Oven-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb with Herbed Spice Rub

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

Juicy lamb leg roasted under a distinctive herb and spice blend, leaning on rosemary and thyme for an aromatic Mediterranean feast. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 110 minutes pairs bone-in leg of lamb, olive oil, finely chopped fresh rosemary 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 90 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh rosemary, 2 tbsp thyme, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp lemon zest to create the fourth position spice rub.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry the 3 lb bone-in leg of lamb and rub the spice blend all over the meat, pressing it into the surface.
  3. Step 3: Place the lamb on a roasting rack in a roasting pan and roast at 400°F for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 350°F and continue roasting for 60-75 minutes until a meat thermometer reads 135°F for medium-rare.
  4. Step 4: Remove lamb from oven, tent loosely with foil, and rest for 15 minutes before slicing against the grain. Serve with pan juices or your choice of sides.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Oven-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb with Herbed Spice Rub take to make?

Total time is about 110 minutes (20 min prep + 90 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 Oven-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb with Herbed Spice Rub?

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 Oven-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb with Herbed Spice Rub?

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 Oven-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb with Herbed Spice Rub 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 Oven-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb with Herbed Spice Rub?

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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