Grilled Salmon with Lime Butter
There’s something about grilled salmon that just feels special—without requiring anything over-the-top or time-consuming. This Grilled Salmon with Lime Butter is one of those recipes I come back to again and again. It’s light, fresh, and full of flavor, with just enough citrusy richness to make it dinner party-worthy… but still simple enough for a weeknight meal.
This dish has become a go-to in our home—not just because it’s delicious, but because it always turns out beautifully. I first discovered a version of this recipe thanks to chef Ian Knauer and Bon Appétit, and I’ve made it my own over time, tweaking the butter sauce and adding a little extra lime zest for that bright spring finish.
It’s perfect for those first outdoor gatherings of the season or Easter weekend when you want something that’s elegant but easy, and that won’t keep you stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is outside enjoying the sunshine.
Tip: No grill? No problem. Use a well-oiled, heavy grill pan indoors over medium-high heat. It works beautifully.
Grilled Salmon with Lime Butter
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Equipment
- charcoal or gas grill
- fish griller or grill rack
Ingredients
- 6 6 oz pieces center cut salmon filets with skin about 1-inch thick
- 1 ½ tsp finely grated fresh lime zest
- 6 tbsp lime butter sauce click for recipe
- salt and pepper
- olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare grill for cooking over medium-hot charcoal (moderate heat for gas)
- Season salmon all over with salt and pepper6 6 oz pieces center cut salmon filets with skin, salt and pepper
- Place filets on a lightly oiled fish griller or grill rackolive oil
- Grill, flesh sides down, (covered only if using gas grill) for 4 minutes.
- Turn fillets over and grill (covered only if using gas grill) until just cooked through, 4 to 6 minutes more.
- Sprinkle fillets with zest and top each with 1 tablespoon lime butter sauce.1 ½ tsp finely grated fresh lime zest, 6 tbsp lime butter sauce
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Cooking Tips
- Let the salmon rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before grilling. This helps it cook evenly.
- Use skin-on filets if possible—the skin protects the fish from overcooking and gives you that crisp edge.
- Brush the grill or grill pan with a bit of oil before cooking to prevent sticking.
- If your filets vary in size, remove smaller pieces a minute or two earlier to avoid overcooking.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Blender or immersion blender (for the sauce)
- Outdoor grill or stovetop grill pan
- Fish spatula or tongs (for flipping the salmon)
- Sharp chef’s knife and cutting board (for prepping zest and garlic)
- Microplane or zester
- Serving platter
Nutrition
Health Benefits
Not only is this dish packed with flavor, it’s also full of key nutrients that support energy, heart health, and inflammation regulation as we age:
- Salmon is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which are shown to reduce inflammation, improve heart health, and support cognitive function—especially important as estrogen levels decline during menopause.
- Lime juice provides vitamin C to support collagen production and immune health, and it adds brightness without any added sugar.
Garlic contains allicin, a compound linked to cholesterol regulation and cardiovascular health. It’s also a natural antimicrobial, which helps support immune function. - Butter in moderation adds richness without the need for heavy cream or sauces. A little goes a long way here—especially when paired with healthy fats from the salmon.
Final Thoughts
This is one of those recipes that really shines in its simplicity. It’s fresh, satisfying, and feels like something you’d be served at a restaurant—without any of the stress or fuss. And for women over 50 focused on staying vibrant and energized, this dish brings together healthy fats, clean protein, and bold flavor in one pretty package.
Whether you’re planning your Easter menu or just need a new salmon recipe to add to the rotation, this one’s worth bookmarking. I hope you love it as much as we do.