Grilled Citrus-Rubbed Lamb Chops with Tzatziki and Herb Salad

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

Juicy lamb chops rubbed with a citrus and garlic blend, grilled to perfection and served alongside refreshing tzatziki and a vibrant herb salad. This greek-inspired lamb (mediterranean) ready in about 35 minutes pairs chops (about 2 lbs) lamb rib chops, lemon zest, orange zest 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Greek cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tsp lemon zest, 1 tsp orange zest, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Rub this citrus-garlic mixture evenly over 8 lamb rib chops. Let rest at room temperature for 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare tzatziki by mixing 1 cup Greek yogurt with 1/2 grated and squeezed cucumber, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Refrigerate until serving.
  3. Step 3: Toss 4 cups mixed salad greens with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, and 1 tbsp olive oil. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the lamb chops for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer to desired doneness. Remove and let rest 5 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Serve grilled lamb chops atop the herb salad with a generous dollop of tzatziki on the side.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Rubbed Lamb Chops with Tzatziki and Herb Salad take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (25 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-Rubbed 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 lemon zest from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Rubbed 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-Rubbed 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-Rubbed 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.

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