Grilled Citrus-Marinated Lamb Chops with Tzatziki and Herb Salad
Juicy lamb chops marinated in a zesty citrus and garlic marinade, grilled to perfection, and served with cooling tzatziki sauce and fresh herb salad. This greek-inspired lamb (mediterranean) ready in about 25 minutes pairs (about 1.5 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 1.5 lbs) lamb rib chops
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for salad)
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/4 cup orange juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp dried oregano, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Place 8 lamb rib chops in a shallow dish and pour marinade over. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup grated cucumber (squeezed dry), and 2 tbsp each of chopped fresh dill and mint. Stir well and refrigerate until serving.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove lamb chops from marinade and grill for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer to desired doneness.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, toss 1 small thinly sliced red onion with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper to make a fresh herb salad.
- Step 5: Serve grilled lamb chops topped with a dollop of tzatziki and a side of the herb salad.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Lamb Chops with Tzatziki and Herb Salad 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-Marinated Lamb Chops with Tzatziki and Herb Salad?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Marinated Lamb Chops with Tzatziki and Herb Salad?
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-Marinated Lamb Chops with Tzatziki and Herb Salad 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-Marinated Lamb Chops with Tzatziki and Herb Salad?
Greek lamb 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.