Grilled Citrus-Marinated Lamb Skewers with Kalamata Olive Tapenade
Tender lamb skewers marinated in a bright citrus-herb blend, served with a tangy Kalamata olive tapenade to enhance the smoky flavors. This mediterranean-inspired grilling (mediterranean) ready in about 27 minutes pairs fresh lemon juice, orange juice, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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
- 1 lb lamb leg, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 6 soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
- 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
- 1 tbsp rinsed capers
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp red wine vinegar
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp orange juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to make the marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb lamb leg cubes to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Step 3: While the lamb marinates, prepare the Kalamata olive tapenade by pulsing 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, 1 tbsp rinsed capers, 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and 1 tsp red wine vinegar in a food processor until coarsely chopped but spreadable.
- Step 4: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated lamb cubes onto 6 soaked wooden skewers.
- Step 5: Grill the lamb skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, turning to develop a nice char and cook to medium-rare or desired doneness.
- Step 6: Remove skewers from the grill and let rest 5 minutes. Serve with a generous spoonful of Kalamata olive tapenade on the side.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Lamb Skewers with Kalamata Olive Tapenade take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 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-Marinated Lamb Skewers with Kalamata Olive Tapenade?
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 fresh lemon juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Marinated Lamb Skewers with Kalamata Olive Tapenade?
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 Skewers with Kalamata Olive Tapenade 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 Skewers with Kalamata Olive Tapenade?
Mediterranean 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.
