Grilled Mint-Cilantro Marinated Lamb Chops with Cucumber Salad

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

Juicy lamb chops marinated in fresh herbs, grilled to perfection, paired with a refreshing cucumber salad. This middle eastern-inspired grilling ready in about 30 minutes pairs inch thick lamb chops, olive oil, finely chopped fresh mint for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Whisk 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp chopped mint, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper in a bowl. Place 8 lamb chops in a shallow dish, pour marinade over, and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 1 medium diced cucumber, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, 2 tbsp plain yogurt, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper; toss to coat. Chill while marinating.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill marinated lamb chops for 4-5 minutes per side until medium-rare (130°F internal temperature). Rest for 5 minutes, then serve with chilled cucumber salad.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Mint-Cilantro Marinated Lamb Chops with Cucumber Salad take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 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 Mint-Cilantro Marinated Lamb Chops with Cucumber 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 inch thick lamb chops from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Mint-Cilantro Marinated Lamb Chops with Cucumber 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 Mint-Cilantro Marinated Lamb Chops with Cucumber 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 Mint-Cilantro Marinated Lamb Chops with Cucumber Salad?

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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