If you’re looking to delight your taste buds with a dish that perfectly combines tangy, sweet, and creamy elements, Honey Mustard Grilled Salmon with Avocado Basil Sauce is the answer. This vibrant recipe brings together the smoky, caramelized edges of grilled salmon with a luscious, herbaceous avocado basil sauce that’s as refreshing as it is flavorful. Every bite offers a balance of rich textures and bright notes, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser for any meal.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless flavor complexity: The honey mustard glaze pairs beautifully with grilled salmon, bringing depth with minimal ingredients.
- Healthy and wholesome: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids and fresh herbs, this dish supports a nutritious lifestyle.
- Vibrant presentation: The creamy avocado basil sauce adds a bright, green pop that makes your plate look as good as it tastes.
- Quick to prepare: From marinade to finish, this recipe fits perfectly into busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
- Versatile and adaptable: Easily customize the sauce or the seasoning to suit any dietary preference or flavor profile.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is wonderfully straightforward, using simple yet impactful ingredients that each play a vital role in delivering unforgettable taste and texture. Here’s what you’ll need to bring Honey Mustard Grilled Salmon with Avocado Basil Sauce to life:
- Fresh salmon fillets: Choose skin-on for extra crispiness when grilled.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness, balancing the tang of mustard beautifully.
- Dijon mustard: Provides a sharp and creamy base for the marinade.
- Avocado: Creates a rich, smooth foundation for the sauce that complements the salmon.
- Fresh basil leaves: Injects aromatic herbal brightness into the avocado sauce.
- Lemon juice: Lifts the sauce with citrusy freshness and prevents avocado browning.
- Olive oil: Maintains moisture in the salmon and enriches the sauce’s texture.
- Garlic: Adds pungency and depth, enhancing both the glaze and sauce flavors.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all components perfectly.
Variations
The beauty of Honey Mustard Grilled Salmon with Avocado Basil Sauce is how easily you can tweak it for various tastes or dietary requirements. Feel free to experiment with these ideas:
- Swap the protein: Try this glaze and sauce with grilled chicken or tofu for different but equally satisfying results.
- Add herbs: Incorporate cilantro, parsley, or mint into the avocado sauce to change the flavor profile.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the honey mustard marinade for a subtle kick.
- Dairy twist: Mix in a dollop of Greek yogurt into the avocado sauce for extra creaminess and tang.
- Nutty addition: Top the salmon with toasted pine nuts or almonds to add crunch and richness.
How to Make Honey Mustard Grilled Salmon with Avocado Basil Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Honey Mustard Marinade
Combine honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk together until smooth and well blended to create the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
Step 2: Marinate the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets into a shallow dish and generously coat them with the honey mustard marinade. Let them soak up the flavors for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes if time allows, to tenderize and infuse the fish.
Step 3: Make the Avocado Basil Sauce
While the salmon marinates, blend ripe avocado, fresh basil leaves, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a food processor or blender until creamy and smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside.
Step 4: Grill the Salmon
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the marinated salmon skin-side down and grill for 4–5 minutes per side, or until the salmon flakes easily and develops a lovely char. Be careful not to overcook.
Step 5: Serve
Plate the grilled salmon and generously spoon the avocado basil sauce over the top or alongside. Garnish with extra fresh basil or lemon wedges if desired.
Pro Tips for Making Honey Mustard Grilled Salmon with Avocado Basil Sauce
- Choose fresh salmon: Opt for wild-caught or sustainably sourced salmon for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t over-marinate: Keep the marinating time short to avoid fish that’s too soft or mushy.
- Keep the grill clean: Prevent sticking and tearing by oiling your grill grates before cooking.
- Use ripe avocados: For silky, creamy sauce, pick avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure.
- Adjust sauce thickness: Thin the avocado basil sauce with a splash of water or olive oil if it feels too thick.
- Rest the salmon: Let cooked salmon rest for a few minutes off the heat to retain juices and improve flavor.
How to Serve Honey Mustard Grilled Salmon with Avocado Basil Sauce
Garnishes
Brighten your dish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and freshly cracked black pepper for visual appeal and extra flavor payoff.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with crisp salads, grilled vegetables, or fluffy quinoa to keep the meal light and wholesome but satisfying. Roasted sweet potatoes or a citrusy slaw also make excellent companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salmon over a bed of mixed greens or wilted spinach, topped with dollops of avocado basil sauce, thin lemon slices, and an edible flower for a stunning dinner party plate that wows guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover grilled salmon and avocado basil sauce in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
While grilled salmon freezes well, the avocado basil sauce is best fresh. Freeze salmon fillets separately for up to 1 month, then thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat salmon gently in a low oven or covered skillet to prevent drying out. Serve with freshly made or chilled avocado basil sauce for maximum creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, frozen salmon works well; just be sure to thaw it completely and pat dry before marinating to ensure even cooking and flavor absorption.
Is this recipe suitable for a keto diet?
Absolutely, this dish is low in carbs and high in healthy fats and protein, making it a great option for keto-friendly meals.
How spicy is the honey mustard marinade?
The marinade is mildly tangy and sweet without any heat, but you can easily add cayenne or chili flakes to increase the spice level according to your preference.
Can I prepare the avocado basil sauce ahead of time?
You can make the sauce a few hours in advance; just cover it tightly with plastic wrap pressed onto the surface to prevent browning.
What’s the best way to know when the salmon is done?
The salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches about 125-130°F for medium-rare, or higher if you prefer it fully cooked.
Final Thoughts
Honey Mustard Grilled Salmon with Avocado Basil Sauce is a brilliant recipe that effortlessly blends healthful ingredients with bold flavors, perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special celebration, this dish will bring joy to your table and inspire you to enjoy wholesome, delicious meals. Give it a try and savor every bite of this fantastic combination!
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Honey Mustard Grilled Salmon with Avocado Basil Sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Honey Mustard Grilled Salmon with Avocado Basil Sauce is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining smoky, caramelized grilled salmon with a creamy, herbaceous avocado basil sauce. This recipe balances tangy, sweet, and fresh flavors while remaining quick and easy to prepare, perfect for healthy weeknight meals or elegant gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Salmon and Marinade
- 4 fresh salmon fillets (skin-on preferred)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
For the Avocado Basil Sauce
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Honey Mustard Marinade: Combine honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk together until smooth and well blended to create the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
- Marinate the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets into a shallow dish and generously coat them with the honey mustard marinade. Let them soak up the flavors for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes if time allows, to tenderize and infuse the fish.
- Make the Avocado Basil Sauce: While the salmon marinates, blend ripe avocado, fresh basil leaves, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a food processor or blender until creamy and smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside.
- Grill the Salmon: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the marinated salmon skin-side down and grill for 4–5 minutes per side, or until the salmon flakes easily and develops a lovely char. Be careful not to overcook.
- Serve: Plate the grilled salmon and generously spoon the avocado basil sauce over the top or alongside. Garnish with extra fresh basil or lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
- Choose fresh salmon: Opt for wild-caught or sustainably sourced salmon for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t over-marinate: Keep the marinating time short to avoid fish that’s too soft or mushy.
- Keep the grill clean: Prevent sticking and tearing by oiling your grill grates before cooking.
- Use ripe avocados: For silky, creamy sauce, pick avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure.
- Adjust sauce thickness: Thin the avocado basil sauce with a splash of water or olive oil if it feels too thick.
- Rest the salmon: Let cooked salmon rest for a few minutes off the heat to retain juices and improve flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with sauce
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg