Minty Tomato Quinoa with Grilled Lamb Chops

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender lamb chops marinated in lemon and mint, paired with a bright tomato-quinoa side for a restaurant-worthy dinner. This middle eastern-inspired grilling ready in about 55 minutes pairs boneless, trimmed lamb chops, olive oil, juiced lemon 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.

★ 3.7 (10 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix 1 tbsp olive oil, lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tbsp chopped mint for the lamb marinade.
  2. Step 2: Rub lamb chops with the marinade, pressing gently to adhere, and let rest for 15 minutes while prepping the quinoa.
  3. Step 3: Heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat, add quinoa and toast for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add quinoa to 2 cups water, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
  5. Step 5: Grill lamb chops for 6-7 minutes per side on a preheated grill (375°F/190°C) until medium-rare, resting for 5 minutes before serving.
  6. Step 6: Fluff cooked quinoa, then fold in cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and remaining 1 tbsp chopped mint, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Minty Tomato Quinoa with Grilled Lamb Chops take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (30 min prep + 25 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 Minty Tomato Quinoa with Grilled Lamb Chops?

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 boneless, trimmed lamb chops from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Minty Tomato Quinoa with Grilled Lamb Chops?

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 Minty Tomato Quinoa with Grilled Lamb Chops 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 Minty Tomato Quinoa with Grilled Lamb Chops?

Middle Eastern 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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