Grilled Salmon Skewers with Cilantro Sauce
Juicy cubes of salmon marinated in olive oil, lemon, and herbs, grilled to perfection, and served with a zesty cilantro sauce. This dish combines the richness of salmon with the freshness of Mediterranean herbs for a balanced, nutrient-rich meal.
⏱ Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Marinate: 20 minutes
Cook: 10–12 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Salmon Skewers
400 g (about 14 oz) salmon fillet, skinless, cut into 1½-inch cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp garlic powder or 1 clove garlic, minced
½ tsp paprika (optional, mild)
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried oregano or thyme
Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 20 min before grilling)
For the Cilantro Sauce
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, packed
2 tbsp fresh parsley (optional, for balance)
1 small garlic clove
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice or lime juice
1 tbsp Greek yogurt or avocado (for creaminess)
Salt & pepper to taste
1–2 tbsp water (to thin, if needed)
Optional for Serving
Lemon wedges
Cooked white rice, quinoa, or couscous
Side of grilled veggies (zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes)
Instructions
1. Marinate the Salmon
In a bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Add salmon cubes and gently toss to coat.
Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes.
2. Make the Cilantro Sauce
In a blender or food processor, combine cilantro, parsley, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, yogurt, salt, and pepper.
Blend until smooth. Add water 1 tbsp at a time until it reaches a drizzling consistency.
Adjust seasoning to taste (more lemon for brightness, salt for depth).
3. Assemble the Skewers
Thread marinated salmon cubes onto skewers (about 4–5 pieces per skewer).
Optional: Alternate with vegetables like bell peppers or onions for extra color.
4. Grill
Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Lightly oil the grates.
Grill skewers for 8–10 minutes total, turning occasionally, until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
5. Serve
Drizzle cilantro sauce over the grilled salmon or serve it on the side.
Garnish with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Tips & Variations
No grill? Pan-sear or bake the skewers at 200°C (400°F) for about 12–15 minutes.
Make it creamy: Add a spoon of Greek yogurt or tahini to the sauce.
Extra Mediterranean touch: Add a handful of chopped olives or a drizzle of honey over the grilled salmon before serving.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 36 g
Fat: 26 g
Carbohydrates: 6 g
Omega-3 fatty acids: High