Name: Grilled Salmon BLT with Charred Scallion Mayo Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy; 2 pounds salmon filet; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Kosher salt and pepper, to taste; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional); 8 slices sourdough bread; 6 scallions, cleaned and ends trimmed; 2 tomatoes, thinly sliced; 1 head of romaine or green leaf lettuce; ½ cup mayonnaise

This Grilled Salmon BLT with Charred Scallion Mayo is the sandwich upgrade you didn’t know you needed in your life. It transforms the classic BLT by swapping traditional ingredients with perfectly grilled salmon and a smoky, charred scallion mayo that adds incredible depth of flavor. Ready in just 40 minutes, this impressive sandwich delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Elevated Comfort Food: Takes the familiar BLT concept and elevates it to something truly special without complicated techniques.
Perfect Balance of Flavors: The smoky grilled salmon pairs beautifully with crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and that incredible charred scallion mayo for a perfect bite every time.
Impressive Yet Simple: Looks and tastes like something from a fancy café, but it’s surprisingly easy to make at home with straightforward ingredients.
Customizable: Easy to adapt based on what you have on hand or personal preferences while maintaining the delicious core flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Salmon: The star of the show! Provides a tender, flaky protein that absorbs all those lovely spices and takes on beautiful smoky notes from the grill.
Bacon: Adds that essential crispy texture and salty, savory flavor that makes any sandwich better. Cook it ahead of time to streamline your preparation.
Sourdough Bread: The slightly tangy flavor and sturdy texture make it perfect for grilling and holding up to hearty fillings without getting soggy.
Spice Blend: Smoked paprika, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional red pepper flakes create a flavorful crust on the salmon that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Scallions: When charred, they develop a sweet, smoky flavor that transforms ordinary mayonnaise into something extraordinary.
Tomatoes: Provide juicy freshness that balances the richness of the salmon and bacon.
Lettuce: Adds a crisp element and that classic sandwich texture we all love.
Mayonnaise: Forms the base of our special sauce, becoming infused with the charred scallion flavor.

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

Make It Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce to the mayo or increase the red pepper flakes in the salmon seasoning.
Bread Options: Try ciabatta, a bagel, or a wrap instead of sourdough.
Veggie Additions: Add avocado slices, cucumber, or pickled red onions for extra flavor and texture.
Alternative Protein: Swap salmon for grilled chicken or even a portobello mushroom for a vegetarian option.

How to Make Grilled Salmon BLT with Charred Scallion Mayo

Step 1: Prepare the Bacon

Cook your bacon until perfectly crispy using your preferred method. This can be done ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until needed.

Step 2: Season the Salmon

Pat the salmon dry thoroughly with paper towels. Mix together the smoked paprika, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Sprinkle this flavorful mixture generously over all sides of the salmon.

Step 3: Grill Time

Preheat your grill to 400-450°F. Place the salmon on the hot grill and close the lid. Let it cook for 6-8 minutes until it’s opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Remove and let it rest for 5 minutes before assembling your sandwich.

Step 4: Grill the Extras

While the salmon cooks, place your sourdough bread slices and scallions on the grill. The bread needs just 1-2 minutes per side until you see nice grill marks. Grill the scallions for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re softened and have nice char marks.

Step 5: Make the Charred Scallion Mayo

Once the scallions are grilled and slightly cooled, chop them into small pieces and stir them into the mayonnaise. This can be made slightly ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Assemble Your Sandwich

Spread a tablespoon of the charred scallion mayo on each bread slice. On one slice, layer lettuce, a piece of the grilled salmon, tomato slices, and bacon. Top with another slice of bread, cut in half, and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting the salmon rest after grilling allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more flavorful, moist fish.
Bread Thickness: Cut your sourdough about ½-inch thick so it gets toasty on the grill without becoming too tough.
Salmon Temperature: For perfectly cooked salmon, remove it from the grill when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
Make Ahead Components: The bacon and charred scallion mayo can be prepared a day ahead to make assembly quicker at mealtime.

How to Serve

This sandwich shines as a complete meal on its own, but here are some perfect pairings:

Simple Sides

Serve with kettle chips, a light salad, or some quick-pickled vegetables for a refreshing contrast.

Drink Pairings

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, a light beer, or fresh lemonade complements the flavors perfectly.

Presentation

Serve on a wooden board or platter with extra scallion mayo on the side for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store components separately in the refrigerator. Cooked salmon will last 3-4 days, and the scallion mayo can be kept for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

Meal Prep

Cook the bacon and prepare the scallion mayo up to 24 hours ahead. You can also mix the spice blend in advance, but I recommend grilling the salmon and bread just before serving.

Reheating

Gently reheat salmon in a 275°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until just warmed through. Bacon can be crisped up in a skillet or microwave.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat it very dry before seasoning. The texture might be slightly different from fresh salmon, but it will still make a delicious sandwich.

I don’t have a grill. Can I still make this sandwich?
Definitely! You can cook the salmon in a hot cast-iron skillet or under the broiler. For the scallions, char them in a dry skillet over high heat, and toast the bread in a toaster or oven.

How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
The salmon should flake easily with a fork and have an internal temperature of 145°F. It should look opaque throughout but still be moist. If you don’t have a thermometer, look for the flesh to change from translucent to opaque and slightly firm to the touch.

Can I make this sandwich gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free bread. Many brands make sturdy gluten-free sourdough that works great for this recipe. Just watch it carefully when grilling as some gluten-free breads can toast more quickly.

This Grilled Salmon BLT with Charred Scallion Mayo is more than just a sandwich—it’s a culinary experience that brings together simple ingredients in an extraordinary way. The combination of smoky grilled salmon, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and that incredible charred scallion mayo creates something truly memorable that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner or wanting to impress friends, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. Give it a try tonight—your taste buds will thank you!

Grilled Salmon BLT with Charred Scallion Mayo Recipe