This Grilled Garlic Herb Salmon is packed with zesty garlic, herbs, and a smoky grill flavor, paired with a refreshing avocado tomato salad and a side of fluffy rice. A perfect combination of protein, healthy fats, and fiber, this dish is delicious, healthy, and vibrant – perfect for lunch or dinner! 🌟🍽️
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 2)
🐟 For the Grilled Garlic Herb Salmon:
2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each) 🐟
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
1 tsp fresh lemon juice 🍋
1 tsp dried oregano 🌿
1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped 🌱
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Zest of 1 lemon 🍋
🥑 For the Avocado Tomato Salad:
1 large ripe avocado, diced 🥑
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 🍅
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced 🧅
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice 🍋
1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped 🌿
Salt and pepper to taste
🍚 For the Rice:
1 cup long-grain rice (or your favorite variety) 🍚
2 cups water
1 tbsp olive oil
Pinch of salt
🔥 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare and Marinate the Salmon 🐟
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, fresh thyme, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the salmon. Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes in the fridge to absorb the flavors.
2️⃣ Grill the Salmon 🐟
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Once hot, place the salmon fillets on the grill, skin-side down, and cook for 4-5 minutes per side or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. If you’re using a grill pan, you can cover it with a lid to ensure the salmon cooks evenly.
3️⃣ Cook the Rice 🍚
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt to a boil.
Add the rice, stir, and cover the saucepan. Reduce the heat to low and cook for about 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil for extra flavor.
4️⃣ Prepare the Avocado Tomato Salad 🥑🍅
In a mixing bowl, combine the diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion.
Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Toss gently to combine and top with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.
5️⃣ Assemble the Plate 🍽️
Serve the grilled garlic herb salmon on a plate alongside a generous serving of rice.
Add the avocado tomato salad on the side, and garnish with extra cilantro or lemon wedges for an added burst of flavor.
🌟 Pro Tips for the Best Grilled Garlic Herb Salmon Plate
✔ Grill marks: For extra flavor, you can brush the salmon with some extra garlic herb sauce while grilling to keep it moist and flavorful.
✔ Rice variations: For a more complex flavor, cook the rice in chicken broth instead of water.
✔ Make it spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a few slices of jalapeño to the salad for some heat.
✔ Add a crunchy element: Top the salad with some toasted pumpkin seeds or crunchy chickpeas for extra texture.
