Mediterranean Herb-Roasted Lamb with Garlic and Lemon

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

Juicy lamb leg roasted with a fragrant blend of garlic, lemon zest, and fresh Mediterranean herbs for a savory, tender centerpiece perfect for a special occasion. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 95 minutes pairs bone-in leg of lamb, olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.

★ 4.2 (15 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 75 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Using a small sharp knife, make 12-15 small incisions all over the 3 lb bone-in leg of lamb and insert 6 thinly sliced garlic cloves evenly into the slits.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 4 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Rub the herb and oil mixture thoroughly all over the lamb, making sure to coat it evenly.
  4. Step 4: Place the lamb on a rack in a roasting pan and roast in the preheated oven for 1 hour 15 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 135°F for medium-rare.
  5. Step 5: Remove the lamb from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 15 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.
  6. Step 6: Slice the lamb against the grain and serve with pan juices spooned over the top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mediterranean Herb-Roasted Lamb with Garlic and Lemon take to make?

Total time is about 95 minutes (20 min prep + 75 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 Mediterranean Herb-Roasted Lamb with Garlic and Lemon?

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 leg of lamb from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mediterranean Herb-Roasted Lamb with Garlic and Lemon?

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 Mediterranean Herb-Roasted Lamb with Garlic and Lemon 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 Mediterranean Herb-Roasted Lamb with Garlic and Lemon?

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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