If you've been craving something fresh, flavorful, and actually good for you, grilled salmon with cilantro will hit the spot. It's light, packed with protein, and finished with a creamy citrusy cilantro sauce that takes it over the top. Simple, healthy, and just a little bit special.
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The backstory.
This recipe came out of one of those nights where I wanted something fresh but also simple. Salmon was already in the fridge, cilantro needed to be used, and the rest just came together from there. A quick marinade, a simple sauce, and suddenly dinner felt way more put together than it had any right to be.
xoxo Kori
It's a must-make.
If you're looking for a go-to salmon with cilantro recipe that feels effortless but tastes like you planned ahead, this one delivers.
- Fresh, vibrant flavor. Lemon and cilantro bring a bright, clean taste that keeps the salmon from feeling heavy.
- Healthy and satisfying. Packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential nutrients and made with simple ingredients, it's a meal you can feel good about. This recipe is also low carb, gluten free, and keto friendly.
- Easy to prep ahead. Let the marinade do the work while you handle everything else.
- Flexible and versatile. The marinade and sauce work just as well with chicken, pork, or shrimp.
Low effort, big flavor, and minimal cleanup? That's my kind of dinner.
Let's talk texture and flavor.
Each bite is a balance of tender, flaky salmon and bold, fresh flavor. The grill adds just a hint of char, while the marinade brings in a subtle tangy depth. That creamy cilantro sauce ties everything together with a citrusy, slightly briny finish thanks to the capers. It's rich without being heavy and fresh without feeling too light.
What you'll need.
Here's what your going to need to make lemon grilled salmon with cilantro sauce.
- Salmon fillets: Skin-on fillets hold their shape on the grill and stay nice and juicy.
- Italian salad dressing: Acts as the base of the marinade and adds built-in flavor. Feel free to use my homemade Italian Salad Dressing recipe or buy a zesty Italian store bottle.
- Fresh cilantro: Used in both the marinade and sauce for a fresh, herby finish.
- Lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances the richness.
- Ground black pepper: Brings a subtle warmth.
- Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy base for the sauce.
- Capers: Add a salty, briny pop.
- Red onion: Gives the sauce a little bite and texture.
If you're on a salmon kick lately, same here - and there are so many good ways to mix it up. Parmesan Crusted Salmon is perfect when you want something crispy and a little more indulgent, while Salmon with Dill Sauce leans fresh, creamy, and classic. Craving something bowl-style? Smoked Salmon Sushi Bowl is light and satisfying, and Teriyaki Salmon Bowl brings that sweet-savory flavor that always hits the spot.
Customize it your way.
If you're wondering how to grill salmon with lemon and still make it your own, there's plenty of room to customize.
- Swap salmon for chicken, pork, or shrimp using the same marinade.
- Add minced garlic to deepen the flavor.
- Mix in a little lime juice for a citrus salmon with lime twist.
Flexible dietary swaps.
If you love salmon with cilantro but need a few dietary adjustments, here are some easy options.
- Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free mayonnaise for the cilantro sauce. It keeps that creamy texture while staying completely dairy-free.
- Low-Sodium: Choose a low-sodium Italian dressing and reduce or skip the capers if you're watching salt. A squeeze of extra lemon can help boost flavor.
- Egg-Free: Use an egg-free mayo alternative for the sauce. There are plenty of great options that still give you that smooth, rich consistency.
How to grill salmon with lemon and cilantro.
Cooking salmon with cilantro sauce on the grill is quick and straightforward once everything is prepped.
- Mix mayonnaise, lemon juice, cilantro, red onion, and capers. Cover and refrigerate.
- Place salmon skin side down in a dish. Whisk dressing, cilantro, lemon juice, and pepper. Reserve some marinade, then pour the rest over salmon and coat. Refrigerate 3 to 4 hours.
- Preheat grill to 400 degrees. Place salmon skin side down and cook 6 minutes with lid closed.
- Baste with reserved marinade. Continue cooking until salmon reaches 135℉, about 6 to 9 minutes.
How to serve it.
Serving lemon salmon with cilantro sauce is all about keeping things simple and letting the flavors shine.
- Spoon the cilantro sauce over the top and finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
- Pair with grilled vegetables, rice, or a light salad for a balanced meal.
- Flake leftovers into tacos or grain bowls for an easy next-day or meal prep option.
- Add roasted potatoes or a simple side for something a little more filling.
Kori's tips.
- Keep an eye on it. Salmon cooks quickly and can dry out if overdone. Pull the salmon at 135℉ for the best texture.
- Give it time to marinate. That's where the flavor really develops.
- Fresh cilantro makes a difference here. Don't skip it.
FAQ's
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible.
Reheat salmon gently in the oven at 275°F. Place it in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm for about 10 to 15 minutes until heated through. This keeps it moist and prevents overcooking. If possible, reheat the salmon separately and add the cilantro sauce after.
Aim for a grilled salmon internal temp of 135℉ to 140℉ for tender, flaky results.
Yes, grilled salmon with skin helps protect the fish and keeps it from sticking to the grill.
Foil is used to retain moisture in certain recipes. In this recipe the salmon is marinated, so you do not need to use foil to grill the salmon. Always follow the recipe instructions. If you are unsure, wrap in foil to be on the safe side. If it is wrapped in foil it will cook faster so adjust accordingly.
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📖 The recipe.
Lemon Grilled Salmon with Cilantro Sauce
Ingredients
Salmon
- 1½ pounds salmon fillets (with skin)
- 1 cup Italian salad dressing
- 1¼ cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro, divided (use 1 cup for the marinade and ¼ cup for the sauce)
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice, divided (use 2 tablespoons for the marinade and 1 for the sauce)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons capers (drained)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
Instructions
Sauce
- In a small bowl mix together mayonnaise, lemon juice, ¼ cup cilantro, red onion, and capers. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve salmon.
Salmon Fillet
- Place salmon fillets into a shallow glass dish skin side down.
- In a bowl whisk together italian salad dressing, 1 cup cilantro, lemon juice, and black pepper. Reserve ⅛ cup of the marinade for basting. Pour the rest over the top of the salmon.
- Turn salmon over to coat evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours.
- Preheat grill to 400 degrees. Remove salmon from the marinade and place salmon skin side down on the grill. Close the grill lid and cook for 6 minutes.
- Baste with the extra marinade. Close the lid and continue cooking until the internal temperature of the salmon reaches 135℉, about 6 to 9 minutes.
Kori's Tips
- Don't miss all of our helpful hints, substitution ideas, cooking tips, and other delicious recipes that can be found in our post. Check it out!
- VARIATIONS: The marinade can be used on chicken and pork as well as other fish. The sauce makes a great condiment for fish sticks, sandwiches, shrimp, and more!
- TIPS: Watch salmon carefully when cooking. It can go from perfect to dry quickly. Salmon doneness temperature is 135℉ to 140℉ degrees.
- SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Serve salmon with skin on or off. Top with sauce and garnish with cilantro. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Nutrition
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