Few dishes capture the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky like these Honey Garlic Butter Salmon Skewers with Zucchini and Squash. Tender cubes of salmon are marinated in a luscious honey garlic butter glaze, then grilled (or oven-baked) alongside colorful zucchini and yellow squash until caramelized, juicy, and irresistibly fragrant.

Every bite bursts with freshness — the buttery richness of salmon pairs beautifully with the sweet glaze and the subtle crunch of grilled vegetables. It’s the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell incredible and your dinner table feel like summer, no matter the season.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the perfect fusion of flavor, color, and simplicity. The honey garlic butter glaze is absolutely divine — rich from the butter, sweet from the honey, tangy from the lemon, and kissed with just the right amount of garlic.

What truly makes it special for me:

• The skewers look stunning and festive — perfect for dinner parties or casual BBQs.
• It’s light, healthy, and nourishing, yet feels indulgent.
• It’s a complete meal on a stick — protein and veggies together.
• The caramelization from grilling gives that irresistible smoky-sweet crust.

This recipe is one of those that turns simple salmon into something unforgettable with minimal effort.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it’s:

• Quick to make – ready in under 30 minutes.
• Beautifully balanced – sweet, garlicky, buttery, and fresh.
• Versatile – can be grilled, baked, or cooked on a stovetop grill pan.
• Nutritious and wholesome, with omega-3s from salmon and vitamins from veggies.
• Perfect for any occasion – from weeknight dinners to weekend barbecues.

It’s one of those dishes that looks gourmet but is foolproof even for beginner cooks!

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: 25–30 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~410 kcal per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Modern American / Mediterranean-inspired

Ingredients

For the Salmon Skewers:

• 1½ lbs (700 g) salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
• 1 medium yellow squash, sliced into thick rounds
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
• Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)

For the Honey Garlic Butter Marinade:

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tbsp honey
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tsp soy sauce (optional, for extra depth)
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for mild heat)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Cut salmon into even 1-inch cubes to ensure uniform cooking.
2. Slice zucchini and yellow squash into thick, bite-sized rounds.
3. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Butter Marinade

1. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, honey, garlic, lemon juice, soy sauce, and chili flakes.
2. Whisk until smooth and well blended. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity if needed.

Step 3: Marinate the Salmon

1. Place salmon cubes in a bowl and pour half of the marinade over them.
2. Gently toss to coat.
3. Cover and let marinate for 10–15 minutes at room temperature (or up to 1 hour in the fridge).

Step 4: Assemble the Skewers

1. Thread the salmon cubes, zucchini, and yellow squash alternately onto skewers.
2. Brush lightly with olive oil and season again with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 5: Cook the Skewers

You can grill, broil, or pan-sear depending on your setup:

Option 1: Grilling (Best Flavor)

• Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400°F / 200°C).
• Grill skewers for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with the remaining marinade, until the salmon is opaque and slightly charred at edges.

Option 2: Oven Broiling

• Preheat oven to broil (high) and line a baking sheet with foil.
• Place skewers on a rack and broil for 8–10 minutes, brushing with the sauce halfway through.

Option 3: Stovetop Grill Pan

• Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat.
• Cook the skewers for 3–4 minutes per side, brushing occasionally with the honey garlic butter until golden and cooked through.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

1. Drizzle or brush the remaining warm marinade over the cooked skewers.
2. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.

How to Serve

Serve Honey Garlic Butter Salmon Skewers hot, right off the grill or pan.

Serving suggestions:

• With a side of steamed jasmine rice or garlic butter couscous
• Over a fresh garden salad or quinoa bowl
• Alongside grilled corn on the cob or roasted potatoes
• With an extra wedge of lemon for brightness

For a full meal, pair it with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a chilled sparkling lemonade.

Recipe Tips

• Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
• Cut salmon and veggies evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
• Don’t overcook — salmon should be just opaque and flake easily.
• Reserve some marinade before using on raw salmon for basting during cooking.
• Brush with extra honey at the end for a glossy finish.

Recipe Variations

1. Tropical Twist: Add pineapple chunks between the salmon pieces for a sweet, fruity flavor.
2. Spicy Garlic Version: Add 1 tsp sriracha or chili paste to the marinade.
3. Asian-Inspired: Swap lemon juice for lime and add a splash of sesame oil and soy sauce.
4. Mediterranean Style: Replace honey with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and sprinkle with oregano.
5. Vegetarian Option: Substitute salmon with halloumi cubes or tofu, using the same marinade.

Freezing and Storage

• To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• To Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat or in a preheated oven at 325°F for 8–10 minutes.
• To Freeze: Uncooked marinated salmon cubes (without vegetables) can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before skewering and cooking.

Special Equipment Needed

• Metal or wooden skewers
• Mixing bowls
• Grill or grill pan (or oven with broiler function)
• Basting brush
• Tongs for turning skewers

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, but thaw it completely and pat dry before marinating to avoid excess moisture.

Q2: What other vegetables can I use?
Bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, or mushrooms all work beautifully.

Q3: Can I bake these without skewers?
Absolutely — arrange salmon and veggies on a sheet pan and bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes.

Q4: Can I prepare these ahead of time?
You can marinate the salmon up to 12 hours ahead, but skewer right before cooking to prevent sogginess.

Q5: How do I know when the salmon is done?
The internal temperature should reach 125–130°F (52–54°C), and the salmon should flake easily.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Butter Salmon Skewers with Zucchini and Squash are the definition of effortless elegance — a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that’s both wholesome and indulgent. The rich salmon, caramelized honey glaze, and tender vegetables create a harmony that’s as beautiful on the plate as it is delicious on the palate.

Whether you’re grilling outdoors on a sunny weekend or making a quick weeknight meal, these skewers deliver a restaurant-quality experience right at home.