Roasted Lamb Skewers with Barley Salad

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

Grilled lamb chunks marinated in herbs and served atop a nutty barley salad with fresh herbs. This asian-inspired grilling ready in about 40 minutes pairs pound lamb loin, barley, fresh dill for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 2, 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: 30 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook 3/4 cup barley in 1.5 cups water until tender (about 25 minutes), then drain and cool completely.
  2. Step 2: Cut lamb loin into 1-inch cubes, then toss with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Thread lamb cubes onto skewers and grill over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, turning once, until browned and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Chop fresh dill and mint, then mix with cooled barley, remaining 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp olive oil.
  5. Step 5: Serve grilled lamb skewers over barley salad, garnished with extra fresh herbs.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Roasted Lamb Skewers with Barley Salad take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (30 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 Roasted Lamb Skewers with Barley Salad?

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 pound lamb loin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Roasted Lamb Skewers with Barley Salad?

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 Roasted Lamb Skewers with Barley Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Roasted Lamb Skewers with Barley Salad?

Asian 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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