Olive Garden Herb Grilled Salmon brings restaurant-quality flavors to your kitchen with a combination of fresh salmon fillets, aromatic herbs, and a simple grilling technique. This light yet rich dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests. With a delicate balance of olive oil, rosemary, thyme, parsley, and garlic, the salmon is grilled to perfection, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. It’s a healthy, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)Calories: ~350 kcal, Protein: 40g, Fat: 20g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Carbohydrates: 2g, Fiber: 0g, Sugar: 0g, Sodium: 250mg, Omega-3, Fatty Acids: ~2gEstimated based on one serving (assuming 4 servings per batch)
1 Fish Spatula (optional but helpful for flipping salmon)
1 Meat Thermometer (optional, for checking doneness)
Ingredients
4Salmon Filletsabout 6 oz each
1/4cupOlive Oil
2tablespoonsFresh Rosemarychopped
1tablespoonFresh Thymechopped
1tablespoonFresh Parsleychopped
2clovesGarlicminced
Saltto taste
Black Pepperto taste
1teaspoonLemon Zestoptional
Instructions
Prepare the Herb Marinade:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, rosemary, thyme, parsley, garlic, salt, pepper, and lemon zest (if using).
Marinate the Salmon:
Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the salmon, ensuring each fillet is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse the fish (marinate for up to 2 hours for a stronger flavor).
Preheat the Grill:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C). If you're using a charcoal grill, let the coals burn down to a medium heat.
Grill the Salmon:
Place the marinated salmon fillets on the grill, skin-side down. Grill for 4-5 minutes on the first side, until the salmon begins to release from the grill grates. Flip carefully and grill for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and the flesh flakes easily with a fork.
Serve:
Remove the salmon from the grill and serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh herbs or a lemon wedge. Pair with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
Salmon Fillets: For grilling, it’s best to use skin-on salmon fillets as the skin helps keep the fish intact while grilling. If you prefer skinless fillets, be extra gentle when flipping the fish.
Marinating Time: Marinate the salmon for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 2 hours, to avoid the fish becoming too soft. A short marinating time still provides great flavor.
Grill Temperature: Make sure the grill is preheated to medium-high heat to avoid undercooking or overcooking the salmon.
Don’t Overcook: Salmon is best when it’s slightly undercooked in the center. The residual heat will continue to cook the fish even after it’s off the grill.
Substituting Herbs: If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried rosemary, thyme, and parsley work as a substitute. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh herbs.