Lemon-Dill Grilled Lamb Skewers with Olive Tapenade

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender lamb marinated in lemon zest and fresh dill, grilled to perfection and served with a briny olive tapenade. This mediterranean-inspired grilling ready in about 45 minutes pairs Lamb shoulder, Fresh dill, lemon Lemon zest 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.

★ 4.7 (128 ratings) Prep: 35 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI →

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut lamb into 1-inch cubes and place in a bowl. Add 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 cup chopped dill, lemon zest, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 minced garlic clove. Toss to coat evenly and marinate for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: While marinating, combine 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, and 1 tbsp chopped dill in a small bowl. Mash with a fork until slightly chunky.
  3. Step 3: Thread marinated lamb cubes onto metal skewers, leaving space between pieces. Grill over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, turning once, until golden and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Serve skewers immediately with 2 tbsp of the olive tapenade spooned over each serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Dill Grilled Lamb Skewers with Olive Tapenade take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (35 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 Lemon-Dill Grilled Lamb Skewers with Olive Tapenade?

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 shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Dill Grilled Lamb Skewers with Olive Tapenade?

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 Lemon-Dill Grilled Lamb Skewers with Olive Tapenade 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 Lemon-Dill Grilled Lamb Skewers with Olive Tapenade?

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.