Harissa-Spiced Lamb Chops with Tomato-Cucumber Salad

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

Tender lamb chops marinated in fiery harissa, served with a refreshing cucumber-tomato salad. This mediterranean-inspired grilling ready in about 47 minutes pairs lamb loin chops, harissa paste, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 35 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat lamb chops dry with paper towels. Rub with 2 tbsp harissa paste, 1 tbsp olive oil, lemon zest, and 1 tsp lemon juice. Let marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add lamb chops and sear for 4 minutes per side until browned and reaching 135°F internally for medium-rare.
  3. Step 3: Remove chops and tent with foil. Deglaze skillet with 1/4 cup white wine, scraping up browned bits, and simmer for 2 minutes.
  4. Step 4: In a bowl, combine diced cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and fresh mint. Drizzle with 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tsp olive oil, tossing gently.
  5. Step 5: Return lamb chops to skillet to coat in sauce for 1 minute. Serve with tomato-cucumber salad.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Harissa-Spiced Lamb Chops with Tomato-Cucumber Salad take to make?

Total time is about 47 minutes (35 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 Harissa-Spiced Lamb Chops with Tomato-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 lamb loin chops from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Harissa-Spiced Lamb Chops with Tomato-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-Spiced Lamb Chops with Tomato-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-Spiced Lamb Chops with Tomato-Cucumber Salad?

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.

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