Grilled Citrus-Herb Lamb Chops with Tzatziki
Juicy lamb chops marinated in bright citrus and fresh herbs, grilled to perfection and served with cooling tzatziki sauce. This mediterranean-inspired grilling (gluten-free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs (about 2 lbs) lamb rib chops, olive oil, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.
Ingredients
- 8 (about 2 lbs) lamb rib chops
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 medium cucumber, grated and drained
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice for tzatziki
- 1/2 garlic clove for tzatziki, minced
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1 tsp orange zest, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Place 8 lamb rib chops in a large dish and pour marinade over. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare tzatziki by combining 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 grated and drained cucumber, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 minced garlic clove in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until serving.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove lamb chops from marinade and grill for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer to desired doneness. Let rest for 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Serve grilled lamb chops with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Herb Lamb Chops with Tzatziki take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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-Herb 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 (about 2 lbs) lamb rib chops from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Herb 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-Herb 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.
Is Grilled Citrus-Herb Lamb Chops with Tzatziki gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
