Flawless Olive Garden Herb Grilled Salmon, Just 20 Minutes

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Author: Rachel Evans
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Olive Garden Herb Grilled Salmon

Okay, so who doesn’t love recreating their favorite restaurant dishes… at home?! And this Olive Garden Herb Grilled Salmon recipe? Total winner. It’s simple, it’s healthy-ish (we’re still using olive oil!), and it tastes *amazing*. Seriously, I used to think that good salmon was something you could only get at a restaurant. But then I started experimenting, and BAM! Now, I can have my Olive Garden Herb Grilled Salmon anytime I want. It’s so easy, you’ll be shocked. I mean, who knew that perfectly grilled salmon could be this simple?

Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Herb Grilled Salmon Recipe

Quick and Easy Olive Garden Herb Grilled Salmon

Seriously, from fridge to plate in under 20 minutes? Yes, please! It’s faster than waiting for takeout.

Delicious Restaurant-Quality Flavor at Home

You get that Olive Garden vibe without leaving the house. Trust me, it’s pretty darn close to the real deal!

A Healthy and Satisfying Meal

All those healthy fats and protein? It’ll keep you full and happy. Plus, salmon is just good for you, right?

Simple Ingredients and Preparation

Nothing fancy here! Just easy-to-find ingredients and steps that anyone can follow. Even *I* can’t mess it up!

Ingredients for Olive Garden Herb Grilled Salmon

Okay, let’s talk ingredients. Nothing too crazy here, promise! You probably already have most of this stuff in your pantry. The key is getting good salmon, so don’t skimp there!

  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each): Make sure they’re skin-on or skin-off, whatever you prefer! I usually go for skin-on ’cause it gets nice and crispy on the grill.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil: Extra virgin, of course! It adds so much flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is always best, but bottled works in a pinch.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced: I’m a garlic lover, so sometimes I add a little extra. Don’t tell anyone!
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds that classic Italian flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Another must-have for that Olive Garden taste.
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Don’t skip this! It adds an earthy note that’s just perfect.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt: Season to taste, of course!
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is always the way to go for me.
  • Lemon wedges, for serving: Because a little extra lemon never hurt anyone!

Equipment Needed for Olive Garden Herb Grilled Salmon

Alright, let’s gather our gear! You really don’t need much for this, which is another reason why I love it. Gotta love easy cleanup, right?

  • Grill or Grill Pan: Whatever you’ve got! A grill gives it that smoky flavor, but a grill pan works great indoors.
  • Small Bowl: For mixing up our herb magic.
  • Whisk: To get everything nicely combined.
  • Brush: To slather that goodness all over the salmon.

How to Prepare Olive Garden Herb Grilled Salmon: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, now for the fun part! Seriously, this is so easy, you’ll be making this Olive Garden Herb Grilled Salmon every week. Trust me!

Preparing the Herb Marinade

First, grab that small bowl and whisk. In it, you’re gonna mix the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk it all together until it’s nicely combined. You want it to look all emulsified and happy!

Marinating the Salmon Fillets

Now, take that brush and slather the herb mixture all over the salmon fillets! Get every nook and cranny. If you have time, let it sit for about 30 minutes in the fridge. It really kicks up the flavor, you know?

Grilling the Olive Garden Herb Grilled Salmon to Perfection

Alright, crank up that grill to medium heat – you want it nice and hot! Once it’s ready, place the salmon on the grill. Grill for about 4-6 minutes per side. How do you know it’s done? Well, it should flake easily with a fork. Don’t overcook it!

Olive Garden Herb Grilled Salmon - detail 1

Serving Your Delicious Olive Garden Herb Grilled Salmon

Take those beautiful, perfectly grilled salmon fillets and put them on a plate. Squeeze some fresh lemon wedges over the top – it really brightens up the flavors. And there you have it! Olive Garden Herb Grilled Salmon, made by *you*!

Tips for the Best Olive Garden Herb Grilled Salmon

Don’t Overcook the Salmon

Seriously, this is key! Overcooked salmon is dry and sad. You want it to be moist and flaky. If white stuff starts oozing out, you’ve gone too far! Pull it off the grill *just* before you think it’s done.

Adjust the Seasoning to Your Taste

Don’t be afraid to play around with the herbs! If you love garlic, add more! If you’re not a fan of thyme, use less. Make it *yours*!

Marinating for Deeper Flavor

Okay, so I mentioned this before, but it’s worth repeating: marinating is your friend! Even just 30 minutes makes a HUGE difference in the flavor. The longer, the better, really!

Serving Suggestions for Your Olive Garden Herb Grilled Salmon

Okay, so you’ve got this amazing Olive Garden Herb Grilled Salmon… what do you serve with it?! Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. You want sides that complement the salmon, not overpower it, you know?

Classic Sides

Some simple pasta with a little olive oil and garlic would be amazing. Roasted vegetables are always a good idea, too! Or how about a nice, light salad with a lemon vinaigrette?

Olive Garden Herb Grilled Salmon - detail 2

Wine Pairing

A crisp white wine, like a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, pairs perfectly with salmon. It’s light and refreshing and won’t compete with the flavors.

Complete the Meal

Want to really get that Olive Garden experience? Serve it with some breadsticks! Okay, maybe I’m obsessed with breadsticks… but they’re so good!

Frequently Asked Questions About Olive Garden Herb Grilled Salmon

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some things folks often ask me about this Olive Garden Herb Grilled Salmon recipe.

Can I bake the Olive Garden Herb Grilled Salmon?

Absolutely! If grilling isn’t your thing, bake it at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until it flakes easily. Keep an eye on it, though! You don’t want it to dry out.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs?

Totally! Fresh herbs are awesome. Just remember that fresh herbs are generally less potent than dried, so use about 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs for every 1 teaspoon of dried.

How long does Olive Garden Herb Grilled Salmon last in the fridge?

Cooked salmon will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it from drying out. Reheat gently – you can microwave it, but I prefer to warm it in a pan with a little olive oil.

Olive Garden Herb Grilled Salmon - detail 3

Nutritional Information for Olive Garden Herb Grilled Salmon

Alright, let’s talk numbers! Now, before you get all serious on me, remember that these are *estimates*. The exact nutritional content of your Olive Garden Herb Grilled Salmon will vary depending on the specific ingredients you use – brands, sizes, all that jazz. I’m not a nutritionist, just a home cook who loves to share! So, please don’t take this as gospel, okay?

Enjoyed This Olive Garden Herb Grilled Salmon?

So, did you love this Olive Garden Herb Grilled Salmon as much as I do?! I really, really hope so! If you tried it, please, please leave a comment below and let me know what you think! A rating would be amazing too – it helps other people find this recipe. And hey, if you’re feeling social, share a pic on your favorite platform! I’d love to see your creations!

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Olive Garden Herb Grilled Salmon

Flawless Olive Garden Herb Grilled Salmon, Just 20 Minutes

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  • Author: Rachel Evans
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Herb Grilled Salmon inspired by Olive Garden. Simple to make at home.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat grill to medium heat.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  3. Brush salmon fillets with herb mixture.
  4. Grill salmon for 4-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Notes

  • Adjust seasoning to your liking.
  • For extra flavor, marinate the salmon for 30 minutes before grilling.
  • You can also bake the salmon in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 fillet (6 oz)
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

Hi, I’m Rachel!

Recipe creator, food enthusiast, and busy mom on a mission to simplify dinner without sacrificing flavor. I share tried-and-true recipes that are easy to follow, budget-friendly, and always satisfying. Let’s make dinnertime the best part of your day!

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