Pan-Seared Mediterranean Lamb Chops with Olive and Herb Relish

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

Tender lamb chops pan-seared to a golden crust served with a bright olive and herb relish that highlights Mediterranean flavors. This mediterranean-inspired lamb (mediterranean) ready in about 30 minutes pairs about 1-inch thick lamb chops, extra virgin 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 380 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 8 lamb chops and season both sides with 1 tsp sea salt, 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh rosemary. Let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the lamb chops and sear for 4 minutes per side until a deep golden crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare.
  3. Step 3: Remove lamb chops from the skillet and let rest on a plate covered loosely with foil for 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: While lamb rests, combine 1/2 cup chopped green olives, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice in a small bowl. Stir to create a fresh relish.
  5. Step 5: Spoon the olive and herb relish over the rested lamb chops and serve immediately, enjoying the contrast between the warm meat and bright topping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Mediterranean Lamb Chops with Olive and Herb Relish take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 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 Pan-Seared Mediterranean Lamb Chops with Olive and Herb Relish?

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 about 1-inch thick lamb chops from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Mediterranean Lamb Chops with Olive and Herb Relish?

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 Pan-Seared Mediterranean Lamb Chops with Olive and Herb Relish 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 Pan-Seared Mediterranean Lamb Chops with Olive and Herb Relish?

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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