Name: Garlic & Lemon Salmon Kabobs Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 teaspoons lemon zest; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks; 1 zucchini, sliced into thick rounds; 1 small red onion, cut into wedges; lemon wedges for serving; fresh parsley for garnish; 6–8 wooden or metal skewers

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If you’re looking to bring a burst of Mediterranean sunshine to your dinner table, Garlic & Lemon Salmon Kabobs are exactly what you need. These vibrant skewers combine tender salmon, colorful vegetables, and a zesty garlic-lemon marinade, delivering the kind of lively flavors that make weeknight meals feel special. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or using a stovetop grill pan, this recipe brings all the joy of summer, with juicy bites and a citrusy finish that will keep your fork coming back for more.

Garlic & Lemon Salmon Kabobs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of fresh, accessible ingredients come together to make Garlic & Lemon Salmon Kabobs so complex and delicious. Each component in this lineup brings its own role, whether it’s adding brightness, savoriness, or bold pops of color.

Salmon fillet: The star of the show — choose skinless, firm-fleshed salmon for the best texture and flavor on the skewers.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the marinade cling to every nook and cranny of the salmon and veggies.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed for a tangy punch that wakes up the entire dish.
Lemon zest: Amplifies the citrusy notes and perfumes both the fish and vegetables.
Garlic: Three minced cloves bring assertive, aromatic freshness.
Dried oregano: A classic Mediterranean herb that rounds out the marinade and complements the seafood beautifully.
Salt: Just enough to enhance and balance all the flavors.
Black pepper: A subtle kick to finish off the seasoning.
Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color to your kabobs.
Zucchini: Slices grill to tender perfection, absorbing all those delicious juices along the way.
Red onion: Roasts up sweet and savory, adding both contrast and depth to every bite.
Lemon wedges: For squeezing over your finished kabobs – a final burst of fresh flavor.
Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley brings brightness and that lovely green finish.
Wooden or metal skewers: Make sure to soak wooden ones so they don’t burn on the grill!

How to Make Garlic & Lemon Salmon Kabobs

Step 1: Prep Your Skewers

If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This step can’t be skipped — well-soaked skewers won’t scorch or catch fire, and they’ll keep your kabobs in perfect shape from start to finish.

Step 2: Mix the Marinade

In a big mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, the minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. The aroma alone will get your tastebuds buzzing! This zippy marinade is the secret to making your Garlic & Lemon Salmon Kabobs so flavorful and moist.

Step 3: Marinate the Salmon

Add your cubed salmon into the bowl and gently toss to coat every piece in that luscious marinade. Allow it to rest for 15 to 20 minutes. A short marinade gives your fish bold flavor without breaking down its texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Kabobs

Alternate threading salmon, bell pepper, zucchini, and red onion onto your skewers. Mix up the colors and shapes — it looks amazing and ensures even cooking. This is a great activity to get friends or kids involved, too!

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place your kabobs on the grates and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, rotating as you go. After about 8 to 10 minutes, your Garlic & Lemon Salmon Kabobs will be just cooked through, delightfully charred, and ready to eat!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Slide those gorgeous kabobs onto a platter, sprinkle them liberally with chopped parsley, and finish with a few lemon wedges. That final squeeze of lemon will make the flavors really pop!

How to Serve Garlic & Lemon Salmon Kabobs

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of garnishes for these Garlic & Lemon Salmon Kabobs. A generous handful of fresh parsley adds color and freshness, while lemon wedges create an extra zing. If you’re a fan of a bit of heat, a dusting of red pepper flakes can be a fun touch, too!

Side Dishes

To round out your meal, serve the kabobs over fluffy rice, herbed quinoa, or a simple green salad. Mediterranean-style sides like orzo, couscous, or roasted potatoes are also fantastic with the bright flavors of Garlic & Lemon Salmon Kabobs.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these kabobs into a real showstopper by serving them atop a large platter lined with leafy greens and scattered with extra cut vegetables. For backyard gatherings, pop the skewers individually in mason jars for a fun, mess-free presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, slide the salmon and veggies off the skewers and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Garlic & Lemon Salmon Kabobs are best enjoyed within two days for optimal texture and flavor.

Freezing

While you can freeze the grilled kabobs, salmon’s texture does change a bit when thawed. For the best results, freeze the marinated raw salmon (minus veggies), then thaw and skewer fresh for grilling later. Otherwise, tightly wrap any cooked kabobs and use within a month.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the salmon and veggies onto a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, just until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the salmon rubbery instead of juicy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for Garlic & Lemon Salmon Kabobs?

Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the salmon dry before marinating so your kabobs aren’t watery and the marinade can really soak in.

What can I substitute for zucchini?

If you don’t have zucchini, try yellow squash, eggplant, or even thickly sliced mushrooms. These alternatives grill up just as beautifully and hold onto the marinade well.

Do I have to grill the kabobs outside?

No grill? No problem! Garlic & Lemon Salmon Kabobs can be cooked on a grill pan indoors or even under your oven’s broiler — just keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook.

How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?

The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque throughout. A little charring is a good sign and adds lovely smoky flavor, but don’t let the salmon go dry.

Can I double or halve this recipe?

Yes, this recipe is super flexible. Double it for a crowd or halve it for date night — just make sure the kabobs fit comfortably on your grill or pan for even cooking.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that’s quick, flavorful, and guaranteed to earn rave reviews, give Garlic & Lemon Salmon Kabobs a spot on your menu. They’re as easy as they are stunning, and every bite is bursting with the Mediterranean’s best flavors. Happy grilling and enjoy every juicy, garlicky bite!

Garlic & Lemon Salmon Kabobs Recipe

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4.6 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Garlic & Lemon Salmon Kabobs are a flavorful and healthy option for your next grilling adventure. Tender salmon, marinated in a zesty garlic and lemon mixture, threaded onto skewers with colorful veggies, and grilled to perfection. A perfect dish for a summer barbecue or a light weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon Kabobs:

1 1/2 pounds skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons lemon zest
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Vegetables:

1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
1 small red onion, cut into wedges

Serving:

lemon wedges for serving
fresh parsley for garnish
6–8 wooden or metal skewers

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Instructions

Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Marinate Salmon: Add the salmon pieces to the marinade, toss gently to coat, and let marinate for 15 to 20 minutes.
Preheat Grill: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Thread Skewers: Thread salmon, bell pepper, zucchini, and red onion pieces onto skewers, alternating for color and balance.
Grill Kabobs: Grill the kabobs for 2 to 3 minutes per side, about 8 to 10 minutes total, or until the salmon is cooked through and slightly charred.
Serve: Serve warm with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.