Grilled Dijon Citrus Salmon with Fresh Summer Salad

If you’re like me, you’re always on the hunt for that one meal that feels like sunshine on a plate—light, satisfying, and bursting with bright, fresh flavor. Enter this Grilled Dijon Citrus Salmon & Salad—it’s one of those easy recipes that feels fancy enough for a dinner party but quick enough for a healthy weeknight meal.

This recipe brings together tender grilled salmon—crisped up perfectly on the skin side—and a fresh salad packed with crunchy radishes, creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and herby dill. Topped off with tangy blue cheese crumbles and drizzled with a zippy Dijon citrus vinaigrette, every bite hits all the right notes: bright, savory, creamy, and just a little tangy.

So, let’s break it down—what makes this dish so special, and how can you recreate it at home without fuss?

More Salad Recipes:

• Fresh Summer Panzanella Salad Recipe
• The Best Chicken Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing
• Refreshing Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe You’ll Want on Repeat
• Grilled Balsamic Marinated Steak Salad With Spinach and Feta Cheese

How To Make Grilled Dijon Citrus Salmon With Side Salad

The Secret’s in the Vinaigrette

I’m a big believer that a good vinaigrette can turn even a simple piece of fish into something you’d happily pay for at a fancy bistro. This Dijon citrus vinaigrette is so simple, yet it brings so much punch to the party. All you need is:

• 6 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• Juice of one large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
• 3 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Just whisk it all together in a small bowl and taste it—don’t be shy about adjusting the seasoning to get it just how you like it. If you like a little extra tang, add another squeeze of lemon. Want it spicier? Add a bit more Dijon. You’re the boss here!

Let’s Talk Salmon

Salmon is one of my favorite fish to grill—it’s hearty, it holds together well, and the skin crisps up beautifully if you leave it on. For this recipe, you’ll want four 4-ounce salmon fillets, skin on.

Start by patting them dry with paper towels (this helps the skin get nice and crisp), then season with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Next, spoon a tablespoon of that delicious Dijon citrus vinaigrette over each fillet. Let them rest for about five minutes—this gives the flavors time to soak in while you prep the salad.

When you’re ready to cook, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a stove-top grill pan over medium heat. Carefully add the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for about 3-5 minutes per side—but remember, the exact cook time depends on the thickness of your fillets and how cold they were when you started.

The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is still slightly pink in the center (unless you prefer it fully cooked through).

Build That Gorgeous Salad

While the salmon is sizzling away, get your salad base ready. I love how simple but flavorful this combination is. On each plate, arrange:

• 3 cups mixed salad greens, torn into bite-size pieces
• 1 medium avocado, sliced
• 1/2 cup sliced radishes
• 1/4 cup fresh dill
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber

The dill really makes this salad feel fresh and summery, so don’t skip it! If you’re a fan of extra crunch, you could even throw in some thinly sliced red onion or a few cherry tomatoes for more color.

The Creamy Salad Dressing

To add a little extra richness, this salad gets a few dollops of a quick, creamy dressing made from:

• 1/4 cup sour cream
• Juice from half a large lemon
• Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Just stir it all together until smooth—so easy, but it brings a lovely tang that balances the vinaigrette and the richness of the salmon.

Bringing It All Together

When the salmon is done, place one fillet on each salad plate right on top of the greens. Spoon a few dollops of the creamy dressing around the salad, then sprinkle with 1/4 cup of crumbled blue cheese and a sprinkle of black sesame seeds, if you like a little extra pop and crunch.

Finally, give the whole thing another light drizzle of the Dijon citrus vinaigrette for that final bright, zesty touch.

Tips & Serving Ideas

• Serve Immediately: This salad is best enjoyed fresh while the salmon is warm and the greens are crisp.
• Pair with Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly oaked Chardonnay goes beautifully with the citrusy salmon.
• Make It Yours: Swap the blue cheese for feta or goat cheese if that’s what you have on hand. Don’t love radishes? Add sliced bell peppers instead.

Why You’ll Love This Meal

Besides being downright delicious, this recipe is healthy, balanced, and super satisfying. The healthy fats from the salmon and avocado keep you full, while the fresh veggies and zippy dressing wake up your taste buds without weighing you down.

Plus, it’s all done in about 30 minutes, so it’s totally doable on a busy weeknight but special enough for a weekend dinner with friends or family.

If you’re cooking for more than four, you can easily double the recipe—just make a bigger batch of vinaigrette and salad, and grill as many fillets as you need.

So, the next time you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and satisfying, give this Grilled Dijon Citrus Salmon & Salad a try. It’s easy, delicious, and guaranteed to impress—whether you’re making it for yourself or for a table full of hungry guests.