A simple, flavor-packed cedar plank grilled salmon that brings restaurant-level results straight to your backyard.

A Quick & Family-Friendly Grilled Dinner

Cedar plank grilled salmon is one of those backyard meals that feels like it belongs in a restaurant but still fits into a busy weeknight at home. Even here in Colorado—where the weather has a mind of its own—firing up the Weber Kettle over Kingsford charcoal is part of our family rhythm. After a long day teaching STEM and wrangling the twins, this kind of cook helps me unwind. It’s fast, flavorful, healthy, and the grill basically handles the job.

This recipe uses wild-caught salmon from Salmon & Sable, one of my most trusted sources for incredibly fresh Alaskan fish. With a cedar plank, a generous spread of Eat Ayoh Dill Pickle Mayo, some chopped chives, and bright lemon slices, you can create a salmon dinner that flakes beautifully, stays moist, and tastes every bit as good as something you’d order out.

The Salmon: Why Quality Matters

Why I Trust Salmon & Sable

When it comes to salmon, quality makes a huge difference—especially on the grill. Salmon & Sable ships wild-caught Alaskan fish that has incredible color, texture, and flavor. Their careful handling shows in every fillet.

What Makes Their Salmon Stand Out

• Wild-caught, never farmed
• Firm, vibrant fillets
• Clean, buttery flavor
• Consistent quality
• Ideal for grilling and cedar planking

Types of Salmon That Work Well

Sockeye Salmon

• Bold flavor, leaner texture, deep red color.

King (Chinook) Salmon

• Ultra-rich, higher fat content, very forgiving for grilling.

Coho Salmon

• Mild flavor, slightly firmer texture, great for cedar plank cooking.

Cedar Plank Grilling

Why Use a Cedar Plank on the Weber Kettle?

Cedar planks add gentle smoke, moisture, and aroma. They act as a buffer between the heat and the delicate salmon, helping the fish cook evenly without sticking or burning.

Benefits of Cedar Plank Cooking

Choosing the Right Cedar Plank

Food-Safe Only

• Be sure to use untreated cedar planks designed for cooking.

Soaking

• Soak planks 30–60 minutes in water. Beer or cider also work for extra aroma.

Thickness

• Standard planks work well; thicker planks burn slower and can sometimes be reused.

The Sauce: Dill Pickle Mayo

Why Eat Ayoh Dill Pickle Mayo Works Perfectly

This mayo is one of the best shortcuts you can use. It keeps the salmon moist, adds tang and dill flavor, and melts into a smooth, rich sauce as the fish cooks.

What It Adds

• Creaminess
• Tangy acidity
• Dill-forward flavor
• Moisture protection
• Built-in seasoning

Alternative Flavor Ideas

If You Want to Change It Up

• Lemon garlic mayo
• Chipotle mayo for heat
• Dill yogurt spread
• Tzatziki for Mediterranean vibes

Supporting Ingredients

Fresh Chives

• Bright flavor and color without overpowering the fish.

Lemon Slices

• Thin slices soften on the grill and release citrus juice directly onto the salmon.

Kingsford Charcoal

• Reliable, even-burning charcoal that maintains steady heat in the Weber Kettle.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Prepare the Cedar Plank

Soak the plank for 30–60 minutes so it doesn’t burn and releases moisture during cooking.

Why Soaking Helps

• Prevents flare-ups
• Infuses moisture and cedar aroma
• Helps the salmon cook evenly

2. Prep the Salmon

Lay the salmon on a cutting board and pat it dry. Spread a generous layer of dill pickle mayo on top.

Add Lemon and Chives

Top with thin lemon slices and sprinkle chopped chives.

3. Preheat the Weber Kettle

Set up for indirect heat and stabilize the temperature at 325°F using Kingsford charcoal.

Why 325°F Works Best

• Gentle on the cedar plank
• Allows even cooking
• Helps keep the salmon moist
• The mayo melts slowly into a sauce

4. Warm the Cedar Plank

Place the plank on the grill for a minute or two to heat and darken slightly.

Benefits of Pre-Warming

• Reduces warping
• Kickstarts the cedar aroma
• Helps the salmon start cooking immediately

5. Add the Salmon to the Grill

Place the salmon-topped plank on the grill over indirect heat. Close the lid and let the grill do the work.

Minimal Babysitting Needed

The plank protects the fish, and the Weber Kettle holds heat well.

6. Cook for About 20 Minutes

You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 145°F.

Signs It’s Done

• Salmon flakes easily
• Flesh is opaque
• Mayo has melted into a glossy coating
• Lemon slices have softened

7. Serve on the Plank

Why This Method Always Works

• Keeps the salmon warm
• Prevents the fillet from breaking
• Looks rustic and beautiful

Transfer the plank to a serving board or platter.

Balanced Heat and Aroma

• Charcoal provides the backbone smoke; cedar provides woodsy aroma. Together they create foolproof flavor.

Fast and Low-Effort

• This whole cook is about 30 minutes, including prep.

Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing

• The lemon-dill flavor is mild and bright, and cedar-plank salmon always gets compliments.

Easy to Scale

• One plank for family dinner, three planks for hosting—same method, same timing.

Troubleshooting and Tips

Avoid Overcooking

• Start checking at 15 minutes for thinner fillets.

Prevent Plank Fires

• Smoking is normal; flames mean you should move the plank slightly.

Don’t Skip the Mayo

• It’s essential for keeping moisture locked in.

Don’t Peek Too Often

• Every time the lid opens, you lose heat and add cooking time.

Rest Briefly

• Resting the salmon 3–5 minutes makes for perfect flake and moisture retention.

Serving Ideas

Side Dishes

• Rice pilaf
• Crisp garden salad
• Roasted potatoes
• Grilled asparagus or green beans

Optional Sauces

• Extra dill pickle mayo
• Lemon wedges
• Chive butter

Alternate Recipes and Seafood Ideas

Other Backyard Favorites

• Salmon & Shrimp Paella
• Soy & Citrus Griddled Salmon
• Roasted Sweet Honey Salmon
• Grilled Salmon with Mustard-Herb Butter

Products Used in Making Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon

Featured Ingredients

• Salmon & Sable Wild Alaskan Salmon
• Eat Ayoh Dill Pickle Mayo
• Cedar grilling planks

Grilling Gear for Cedar Plank Salmon

• Weber Kettle
• Kingsford Charcoal
• Instant-read thermometer

Put This Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon On Your Menu Rotation

Cedar plank grilled salmon on the Weber Kettle is one of those meals that delivers huge flavor with very little effort. The combination of Salmon & Sable’s incredible wild Alaskan salmon, the tangy dill pickle mayo, the aromatic cedar, and the deep heat of charcoal makes this cook almost foolproof. Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a special weekend dinner, or just another Colorado evening in the backyard, this is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Give it a try, tag me when you do, and add this into your regular rotation—snow, sunshine, or Colorado wind included.