Herb-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb with Garlic and Olives
Succulent lamb shoulder roasted with fresh garlic, rosemary, and Kalamata olives, capturing the rustic flavors of the Mediterranean countryside. This mediterranean-inspired lamb (mediterranean) ready in about 200 minutes pairs bone-in lamb shoulder, garlic cloves, sliced, fresh rosemary sprigs for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 6, 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
- 3 lbs bone-in lamb shoulder
- 6 cloves garlic cloves, sliced
- 3 sprigs fresh rosemary sprigs
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Pat dry 3 lbs bone-in lamb shoulder and make small incisions all over with a paring knife. Insert 6 sliced garlic cloves and 3 sprigs rosemary into the incisions.
- Step 2: Rub the lamb evenly with 4 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp lemon zest. Place lamb in a roasting pan and scatter 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives around it.
- Step 3: Roast uncovered for 2 1/2 to 3 hours until lamb is tender and internal temperature reaches 195°F for pull-apart texture.
- Step 4: Let the lamb rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving with the roasted olives.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herb-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb with Garlic and Olives take to make?
Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 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 Mediterranean Lamb with Garlic and Olives?
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 bone-in lamb shoulder from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb with Garlic and Olives?
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 Mediterranean Lamb with Garlic and Olives for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Mediterranean Lamb with Garlic and Olives?
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.
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