Herb-Roasted Lamb Chops with Mediterranean Olive Relish
Tender lamb chops roasted with garlic and rosemary, served with a zesty olive and tomato relish that bursts with Mediterranean flavors. This mediterranean-inspired lamb (mediterranean) ready in about 35 minutes pairs olive oil, chopped fresh rosemary, minced garlic cloves 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.
Ingredients
- 8 pieces (about 1 inch thick, 3 oz each) lamb chops
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup pitted and chopped kalamata olives
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a bowl, mix 4 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Rub this marinade evenly over 8 lamb chops and let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the lamb chops for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and crispy around edges.
- Step 3: Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and roast lamb chops for 6-8 minutes for medium-rare, or longer if desired.
- Step 4: While lamb roasts, prepare olive relish by combining 1/2 cup chopped kalamata olives, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp red wine vinegar in a bowl. Toss gently.
- Step 5: Remove lamb from oven and rest for 5 minutes before serving. Plate lamb chops topped with a spoonful of the Mediterranean olive relish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herb-Roasted Lamb Chops with Mediterranean Olive Relish take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 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 Herb-Roasted Lamb Chops with Mediterranean Olive Relish?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Roasted Lamb Chops with Mediterranean Olive Relish?
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 Herb-Roasted Lamb Chops with Mediterranean Olive Relish 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 Herb-Roasted Lamb Chops with Mediterranean Olive Relish?
Mediterranean 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.