If you’re searching for a simple yet elevated dinner idea that’s packed with flavor and perfect for the grill, then you’re going to want to stick around for this. I absolutely love my Grilled Salmon with Mustard Chive Sauce Recipe because it delivers that ideal balance of smoky, tender fish with a creamy, tangy sauce that feels special but comes together in minutes. Whether you’re a grill newbie or a seasoned pro, this recipe is foolproof and will become a quick favorite in your routine.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: You’ll have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor-Packed: The tangy mustard-chive sauce elevates the natural richness of salmon beautifully.
Healthy & Nutritious: High in protein and healthy fats, with a sauce that keeps things light but creamy.
Family Approved: My family goes crazy for this, and it’s a great way to get more seafood on your plate.

The image shows two white plates on a white marbled surface, each plate holding a single grilled salmon steak with an orange-pink color and grill marks. On top of each salmon is a thick creamy sauce with a pale beige color mixed with green flecks, likely herbs. The sauce covers part of the salmon and drips slightly onto the plates. Each plate has a silver fork resting on the side. Next to the plates is a small bowl with more of the creamy sauce and a spoon inside it. A woman's hand is holding the spoon in the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic is in keeping it simple with quality ingredients that complement each other perfectly. I like to choose fresh salmon steaks with good marbling, and the stone-ground mustard gives the sauce that lovely texture and tang you won’t get from smooth mustards.

Salmon steaks: Look for fresh, firm steaks that are about 1-inch thick for perfect grilling.
Avocado oil: Its high smoke point makes it ideal for grilling without burning.
Salt and pepper: Basic but essential seasonings to enhance the salmon’s flavor.
Stone-ground mustard: Adds a hearty texture and sharpness to the sauce.
Greek yogurt (dairy or dairy-free): Gives creaminess without heaviness.
Chives: Fresh and finely chopped, they bring a subtle onion bite.
Honey: Just a touch to balance the savoriness with sweetness.
Fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness and freshness to the sauce.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love tweaking this grilled salmon with mustard chive sauce recipe depending on what I have on hand or the season. That’s what makes it so approachable—you can make it your own and still have a showstopper of a meal.

Using dill instead of chives: I once swapped in dill when I was out of chives, and honestly, it gave the sauce a lovely herbal vibe that worked beautifully with salmon.
Substitute sour cream for yogurt: If you want a richer sauce, sour cream works great, but I prefer Greek yogurt to keep it lighter.
Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce if you like a little heat.
Different fish: This sauce goes well with other grill-friendly fish like trout or swordfish if you want to mix things up.

How to Make Grilled Salmon with Mustard Chive Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Salmon

Start by heating up your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat — this will help you get that wonderful char without overcooking. While it’s heating, brush both sides of your salmon steaks with avocado oil to prevent sticking and help with browning. Then, season generously with salt and pepper. Trust me, seasoning is key to bringing out the best flavor.

Step 2: Grill the Salmon to Perfection

Place the salmon on the grill and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Here’s a trick I discovered: use a spatula to flip the salmon gently from underneath rather than tongs gripping the side—this helps keep your fish intact and looking beautiful. You’ll know it’s ready when the salmon flakes easily but still has a juicy center.

Step 3: Whip Up That Mustard Chive Sauce

While the salmon grills, mix the stone-ground mustard, Greek yogurt, chopped chives, honey, lemon juice, plus salt and pepper in a small bowl. This sauce is so bright and creamy, it pairs beautifully with the smoky salmon. Feel free to taste and adjust sweetness or tanginess to your liking—every batch is a little different depending on your mustard and yogurt.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Plate your grilled salmon steaks and drizzle generously with the mustard chive sauce. I like to add a few extra fresh chives on top for a pop of color and fresh bite. This is one of those dishes that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, but it’s actually a breeze!

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Pro Tips for Making Grilled Salmon with Mustard Chive Sauce Recipe

Don’t overflip: Flipping salmon too often causes it to break apart—once per side is perfect.
Room temperature fish: Let your salmon sit out for 15 minutes before grilling so it cooks evenly.
Customize your sauce: Adjust honey and mustard ratios based on your preferred balance of sweetness and tang.
Rest before serving: Let grilled salmon rest a couple minutes off the heat to lock in juices.

How to Serve Grilled Salmon with Mustard Chive Sauce Recipe

A white round plate holds a large piece of cooked salmon with a golden grilled texture on top and a soft pink inside. The salmon is topped with a thick creamy white sauce mixed with green herbs and specks of black pepper. Small pieces of salmon are flaked near the bottom left of the fish, with a silver fork resting beside them on the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of simple garnishes here: extra chopped fresh chives add a lovely oniony brightness and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving gives a little textural pop. A wedge of lemon on the side never hurts either for an extra hit of citrus.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this grilled salmon recipe are grilled asparagus, a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette, or even some fluffy couscous or quinoa to soak up all that tasty sauce. Roasted new potatoes also make a beautiful complement.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the salmon on a bed of sautéed spinach sprinkled with toasted pine nuts. You can also create a beautiful platter with the salmon steaks surrounded by colorful grilled veggies, making it a feast for both the eyes and taste buds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, I recommend storing the salmon and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps the salmon from absorbing too much sauce moisture and helps maintain texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked salmon before, but the mustard chive sauce is best fresh. If freezing, wrap the salmon tightly and freeze for up to two months, thawing overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the salmon in a low oven or covered skillet to keep it moist; then add the sauce fresh to preserve its bright flavor and creamy texture. Microwave reheating works but beware of dried-out fish.

FAQs

Can I use salmon fillets instead of steaks for this recipe?

Absolutely! Salmon fillets work just as well. Just adjust your grilling time—thinner fillets usually need less time, about 3-5 minutes per side depending on thickness. Be extra gentle when flipping to keep the fillet intact.
What if I don’t have a grill or grill pan?

No problem! You can cook the salmon in a hot cast iron skillet or broil it in the oven. Just watch closely and adjust cooking time; the key is to get a nice sear without overcooking.
Can I prepare the mustard chive sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made a few hours ahead and kept chilled. Just give it a quick stir before serving. Avoid making it too far in advance to keep the fresh flavors vibrant.
Is the mustard chive sauce suitable for dairy-free diets?

Definitely! Just swap the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free alternative like coconut or almond yogurt. The sauce still turns out creamy and delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Salmon with Mustard Chive Sauce Recipe is truly one of my favorite quick dinners that feels a bit fancy but comes together so easily. I love that it’s versatile, healthy, and always makes my family happy. If you want to impress guests or just treat yourself on a weeknight, giving this recipe a try will not disappoint. I can’t wait for you to taste it and fall in love just like I did!