Grilled Citrus and Za’atar Lamb Chops with Tzatziki

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled lamb chops marinated in citrus juice and za’atar spice, served with a cooling cucumber-yogurt tzatziki sauce. This middle eastern-inspired grilling ready in about 52 minutes pairs (about 1.5 lbs) lamb rib chops, lemon juice, orange juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/4 cup orange juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp za’atar, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Add 8 lamb rib chops and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: While lamb marinates, prepare tzatziki by combining 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 grated cucumber (squeezed of excess moisture), 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, and 1 tsp fresh lemon zest in a bowl. Mix well and chill.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill marinated lamb chops for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer to desired doneness.
  4. Step 4: Remove chops from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot with chilled tzatziki sauce on the side.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus and Za’atar Lamb Chops with Tzatziki take to make?

Total time is about 52 minutes (40 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Citrus and Za’atar Lamb Chops with Tzatziki?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep lemon juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus and Za’atar Lamb Chops with Tzatziki?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Citrus and Za’atar Lamb Chops with Tzatziki for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Citrus and Za’atar Lamb Chops with Tzatziki?

Middle Eastern grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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