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Our Grilled Mahi features Italian dressing mix, lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh basil come together to create an amazing flavor that works so well with the delicate flavor of the fish.

This Grilled Mahi uses simple ingredients you can easily find at your local grocery store. Simple is always best!
Mahi mahi has a firm texture and a mild flavor, which makes it perfect for soaking up all the yummy marinade.
It’s also a great fish to grill because it holds together well and doesn’t fall apart on the grates.
With just a few steps and a little time to marinate, you’ll have a fresh fish dinner that feels like it came straight from a seaside restaurant.
If this is your first time making grilled mahi mahi, don’t worry—it’s super easy and takes just about 10 minutes to cook on a preheated grill.
So let’s get cooking some Grilled Mahi! Fire up that outdoor grill, and let’s make one of the best seafood recipes you’ll ever try!
Some of our other favorite FISH RECIPES we have on our site include: Air Fryer Crispy Catfish Nuggets Recipe, Easy Oven Baked Mahi Recipe, and Classic Southern Fried Catfish (Best Recipe).
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- Easy and Fast – With just a few simple steps and only 10 minutes of cooking time, it’s perfect for busy nights.
- Big Flavor, Simple Ingredients – The Italian marinade brings out the best flavor without needing a ton of ingredients.
- Perfect for Grilling – Mahi mahi fillets have a firm texture, making them an excellent choice for the grill.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Zesty Italian salad dressing mix
- Fresh basil leaves
- Mahi mahi filets

Jump to:
- WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- HOW TO MAKE GRILLED MAHI:
- FAQ: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
- HOW LONG TO MARINATE MAHI FOR?
- WHAT TO SERVE THIS WITH?
- ANY ADDITIONS?
- ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
- HOW TO STORE:
- DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Italian Marinated Grilled Mahi Recipe
HOW TO MAKE GRILLED MAHI:
- Place the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salad dressing mix, and basil in a gallon-sized zip-top bag.
- Close the bag and toss the ingredients to combine.
- Add the Mahi filets to the bag and close it. Gently massage the marinade into the filets so they are well coated.
- Marinade for 15 minutes to 1 hour; do not surpass 1 hour.
- Prepare your grill and oil the grates over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, place the mahi onto the grill.
- Grill for 3-5 minutes per side or until it reaches 145°F in the center. Try to flip it only once or as little as possible not to break up the fish. Serve immediately.

FAQ: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
HOW LONG TO MARINATE MAHI FOR?
You should marinate mahi for at least 15 minutes, but no longer than 1 hour.
You want to make sure you get all that marinating flavor, but marinating too long can make the fish mushy.
Nobody wants mushy fish!
WHAT TO SERVE THIS WITH?
Grilled mahi mahi is delicious with rice, roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or even fruit salsas like mango salsa.
It also makes great fish tacos!
It’s one of those versatile fish that you can use in all kinds of different ways.

ANY ADDITIONS?
I like to kick up the spiciness, but Jeremy really isn’t a fan.
I know everyone likes to do things a little differently.
- Sprinkle with garlic powder or onion powder before grilling
- Add a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick
- Top with fresh lime juice before serving
- Serve with mango salsa or pineapple salsa
- Add sliced red bell pepper to the grill for a tasty side
- Use fresh oregano or parsley in the marinade
- Serve with grilled corn or zucchini
- Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze
- Top with a few capers for a salty bite
ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
If you have any other ideas, be sure to let me know in the comments!
- Use lime juice or orange juice instead of lemon juice
- Try cod, halibut, or another white fish if mahi isn’t available
- Use dried Italian seasoning if you don’t have fresh basil
- Avocado oil can be used instead of olive oil
- Use foil packets if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill
- A stovetop grill pan works well if you can’t grill outside

HOW TO STORE:
ROOM TEMPERATURE: Eat right away.
Cooked fish should not sit out for more than 1-2 hours.
REFRIGERATOR: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently in the oven for best results.
FREEZER: Wrap the fish in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag.
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Pat the mahi mahi dry with a paper towel before marinating for best results.
- Preheat your grill and oil the grill grates to keep the fish from sticking.
- Don’t flip the fish too much—let it cook 4-5 minutes per side for perfect grill marks.
- Check the internal temperature—it should be 145°F in the center.
- Use a fish spatula to flip the fillets gently without breaking them.
- For the best flavor, use fresh mahi mahi from your local fish market if possible.
Grilled Mahi is one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again.
It’s fresh, fast, and full of flavor, and it tastes like summer on a plate.
Whether you’re cooking for family or just want a healthy, delicious dinner, this is a great fish recipe to keep in your back pocket.
Next time you’re at the grocery store, grab some mahi mahi and give it a try!
If you like this recipe, you might also like:

Learn more about the author, Dana DeVolk, on our ABOUT ME page!
Italian Marinated Grilled Mahi Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice fresh squeezed
- zest of 1 lemon
- .6 ounce packet good seasons zesty Italian salad dressing mix
- 5 fresh basil leaves torn by hand
- 1 1/2 pounds Mahi filets
Instructions
- Place the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salad dressing mix, and basil in a gallon-sized zip-top bag.1/4 cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, zest of 1 lemon, .6 ounce packet good seasons zesty Italian salad dressing mix, 5 fresh basil leaves
- Close the bag and toss the ingredients to combine.
- Add the Mahi filets to the bag and close it. Gently massage the marinade into the filets so they are well coated.1 1/2 pounds Mahi filets
- Marinade for 15 minutes to 1 hour; do not surpass 1 hour.
- Prepare your grill and oil the grates over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, place the mahi onto the grill.
- Grill for 3-5 minutes per side or until it reaches 145°F in the center. Try to flip it only once or as little as possible not to break up the fish. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Pat the mahi mahi dry with a paper towel before marinating for best results.
- Preheat your grill and oil the grill grates to keep the fish from sticking.
- Don’t flip the fish too much—let it cook 4-5 minutes per side for perfect grill marks.
- Check the internal temperature—it should be 145°F in the center.
- Use a fish spatula to flip the fillets gently without breaking them.
- For the best flavor, use fresh mahi mahi from your local fish market if possible.
Nutrition
Love This Recipe?
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These look and taste amazing – Thanks for the recipe!