Go Back
–+ servings
5 grilled salmon fillets on a gray platter with a side of creamy cilantro sauce.

Lemon Grilled Salmon with Cilantro Sauce

This grilled salmon with cilantro sauce is fresh, flavorful, and easy to make. Marinated salmon is grilled to tender perfection and topped with a creamy lemon cilantro sauce for a healthy, satisfying meal.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save
Author Kori Butler
Prep Time 4 hours
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Course Grilling Recipes
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 387 kcal

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.
    Mixing the sauce ingredients in a clear glass bowl.

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.
    Mixing the marinade then pouring over the salmon fillets.
  • 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.
    Placing the salmon on the grill then basting with marinade.
  • 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.
    Testing the salmon temperature with a thermometer then removing fillets from the grill.

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

Calories: 387kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 23gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 11gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 4375mgPotassium: 593mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 0.5gVitamin A: 288IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Mention @seekinggoodeatsofficial or tag #seekinggoodeats! Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter to receive more healthy delicious recipes straight to your inbox.

© 2025 Seeking Good Eats™