use this method again since there’s nothing worse than dry, overcooked salmon.5 stars

  26. I’ve been making this recipe for a very long time, and I have a couple of “tries” for you. First, along with the lemon I like to add an onion just sliced and not chopped or cut up. I also like to add a little paprika to the spices.

    1. Hello,

      This was my first attempt at grilling salmon and this recipe was the perfect starting point. I wasn’t able to find fresh dill or cilantro so I swapped it out for green onions I pulled from my garden and used lime instead of lemon. It was amazing!!! I also made a fresh homemade salsa with fresh garden vegetables and grilled yellow/green beans. Again it was truly amazing. Thank you for the great recipe. It will be a staple for years to come!5 stars

  27. Did this today on my pellet grill and the family loved it! Added limes and oranges to the mix. It was flakey and moist! Thank you will do it again.5 stars

  28. Absolutely perfect and delicious ! I used your dill and lemon tips!!!next time I’ll try the brown sugar method
    Thank yoi5 stars

  29. Dude. This truly is no fail. Followed recipe to a T. The results.. AMAZE-balls!! So succulent, delicious and flavourful. Going in the regular rotation. Thanks so much Erin!5 stars

  30. I’m always hesitant to make salmon as my husband complains if it’s overcooked but I found this recipe and it was so easy and delicious…hubby was impressed!!! Thank you!5 stars

  31. This was so incredibly easy and tasty! … bonus: clean up is a breeze. Moist, flakey and flavorful. Looking forward to cold leftovers with a salad. This will definately be my new go-to salmon recipe. Thank you!5 stars

  32. I just have a question which honestly I’m surprised no one else has asked. I have not made this yet and I’m trying to picture how you go about checking the temperature of a foil wrapped piece of salmon without either poking the thermometer through the foil packet into the fish or opening the whole foil packet which must necessarily disrupt the cooking. Can you help me understand the logistics of that?

    I’m excited to try this so I’m on pins and needles for your answer. Thank you!

    1. Hi Kayzo, I honestly think no one is asking because they are just following the process as spelled out in the recipe. Keep in mind also that in Step 6 you are opening the foil to cook the fish uncovered for the last few minutes. So at that point you are really going to have an idea of how well your salmon is cooked. Ultimately be mindful of the thickness of your salmon then follow the timings and you’ll have perfect salmon! Enjoy!

  33. This was the most amazing recipe! We had a huge piece of Coho Salmon in the freezer and grilled it last evening. It was a hit with our guests and my husband!! Thank you! You took the fear out of grilling!!5 stars

  34. Perfect! 16 minutes on a medium setting for us. I used cilantro and gobs of garlic butter and lemon.5 stars

  35. I made this for dinner this evening. I didn’t have fresh dill, so I used fresh parsley instead. IT WAS DELICIOUS!!! I’m looking forward to trying it with dill next time. Thank you for the excellent recipe!5 stars

  36. I made this and it was delicious! The only thing I added was cilantro lime butter when you open the foil when it’s almost finished cooking. I used a brush to spead it around.5 stars

    1. Hi Eva! I’m not sure I understand, are you looking for a grilled potato recipe? Here is one: https://www.wellplated.com/grilled-potatoes/