If you want a dinner that feels fancy but takes less than 20 minutes, this grilled salmon with garlic herb butter is it. The salmon gets a nice char on the grill, stays flaky and juicy inside, and that melted garlic butter on top ties everything together.

It’s a go-to when you want something healthy without spending an hour in the kitchen. Perfect for summer BBQs, but honestly, it works year-round on a grill pan too.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe 💛

• Fast and simple: From fridge to plate in about 15 minutes. No complicated steps.
• Big flavor, little effort: Garlic, butter, and fresh herbs do most of the work.
• Healthy and satisfying: High in protein and omega-3s, plus it feels like a restaurant meal at home.
• Flexible: Works with any side dish and you can swap the herbs based on what you have.

Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒

This recipe makes 2 servings. Double it easily for a crowd.

• 2 salmon fillets, 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened 🧈
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped 🌿
• 1 tsp fresh dill or thyme, chopped
• 1 tsp lemon juice 🍋
• Lemon wedges for serving

How to Make Grilled Salmon with Garlic Herb Butter 👨‍🍳

1. Prep the garlic herb butter

In a small bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, dill, and lemon juice. Set it aside. Making this ahead is smart because it melts perfectly over hot salmon.

2. Season the salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps them get a good sear. Rub both sides with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper.

3. Grill it right 🔥

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Oil the grates lightly so the salmon doesn’t stick. Place salmon flesh-side down first. Grill for 4-5 minutes until you see clear grill marks and the fish releases easily. Flip and cook 2-3 minutes more.

You’re done when the salmon flakes easily with a fork but still looks moist in the center.

4. Finish with butter 🧈

Remove the salmon from the grill and immediately top each fillet with a spoonful of the garlic herb butter. Let it melt over the hot fish for 30 seconds. The butter soaks in and makes every bite rich and flavorful.

Tips for Perfect Grilled Salmon Every Time ⚡

• Don’t overcook it: Salmon keeps cooking for a minute after you take it off the grill. Pull it off when it’s just barely done.
• Hot grill, clean grates: A hot grill prevents sticking and gives you those nice char marks.
• Use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure: 125°F for medium-rare, 135°F for medium.

What to Serve With It 🍽️

This salmon is super flexible. Try it with:

• Roasted asparagus or green beans
• Garlic mashed potatoes or rice pilaf
• A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Grilled corn in the summer 🌽

For wine, a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs great. For non-alcoholic, sparkling water with lemon keeps it light.

Storage and Reheating 🧊

Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 2 days in an airtight container. To reheat, use a low oven at 275°F for 8-10 minutes so it doesn’t dry out. Microwaving works too, but go slow with 20-second bursts.

The garlic herb butter can be made 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge. You can even freeze it in a log and slice off pieces as needed.

Meta Title: Grilled Salmon with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe | Easy BBQ Dinner
Meta Description: Juicy grilled salmon topped with melting garlic herb butter. Ready in 15 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners and summer BBQs.
Slug: grilled-salmon-garlic-herb-butter