Grilled Mediterranean Salmon in Foil: A Flavorful & Easy Recipe
Grilled salmon is a summer staple, and this Mediterranean twist takes it to the next level. Cooking salmon in foil not only makes cleanup a breeze but also seals in all the delicious flavors, resulting in a moist and tender fillet every time. This recipe is packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a bright lemon-garlic sauce that perfectly complements the rich flavor of the salmon. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a beginner, this recipe is incredibly easy to follow and guaranteed to impress. Get ready to transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean!
Why Grill Salmon in Foil?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why grilling salmon in foil is a fantastic cooking method:
* **Moisture Retention:** Foil packets create a steamy environment that helps retain the salmon’s natural moisture. This prevents the fish from drying out, which is a common problem when grilling.
* **Even Cooking:** The foil helps distribute heat evenly, ensuring that the salmon cooks through consistently.
* **Flavor Infusion:** The foil traps the aromatic flavors of the herbs, vegetables, and sauce, allowing them to infuse the salmon as it cooks.
* **Easy Cleanup:** No scrubbing necessary! Simply discard the foil packet after you’re done.
* **Versatility:** You can easily customize the ingredients in your foil packet to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious grilled Mediterranean salmon:
* **Salmon Fillets:** 4 (6-8 ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off (your preference)
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons
* **Lemon Juice:** 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced
* **Dried Oregano:** 1 teaspoon
* **Dried Basil:** 1 teaspoon
* **Salt:** 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
* **Black Pepper:** 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste
* **Cherry Tomatoes:** 1 pint, halved
* **Kalamata Olives:** 1/2 cup, pitted and halved
* **Red Onion:** 1/2, thinly sliced
* **Bell Pepper:** 1, any color, thinly sliced
* **Feta Cheese:** 4 ounces, crumbled
* **Fresh Parsley:** 1/4 cup, chopped, for garnish
* **Lemon Wedges:** For serving
Equipment
* Grill
* Aluminum Foil: Heavy-duty foil is recommended.
* Cutting Board
* Knife
* Mixing Bowl
* Spoon or Whisk
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create perfectly grilled Mediterranean salmon in foil:
**1. Prepare the Salmon:**
* Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps remove excess moisture and allows the seasoning to adhere better.
* If using salmon with the skin on, you can score the skin lightly with a sharp knife to prevent it from curling during grilling. Be careful not to cut into the flesh of the salmon.
**2. Make the Lemon-Garlic Sauce:**
* In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
* Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
**3. Assemble the Foil Packets:**
* Cut four large pieces of aluminum foil, each about 12 inches long. You want them to be large enough to completely enclose the salmon and vegetables.
* Place one piece of foil on a flat surface. Lightly brush the center of the foil with olive oil to prevent the salmon from sticking.
* Place one salmon fillet in the center of the foil.
* Top the salmon with a portion of the cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onion, and bell pepper.
* Drizzle a generous amount of the lemon-garlic sauce over the salmon and vegetables.
* Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese.
**4. Seal the Foil Packets:**
* Bring the two long sides of the foil together above the salmon. Fold them over several times to create a tight seal.
* Fold in the two short ends of the foil to completely enclose the salmon and vegetables in a sealed packet. Make sure the packet is sealed tightly to prevent steam from escaping.
* Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the remaining salmon fillets.
**5. Preheat the Grill:**
* Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350-400°F or 175-200°C). If using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are evenly distributed.
* Clean the grill grates with a wire brush to remove any debris.
**6. Grill the Salmon:**
* Carefully place the foil packets on the preheated grill.
* Close the grill lid and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets and the temperature of your grill.
* Check for doneness by carefully opening one of the foil packets. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily.
**7. Serve and Enjoy:**
* Carefully remove the foil packets from the grill using tongs or a spatula.
* Let the packets rest for a few minutes before opening them. Be careful when opening the packets, as steam will escape.
* Garnish the salmon with fresh chopped parsley.
* Serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing.
Tips for Grilling Success
* **Use Heavy-Duty Foil:** Heavy-duty foil is less likely to tear or puncture during grilling.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Packets:** Make sure there is enough room in the foil packets for the steam to circulate and cook the salmon evenly.
* **Adjust Cooking Time:** Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets and the temperature of your grill. Check for doneness after 12 minutes and adjust accordingly.
* **Don’t Overcook the Salmon:** Overcooked salmon will be dry and tough. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
* **Add a Splash of White Wine:** For extra flavor, add a splash of dry white wine to the foil packets before sealing them.
* **Get Creative with Vegetables:** Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables to your foil packets, such as zucchini, yellow squash, or artichoke hearts.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the lemon-garlic sauce for a little heat.
* **Use Fresh Herbs:** Fresh herbs will add a more vibrant flavor to the salmon. If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs, but use about half the amount.
* **Marinate the Salmon:** For even more flavor, marinate the salmon in the lemon-garlic sauce for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
Variations and Substitutions
* **Different Fish:** While salmon is the star of this recipe, you can easily substitute other types of fish, such as cod, halibut, or trout. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Vegetarian Option:** For a vegetarian option, you can grill halloumi cheese in foil with the same Mediterranean vegetables and sauce.
* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes or hot sauce to your liking.
* **Cheese:** If you’re not a fan of feta cheese, you can use goat cheese or Parmesan cheese instead.
* **Lemon Alternatives:** Lime juice can be used in place of lemon juice for a slightly different flavor profile.
* **Herb Variations:** Experiment with different herbs, such as dill, thyme, or rosemary.
Serving Suggestions
This grilled Mediterranean salmon is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to complete your meal:
* **Quinoa or Couscous:** Serve the salmon over a bed of quinoa or couscous for a hearty and healthy meal.
* **Greek Salad:** Pair the salmon with a refreshing Greek salad for a light and flavorful meal.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Serve the salmon with roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
* **Grilled Bread:** Grill some crusty bread and serve it alongside the salmon for dipping into the sauce.
* **Tzatziki Sauce:** Serve with a dollop of tzatziki sauce for a cool and creamy contrast to the grilled salmon.
* **Lemon Rice:** Complement the salmon with a bright and flavorful lemon rice.
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can prepare the foil packets ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This is a great option if you’re short on time or want to prep for a party. Just be sure to add the feta cheese just before grilling to prevent it from becoming soggy.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover grilled salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)
* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 35-45g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g
*Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
Conclusion
This grilled Mediterranean salmon in foil recipe is a simple, flavorful, and healthy way to enjoy salmon. The foil packet method ensures that the salmon stays moist and tender, while the Mediterranean flavors add a delicious twist. With easy cleanup and customizable ingredients, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend barbecues, or any occasion where you want a delicious and impressive meal. So fire up your grill and get ready to enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean!