Grilled Salmon Rice with Creamy Lemon Herb Sauce

Posted on May 21, 2025

Grilled Salmon Rice with Creamy Lemon Herb Sauce

Welcome to your new favorite meal: Grilled Salmon Rice with Creamy Lemon Herb Sauce. This dish not only showcases the rich flavors of salmon but also pairs it beautifully with fluffy jasmine rice and a tangy, herb-infused sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or an elegant weekend gathering, this recipe is sure to impress both family and friends. The combination of grilled salmon, aromatic rice, and a creamy sauce creates a delightful experience for your taste buds, leaving you satisfied and craving more.

What makes this dish truly special is its balance of flavors and textures. The succulent grilled salmon offers heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, while the jasmine rice provides a fragrant and light foundation. Topping it all off is the creamy lemon herb sauce that adds a zesty freshness to every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this dish and how to make it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When it comes to healthy and delicious meals, Grilled Salmon Rice with Creamy Lemon Herb Sauce hits all the right notes. Here are several reasons why this recipe deserves a spot in your meal rotation:

  • Health Benefits: Salmon is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It’s an excellent source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins. This dish makes it easy to incorporate more healthy seafood into your diet.
  • Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this meal in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
  • Flavor Explosion: The blend of spices on the salmon and the fresh herbs in the sauce create a mouthwatering flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the rice.
  • Customizable: Feel free to experiment! You can add seasonal vegetables or swap out the rice for quinoa or farro to suit your dietary preferences.
  • Impressive Presentation: This dish looks as good as it tastes. The vibrant colors of the salmon, rice, and sauce make it a feast for the eyes, perfect for entertaining.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

If you’re still on the fence, consider this: Grilled Salmon Rice with Creamy Lemon Herb Sauce is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Here’s why you should give it a try:

  • Convenience: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples. You can easily prepare this dish on a whim, making it a go-to recipe for spontaneous dinners.
  • Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this dish. The mild flavor of the salmon, combined with the creamy sauce, makes it appealing to picky eaters.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: You can grill extra salmon and store it in the fridge for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Pair it with different sides for variety!
  • Delicious Leftovers: If you happen to have any leftovers, they reheat beautifully and can be enjoyed cold in salads.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

To create the perfect Grilled Salmon Rice with Creamy Lemon Herb Sauce, gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients for Grilled Salmon

  • 4 salmon fillets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Ingredients for Rice

  • 1 cup jasmine rice
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt to taste

Ingredients for Creamy Lemon Herb Sauce

  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Necessary Utensils

  • Medium saucepan
  • Grill or grill pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Fork for fluffing rice
  • Grilling spatula

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s break down the steps to prepare this delectable dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

  1. Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps achieve perfectly fluffy rice.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water (or vegetable broth), olive oil, and salt. This will enhance the flavor of the rice.
  3. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
  4. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving to separate the grains.

Step 2: Grill the Salmon

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that the salmon gets a nice sear.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and lemon juice to create a marinade.
  3. Brush this marinade generously over the salmon fillets, ensuring they are well coated.
  4. Place the salmon on the grill, skin side down. Grill for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Lemon Herb Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, dill, parsley, salt, and pepper.
  2. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

  1. On each plate, serve a portion of the fluffy jasmine rice.
  2. Top each serving with a grilled salmon fillet.
  3. Drizzle the creamy lemon herb sauce generously over the salmon and rice.
  4. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired for an extra pop of color and flavor.

FAQs

What side dishes go well with Grilled Salmon Rice with Creamy Lemon Herb Sauce?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, a fresh green salad, or a light citrus salad. You could also serve it with garlic bread for a heartier meal.

Can I use frozen salmon for grilling?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. Just make sure to pat it dry before marinating and grilling.

How do I know when the salmon is perfectly grilled?

The salmon is perfectly grilled when it flakes easily with a fork and has reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The flesh should be opaque and moist.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The creamy lemon herb sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before serving.

Is there a substitute for Greek yogurt in the sauce?

Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream or a dairy-free yogurt alternative if you’re looking for a non-dairy option.

Conclusion

In summary, Grilled Salmon Rice with Creamy Lemon Herb Sauce brings together nutritious ingredients and delightful flavors in a simple yet elegant dish. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something special for a gathering, this recipe has you covered. Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to try this recipe! If you loved it, please share it on social media and inspire others to enjoy this delicious meal.

For more delightful recipes, check out our other favorites: Blackened Salmon Rice Bowls with Creamy Dill Sauce and Teriyaki Salmon Strips with Creamy Ginger Dip. Happy cooking!

For more inspiration, visit my Pinterest: Cheflora Recipes.

Grilled Salmon Rice with Creamy Lemon Herb Sauce

Grilled Salmon Rice with Creamy Lemon Herb Sauce

A delicious and healthy dish featuring grilled salmon served over fluffy jasmine rice, topped with a creamy lemon herb sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • Grill
  • Medium saucepan
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Fork

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 4 fillets Salmon fillets
  • 3 tablespoons Olive oil Divided for salmon and rice
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice Divided for salmon and sauce
  • 1 cup Jasmine rice
  • 2 cups Vegetable broth Can substitute water
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons Mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, vegetable broth, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat.
  • Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
  • Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
  • Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  • In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Brush the mixture over the salmon fillets.
  • Place the salmon on the grill, skin side down. Grill for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
  • In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, lemon zest, dill, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  • Serve a portion of the fluffy jasmine rice on each plate. Top with a grilled salmon fillet.
  • Drizzle the creamy lemon herb sauce over the salmon and rice. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Feel free to substitute other herbs or add vegetables for extra nutrition.
Keyword grilled, rice, salmon

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