If there’s one dish that screams summer simplicity without sacrificing bold, tangy flavor—this Grilled Honey Mustard Salmon in Foil is it. With its sweet and savory glaze, tender flaky texture, and the magic of foil packet cooking, this recipe is a weeknight dinner lifesaver and a backyard BBQ star all at once. Whether you’re grilling for your family or entertaining guests, this salmon brings a touch of gourmet flair with minimal effort.

Grilled Honey Mustard Salmon in Foil on table with honey, citrus wedges, etc.

In our house, grilled salmon is a summer go-to—especially when it’s kissed with a sticky honey mustard glaze that caramelizes just slightly on the grill. My husband and I love how flavorful it is without feeling heavy, and even my daughter Ariya will nibble at the tender edges (the lemon slices on top help cut through any fishy aroma, which she’s sensitive to). And for busy nights when baby Cameron is tugging at my leg, I love that this recipe is mess-free and mostly hands-off once it hits the grill!

plate with grilled honey mustard salmon with orange slice on top and veggies to the side

What Is Grilled Honey Mustard Salmon in Foil?

This is a grilled salmon recipe that uses a foil packet to seal in moisture while infusing the fish with a bold glaze made from honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, lemon juice, and seasonings. Cooking it in foil means no sticking, no flipping, and no cleanup nightmares—just tender, juicy salmon that flakes apart beautifully.

Grilled Honey Mustard Salmon in Foil sitting on table with oranges to side of table

When to Serve This Recipe

Weeknight dinners – prep it in minutes, grill it in under 25.
Cookouts or BBQs – foil packets are great for guests and easy to transport.
Meal prep – it stores well and tastes great cold on salads.
Holiday weekends – a healthy but flavorful option that feels special.
Low-carb dinners – naturally gluten-free and keto-friendly!

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Salmon Recipe

No flipping or babysitting required. Just place it on the grill and relax.
Perfectly juicy and never dry. The foil locks in moisture and flavor.
Honey mustard magic. Sweet, tangy, savory, and garlicky all in one.
Customizable. Add herbs, swap the glaze, or adjust the citrus to your taste.
Crowd pleaser. Fancy enough for guests, easy enough for Tuesday.

ingredients to make Grilled Honey Mustard Salmon sitting on table

Ingredient Breakdown

Here’s what makes this recipe shine:

Salmon Fillet: A thick center-cut piece (1½ to 2 inches) of skin-on salmon holds up best on the grill. Atlantic, King, or Coho are ideal.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize.
Dijon Mustard: The tangy backbone that balances the sweet honey.
Garlic: Freshly minced for sharp flavor, but garlic powder works in a pinch.
Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and keeps the glaze from being overly sweet.
Olive Oil: Helps the glaze stick and prevents the salmon from drying out.
Smoked Paprika: A hint of smoky depth that pairs beautifully with grilled flavors.
Onion Powder: Adds subtle savory warmth.
Salt & Black Pepper: To season and balance the glaze.
Orange & Lemon Slices: Layered on top for moisture, aroma, and presentation.
Fresh Parsley: Finishes everything off with color and freshness.

ingredients for the sauce for Grilled Honey Mustard Salmon in a glass bowl

sauce for making Grilled Honey Mustard Salmon in a glass bowl

Ingredient Swaps & Variations

Maple Syrup instead of Honey: For a warmer, woodsy sweetness.
Yellow Mustard: Sharper and more vinegary than Dijon but still tasty.
Fresh Herbs: Try dill, rosemary, or thyme instead of parsley.
Add Veggies: Toss in some asparagus or green beans into the foil for a complete meal.
Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the glaze.

Grilled Honey Mustard Salmon in Foil sitting on a charcoal grill

Troubleshooting & Tips

Salmon sticking to foil? Brush a little olive oil on the foil before laying down the fish.
Too dry? Make sure you don’t overcook. Remove the salmon at 125°F—it will finish cooking as it rests.
Not enough flavor? Be generous with your glaze, and let it marinate 15–20 minutes before grilling.
Don’t skip the citrus slices! They protect the top of the fish and infuse it with subtle citrus notes.

Grilled Honey Mustard Salmon on plate with a fork biting into a piece of it with asparagus on a second plate

Grilling with My Big Green Egg XL (Why I Love It for This Recipe)

We use our Big Green Egg XL weekly during grilling season, and let me tell you—it never fails me, especially for fish. With its incredible heat retention and ability to maintain steady temps, it’s perfect for foil packet cooking like this salmon. I can build a nice two-zone fire, keep the lid closed, and the salmon cooks gently without drying out. If you like shopping on amazon this is very similar HERE

The honey mustard glaze gets just a little bit caramelized on the edges thanks to the controlled heat, and the citrus slices infuse the salmon beautifully. Plus, cleanup is a breeze—just toss the foil when you’re done.

If you’ve got a Big Green Egg (or any ceramic kamado grill), this recipe is a dream for it. And if not? Any gas or charcoal grill works great too.

Grilled Honey Mustard Salmon on plate with asparagus

Protein Swaps & Dietary Adjustments

Want to switch it up? You can use the same honey mustard glaze and foil packet method with:

Chicken breasts or thighs: Cook 20–25 minutes (until 165°F internal temp).
Tofu slabs: Press and dry first, then grill 15–18 minutes.
Halibut or cod fillets: Also excellent, but cook for less time—about 10–12 minutes.
Steelhead trout: Similar to salmon and works beautifully.

This recipe is:

Gluten-free (always double-check your mustard)
Low carb/keto (or use sugar-free syrup to lower carbs further)
Dairy-free and nut-free

overhead look of table with Grilled Honey Mustard Salmon on plate, asparagus, sliced orange, and more

Make-Ahead & Freezing Tips

Make-Ahead:
You can prep the foil packet with glaze and citrus up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to grill. The glaze only gets better as it sits!

Freezing:
Cool the salmon completely, then wrap in foil or seal in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

salmon on plate with an orange on top, with a fork cutting into the salmon, and asparagus to side

Storage & Leftover Ideas

Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Leftover Ideas:

Flake onto a salad with avocado and hard-boiled egg.
Turn it into salmon tacos with slaw and crema.
Add to a grain bowl with rice, edamame, and a drizzle of extra sauce.
Make a quick salmon sandwich with arugula and lemon aioli.

Grilled Honey Mustard Salmon in Foil sitting on table, with more oranges sliced and placed on cutting board to side

How to Reheat Grilled Salmon

Oven (best): Wrap in foil and reheat at 300°F for 10–12 minutes.
Microwave: Use low power (30–50%) and cover with a damp paper towel to avoid drying out.

Grilled Honey Mustard Salmon in Foil on table with a bowl of honey to side, sliced oranges, and more around table

Custom Flavor Add-Ins

Want to change it up a little? Try mixing these into the honey mustard glaze:

1 tsp soy sauce – for a salty umami boost
½ tsp crushed red pepper – for gentle heat
Zest of a lemon or orange – for bright citrus oil
1 tsp grated ginger – adds zing and pairs well with mustard

Grilled Honey Mustard Salmon on plate with asparagus and lemon wedge to side of plate

Lightened-Up Version Breakdown

This dish is already healthy, but you can go even lighter by:

Using sugar-free maple syrup in place of honey
Swapping the olive oil for spray oil to reduce calories
Using a smaller portion of salmon and bulking up the plate with grilled vegetables

It’s naturally gluten-free, low-carb, and perfect for keto eaters too.

Budget Breakdown (Approximate for 4 servings)

Ingredient	Cost Estimate
2 lb salmon fillet	$14.00–$18.00
Honey (2 tbsp)	$0.50
Dijon mustard (2 tbsp)	$0.40
Garlic & lemon	$0.60
Spices & oil	$0.80
Citrus slices	$0.70
Total	$17.00–$21.00
Per serving	$4.25–$5.25

Tip: Buy frozen wild-caught salmon fillets at warehouse clubs or when on sale to save!

Grilled Honey Mustard Salmon with a fork cutting into the salmon

FAQs – Grilled Honey Mustard Salmon

Can I use skinless salmon?
Yes, just be extra gentle when transferring it after cooking. The foil protects it well.

Can I use smaller fillets instead of a whole piece?
Absolutely—just reduce the grill time to 10–12 minutes and check for doneness early.

How do I know when salmon is done without a thermometer?
The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Gently press the thickest part—if it separates easily, it’s ready.

Can I bake this instead of grilling?
Yes! Follow the same foil setup and bake at 400°F for 15–25 minutes, depending on thickness.

Is this recipe keto or low carb?
Definitely! The honey adds minimal carbs per serving. To lower it further, use a sugar-free syrup alternative.

Can I meal prep this?
Yes, and it’s great cold! Make it the day before, store in an airtight container, and enjoy on salads or wraps.

side view of table with a plate of Grilled Honey Mustard Salmon, a side of asparagus, and lemon wedge to side

Oven & Stovetop Alternatives (No Grill? No Problem!)

Do you not own a grill? No worries—this Grilled Honey Mustard Salmon in Foil recipe works beautifully in the oven or on the stovetop too. You’ll still get that juicy, tender texture and sweet-savory flavor without needing to step outside.

In the Oven (Best Alternative):

Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Prepare the foil packet as directed with the glaze and citrus slices.
Place the packet on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
Bake for 15–25 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillet. Check for doneness around the 15-minute mark—look for flaking flesh or 125°F internal temp.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Pro Tip: For slightly crispier edges, carefully open the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Grilled Honey Mustard Salmon on a white plate with asparagus and citrus wedges

On the Stovetop (Pan-Seared & Glazed Method):

If you prefer to cook it on the stove, skip the foil and do a quick pan-sear instead!

Pat the salmon dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium heat.
Sear the salmon skin-side down first for 4–5 minutes, then flip.
Pour the glaze over the top and cook an additional 3–5 minutes, spooning sauce over the fish as it thickens and reduces in the pan.
Once the salmon flakes easily and hits 125°F internally, remove from heat and rest briefly.

Note: The citrus slices aren’t needed for this version—they won’t caramelize properly in a pan.

Air Fryer Instructions (Quick & Crispy Edges!)

The air fryer is a great option when you want the salmon fast, with minimal cleanup and a touch of crispiness around the edges. This is the one I use and love HERE

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
Pat the salmon dry and place it skin-side down on a piece of parchment or foil (to catch drips and make cleanup easier).
Brush the top with the honey mustard glaze (no need to use citrus slices).
Air fry for 10–12 minutes, depending on thickness. For thicker cuts, check at 12 minutes and continue if needed.
Salmon is done when it flakes easily and reaches 125°F internally. It will finish cooking during a short rest.

Tip: If your air fryer basket is small, cut the salmon into portions before cooking to ensure even heat circulation.

Grilled Honey Mustard Salmon on plate with a fork cutting into salmon with asparagus tose side and on a second plate

Final Thoughts

Grilled Honey Mustard Salmon in Foil is one of those rare recipes that feels fancy enough for guests but is easy enough for a Tuesday night when you just don’t want to deal with a pile of dishes. It’s loaded with flavor, packed with nutrition, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just getting started, this recipe makes success simple.

Cameron happily eats soft flakes of this salmon with mashed sweet potatoes, and my husband always goes back for seconds—especially if there’s extra sauce drizzled on top. And honestly, that’s the kind of family win I’ll take every time.

Grilled Honey Mustard Salmon in Foil (Easy & Flavorful!)