Grilled salmon topped with cucumber-dill salad on a black plate.

Grilled Salmon with Creamy Cucumber-Dill Salad

Nothing says summer like simple grilled salmon topped with a creamy cucumber salad— the ultimate no-fuss meal!

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes
Total Time: 30 Minutes, plus 30 minutes to salt the cucumber and onions

Ingredients

For the Salmon

  • 4 (6-oz) salmon fillets, skin on
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Creamy Cucumber-Dill Salad

  • 1 English cucumber (also called hothouse cucumber)
  • ⅓ cup finely sliced red onion, from one small red onion
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, best quality such as Hellmann's or Duke's
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh dill
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon sugar
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cut the cucumber in half and then slice each half down the middle lengthwise. Use the tip of a teaspoon to scoop out the center seeds. Cut each half into thin slices and place in a colander along with the red onion slices. Toss with salt and let sit in the sink for at least 30 minutes, until the water drains out.
  2. In the meantime, make the dressing: combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, dill, garlic, sugar and black pepper in a medium bowl and mix well.
  3. When the cucumbers and onions are ready, release any excess water by tapping the colander on the base of the sink, then use a large wad of paper towels to pat the vegetables dry. Add to the dressing and toss well. Cover and chill until ready to serve.
  4. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Clean the grill rack, then brush with oil. Close the lid and let return to temperature. Rub the salmon with olive oil and season generously with kosher salt and pepper. Place the fillets skin side down and grill until golden brown and slightly charred, 4 to 5 minutes (resist the urge to peek or flip early; when fillets are nicely seared on the first side, they should release easily). Flip the fillets over and continue grilling until done, 2 to 3 minutes. Let cool slightly, remove the skin if desired, and serve with the cold cucumber-dill salad piled over top or alongside.

Pair with

Nutrition Information

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  • Per serving (4 servings)
  • Calories: 522
  • Fat: 39 g
  • Saturated fat: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Sodium: 706 mg
  • Cholesterol: 108 mg

Gluten-Free Adaptable Note

To the best of my knowledge, all of the ingredients used in this recipe are gluten-free or widely available in gluten-free versions. There is hidden gluten in many foods; if you're following a gluten-free diet or cooking for someone with gluten allergies, always read the labels of your ingredients to verify that they are gluten-free.