I am beyond excited to share this Grilled Salmon with Dijon Mustard Sauce Recipe that has quickly become one of my absolute favorites for a quick, elegant meal. The tender, smoky salmon grilled to perfection paired with a luscious, tangy Dijon mustard sauce is nothing short of heavenly. Every bite bursts with balanced flavors—the creaminess of the sauce complements the natural richness of the salmon, while fresh dill and lemon juice add that invigorating freshness that makes this dish unforgettable. Whether you’re cooking for two or impressing guests, this recipe is a total winner in flavor and simplicity.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Grilled Salmon with Dijon Mustard Sauce Recipe lies in its simplicity—the ingredients are straightforward yet each one plays a critical role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the fresh salmon’s natural oils to the zing of lemon juice and the herbal brightness of dill, every component counts.
- Fresh Salmon Fillets: Wild-caught is best for a flavorful and firm texture that holds up on the grill.
- Olive Oil: Helps keep the salmon moist during grilling and adds a subtle fruity note.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and seasons the fish perfectly.
- Pepper: Adds a mild kick to balance the creaminess of the sauce.
- Dijon Mustard: The star of the sauce providing tanginess and depth.
- Heavy Cream: Creates a silky texture in the sauce; coconut cream works great as a dairy-free alternative.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for a bright acidity that wakes up the palate.
- Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic delivers a mellow pungency that complements the mustard beautifully.
- Chopped Fresh Dill: Brings an herby, slightly sweet note to balance the richness.
How to Make Grilled Salmon with Dijon Mustard Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Salmon
Start by patting your salmon fillets dry with a paper towel—this helps get a nice crust when grilling. Brush both sides generously with olive oil and season evenly with salt and pepper. This simple step sets the foundation for a perfectly seasoned fish that will shine through even after grilling.
Step 2: Whisk the Mustard Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, heavy cream, lemon juice, minced garlic, and fresh dill until the sauce is smooth and creamy. This mixture will serve two purposes: a marinade to infuse flavor and a drizzle to finish the dish with extra zing.
Step 3: Marinate the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour half of the Dijon mustard sauce over them. Let the fish soak up those vibrant flavors for about 15 to 20 minutes. This gentle marination enhances every bite without overpowering the natural salmon taste.
Step 4: Get That Grill Ready
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure to lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. The hot grill will give you those beautiful charred grill marks and a smoky flavor that elevates the simple salmon to something extraordinary.
Step 5: Grill the Salmon to Perfection
Place the fillets on the grill skin-side down first. Grill for 4 to 5 minutes to let the skin crisp up nicely. Then carefully flip and grill for another 3 to 4 minutes until cooked through but still tender. The key here is not to overcook—salmon should be flaky but moist.
Step 6: Final Touch and Serving
Transfer the grilled salmon onto a serving platter and drizzle the remaining Dijon mustard sauce over the top. Garnish with a little extra fresh dill for a bright, fresh look and added flavor pop. Your dish is now ready to wow!
How to Serve Grilled Salmon with Dijon Mustard Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like dill or parsley brighten the plate and add an herbal aroma that pairs wonderfully with the creamy mustard sauce. A wedge of lemon on the side also invites guests to add their own zing.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted asparagus, or creamy mashed potatoes. For a lighter touch, serve alongside quinoa or a lemony couscous salad that complements the mustard flavors without overshadowing them.
Creative Ways to Present
Try plating the salmon on a bed of sautéed spinach or wilted kale for vibrant color contrast. Drizzle extra sauce artistically around the plate and sprinkle with freshly cracked black pepper or capers for a gourmet touch that looks as delicious as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover grilled salmon with Dijon mustard sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to maintain its freshness and texture.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the salmon, wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer bag. For best quality, consume within one month. The sauce is best prepared fresh and not frozen.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to avoid drying out the salmon. Add a splash of cream or a little extra mustard sauce to keep it moist and flavorful during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use skinless salmon fillets for this recipe?
Absolutely! While skin-on helps protect the fish on the grill and adds crispiness, skinless fillets work just as well if grilled carefully to avoid sticking.
Is there a dairy-free option for the sauce?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream to keep the sauce creamy without dairy. This swap still yields a rich, delicious sauce with a hint of sweetness.
How do I know when the salmon is perfectly grilled?
The salmon should be opaque and easily flake apart with a fork. The skin side should be nicely crisped after grilling 4–5 minutes on each side depending on thickness.
Can I prepare the mustard sauce ahead of time?
You can mix the sauce up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good whisk before using, as it may separate slightly upon resting.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No problem! You can cook the salmon in a hot grill pan or even bake it in the oven at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes, then finish with the mustard sauce for that same wonderful flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Salmon with Dijon Mustard Sauce Recipe is a beautifully simple way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home with minimal fuss. The balance of flavors and textures creates such an inviting dish that everyone will love. I can’t encourage you enough to try it soon—it’s destined to become a beloved staple in your recipe box!
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Grilled Salmon with Dijon Mustard Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and simple grilled salmon recipe featuring a tangy Dijon mustard sauce infused with fresh dill and garlic. Perfectly marinated and grilled to tender perfection, this dish is ideal for a quick and elegant dinner for two.
Ingredients
Salmon and Seasoning
- 2 fillets Fresh Salmon (Look for wild-caught for best flavor.)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (For grilling.)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Adjust to taste.)
- 1 teaspoon Pepper (Adjust to taste.)
Dijon Mustard Sauce
- 1/4 cup Dijon Mustard
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (Substitute with coconut cream for dairy-free.)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (Freshly squeezed preferred.)
- 2 cloves Minced Garlic (Fresh is best.)
- 2 tablespoons Chopped Fresh Dill (Can swap with parsley or tarragon.)
Instructions
- Prepare the salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry using a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Brush both sides of each fillet with olive oil, then season evenly with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Make the mustard sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, heavy cream, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped fresh dill until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Marinate the salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour half of the prepared mustard sauce over them. Allow the salmon to marinate for 15-20 minutes, letting the flavors soak in.
- Preheat the grill: Heat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the salmon from sticking during cooking.
- Grill the salmon: Place the salmon fillets on the grill skin-side down. Grill them for 4-5 minutes, then carefully flip each fillet and continue grilling for an additional 3-4 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily.
- Serve: Transfer the grilled salmon to a serving platter, drizzle with the remaining mustard sauce, and garnish with additional fresh dill if desired. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream in the mustard sauce.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice based on your preferred level of tanginess.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley or tarragon instead of dill if preferred.
- Ensure the grill grates are well oiled to prevent the salmon from sticking and breaking apart.
- Always check for doneness by ensuring salmon flakes easily with a fork but is not overcooked to avoid dryness.
