These Easy Salmon Kebabs are the perfect healthy and vibrant dish for any grill session. The juicy salmon is paired with colorful bell peppers and zesty lemon, all marinated and grilled to perfection. It’s a quick, flavorful recipe that’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or summer cookouts. Whether served as a main or appetizer, these kebabs will surely impress!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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1 ½ tablespoons fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley (finely chopped)
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2 garlic cloves (finely minced)
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½ teaspoon kosher salt
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¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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1 ½ pounds wild salmon fillet (skinless), cut into 1-inch cubes
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2 bell peppers (cut into pieces roughly the same size as the salmon cubes)
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2 large lemons (1 sliced into thin rounds, 1 cut into wedges for serving)
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8 metal skewers (or wooden skewers soaked in water for at least 1 hour)
Directions
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Preheat the Grill:
Heat your grill over medium heat. -
Prepare the Marinade:
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, parsley, garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper. Set aside. -
Assemble the Kebabs:
Using two skewers for each kebab, thread alternating pieces of salmon, bell pepper, and lemon slices (fold the lemon slices in half). Repeat until you have 4 kebabs. -
Season the Kebabs:
Brush or spoon the olive oil and seasoning mixture over the kebabs, covering them on all sides. Sprinkle with additional salt and pepper. -
Grill the Kebabs:
Grill the kebabs for 6-8 minutes, turning 1-2 times, until the salmon is opaque and cooked through. -
Serve:
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the kebabs and serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side.
Nutrients (per serving)
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Calories: 350 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 10g
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Protein: 35g
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Fat: 20g
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Saturated Fat: 3g
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Cholesterol: 80mg
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Sodium: 420mg
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Potassium: 850mg
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Fiber: 3g
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Sugar: 6g
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Vitamin A: 350 IU
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Vitamin C: 40mg
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Calcium: 50mg
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Iron: 2mg
The Key Ingredients: Salmon, Bell Peppers, and Lemon
The star of this dish is, of course, the wild salmon. Salmon is not only rich in flavor but also packed with healthy omega-3 fatty acids and protein, making it an excellent choice for a nutritious meal. Using skinless wild-caught salmon fillets ensures the kebabs cook evenly and stay tender.
The bell peppers add a pop of color, crunch, and sweetness to the dish, complementing the rich, savory flavor of the salmon. The peppers also provide a nice contrast in texture, making each bite of the kebab satisfying and well-rounded.
Lemon plays a key role in enhancing the overall flavor profile. Fresh lemon slices are threaded onto the skewers to add a touch of tanginess and zest. The lemon slices, folded in half, also cook beautifully on the grill, adding a smoky depth to the citrus flavor.
The Marinade: Simple Yet Flavorful
The marinade for these salmon kebabs is incredibly simple but packed with flavor. Olive oil serves as the base, providing a smooth and rich texture that helps the seasonings adhere to the salmon and vegetables. Fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley adds a bright, herbal note that lightens the dish. Garlic brings savory depth, while kosher salt and black pepper enhance the overall flavor.
This marinade not only adds seasoning to the salmon but also helps to keep it moist while grilling. The simple mixture of olive oil, herbs, and seasonings complements the natural flavors of the salmon without overpowering them.
Assembling the Kebabs
Once the marinade is prepared, it’s time to assemble the kebabs. For the best grilling results, it’s important to use two skewers for each kebab, which helps keep the ingredients from rotating and makes it easier to flip the kebabs without losing any pieces. Alternate the salmon cubes, bell pepper chunks, and folded lemon slices on the skewers, making sure to pack them closely together.
By folding the lemon slices in half, you ensure that the lemons don’t slip off the skewer while grilling, and they release just the right amount of juice during cooking to infuse the salmon with extra flavor. Repeat the process until you have 4 kebabs, ready to be seasoned and grilled.
Grilling the Salmon Kebabs
Once the kebabs are assembled, it’s time to cook them. Preheat your grill over medium heat, ensuring it’s hot enough to cook the salmon through while creating a nice sear. Brush or spoon the olive oil and seasoning mixture over the kebabs, covering them evenly on all sides. This helps to lock in moisture and flavor, ensuring a juicy result.
Grill the kebabs for 6-8 minutes, turning them 1-2 times to ensure they cook evenly. The salmon should become opaque and easily flake with a fork, indicating it’s fully cooked. Be sure not to overcook the salmon to maintain its tenderness and flavor.
Serving the Kebabs
Once the kebabs are done, remove them from the grill and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top for an added burst of citrus flavor. You can also serve the kebabs with extra lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze to their preference.
These salmon kebabs are perfect for serving immediately while they’re still hot and juicy. They pair wonderfully with a variety of sides, such as a fresh green salad, grilled vegetables, or even rice. The bright, citrusy notes of the lemon and the smokiness from the grill complement the rich flavor of the salmon, making each bite irresistible.
Why These Salmon Kebabs Are Perfect for Any Occasion
These Easy Salmon Kebabs are perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout, looking for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner, or needing an impressive appetizer, these kebabs are sure to please. They are quick to make, light yet satisfying, and can be easily customized with different vegetables or seasonings to suit your preferences.
The combination of tender salmon, smoky grilled vegetables, and zesty lemon is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart health, while the vegetables provide fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. These kebabs are a great option for anyone looking to enjoy a flavorful, healthy meal without the hassle.
Nutritional Benefits
Each serving of these salmon kebabs is packed with protein (35g per serving), making them a satisfying choice for anyone needing a protein boost. With only 350 calories per serving, they are a great option for a healthy meal that won’t leave you feeling weighed down.
In addition to being high in protein, these kebabs are also rich in potassium, which helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels, and vitamin C, which supports immune function. The healthy fats in the olive oil and salmon provide beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, promoting overall heart health and reducing inflammation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Easy Salmon Kebabs are a flavorful, healthy, and quick dish that brings together the best of summer grilling. The combination of juicy salmon, colorful bell peppers, and zesty lemon makes these kebabs both delicious and nutritious. With just a few simple ingredients and 30 minutes of cooking time, you can create a meal that’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a weekend BBQ, or a special gathering.
These kebabs are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation, offering a delicious, satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. Try them today for a fresh, vibrant, and healthy grilling experience!