Grilled Salmon – Budget Bytes

Salmon is a real treat, but with a little bit of planning, I have found it can be enjoyed any time of year! Nice cuts of salmon are available fresh and/or frozen pretty much everywhere these days, making this Grilled Salmon recipe one that is great to have in your back pocket, especially during Summer.

cutting a piece of grilled salmon on a black plate with a fork.

When I was pregnant with my daughter, the only thing I craved that wasn’t sour fruits or crunchy veggies was salmon! My body must have been onto something because this recipe for Grilled Salmon goes perfectly with a squeeze of sour grilled lemon and vegetables of any kind! I found a great deal on skin-on wild-caught salmon at Walmart for this recipe, making it cost effective as well as delicious.

Here’s what you’ll need to make grilled salmon:

  • Salmon: I found fresh Atlantic salmon on a good sale, so that’s what I used. I often find frozen salmon to be cheaper– just thaw before using.
  • Lemon: Adds freshness and a little bit of sourness.
  • Vegetable Oil: Helps the salmon grill without sticking.
  • Salt and Pepper: Enhance the natural flavor of the fish.

What Else Can I Add?

I kept things basic for this grilled salmon recipe, but it’s easy to season with your favorite spice blends, like:

Serving Suggestions

I love this grilled salmon served with rice, sauteed asparagus, wedges of fresh grilled lemon, and a dollop of our Tzaziki Sauce!

overhead view of 2 grilled salmon fillets on a black plate.


Grilled Salmon

Grilled salmon is so simple and delicious– perfect for summer when perhaps you’re trying to eat a little lighter.

Author: Jess – Budget Bytes

cutting a piece of grilled salmon on a black plate with a fork.

Prevent your screen from going dark

  • 2 6-oz. pieces skin-on Atlantic salmon ($8.61)
  • 1 lemon, sliced in half ($0.50)
  • 1 Tbsp vegetable oil ($0.04)
  • 1 tsp sea salt ($0.02)
  • 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper ($0.10)
  • Preheat grill on high, 450-500°F. In a small bowl, combine 1 Tbsp vegetable oil, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.

  • Brush lemon halves and salmon on all sides with oil and season with salt and pepper

  • Grill salmon (skin side down) and lemons (cut side down) to grill and grill for 6 minutes.

  • Flip lemons and salmon and grill for 4 minutes or until internal temp reaches about 135°F. Remove from grill and allow salmon to rest for a few minutes, where it will finish cooking and reach the perfect internal temperature of 145°F.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.


Serving: 4ouncesCalories: 208kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 23gFat: 12gSodium: 826mgFiber: 1g

Read our full nutrition disclaimer here.

a serving of grilled salmon and grilled vegetables on a black plate.

how to make Grilled Salmon – step by step photos

oil and spices in a glass dish.

Preheat grill on high, 450-500°F. In a small bowl, combine 1 Tbsp vegetable oil, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.

brushing oil over salmon fillets.

Brush the halves of 1 lemon and 2 6-oz. salmon fillets on all sides with oil and season with salt and pepper.

2 salmon fillets and lemon halves on a grill pan.

Grill salmon (skin side down) and lemons (cut side down) to grill and grill for 6 minutes.

partially grilled salmon fillets on a grill pan.

Flip lemons and salmon and grill for 4 minutes or until internal temp reaches about 135°F. Remove from grill and allow salmon to rest for a few minutes, where it will finish cooking and reach the perfect internal temperature of 145°F.

overhead view of a serving of grilled salmon and grilled vegetables on a black plate.

Break out the grill for this easy weeknight meal!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *