Harissa-Glazed Lamb Chops with Minted Cucumber Salad
Juicy lamb chops coated in spicy harissa and served with a refreshing minted cucumber salad for balance. This mediterranean ready in about 25 minutes pairs (1-inch thick) lamb chops, harissa paste, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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
- 4 (1-inch thick) lamb chops
- 2 tbsp harissa paste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 (diced) cucumber
- 1/4 cup (finely diced) red onion
- 2 tbsp (chopped) fresh mint
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Rub lamb chops with 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp harissa paste, then season with 1/4 tsp salt.
- Step 2: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chops for 4-5 minutes per side until medium-rare (internal temperature 135°F).
- Step 3: While chops cook, combine diced cucumber, red onion, 2 tbsp chopped mint, 1 tsp lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
- Step 4: Rest chops for 5 minutes, then serve with cucumber salad on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Harissa-Glazed Lamb Chops with Minted Cucumber 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 Harissa-Glazed Lamb Chops with Minted 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 (1-inch thick) lamb chops from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Harissa-Glazed Lamb Chops with Minted 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 Harissa-Glazed Lamb Chops with Minted 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 Harissa-Glazed Lamb Chops with Minted Cucumber Salad?
Mediterranean mediterranean 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The harissa glaze was perfect—smoky and spicy without overpowering the lamb. My kids even asked for seconds on the minted cucumber salad!
- ★★★★☆
Loved the flavors, but the lamb took 10 minutes longer than the recipe stated. Still a standout dish for dinner parties!
- ★★★★☆
Perfect summer meal! The minted cucumber salad balanced the rich lamb beautifully. Only note: glaze could use more garlic next time.
