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
Units
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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