Spiced Lamb Skewers with Tomato & Basil Salad
Herb-crusted lamb skewers grilled to perfection, served with a refreshing tomato-basil salad for a balanced, elegant dinner. This italian-inspired grilling ready in about 35 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes lamb leg meat, olive oil, dried oregano for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 430 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.
Ingredients
- 1.25 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes lamb leg meat
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 cups, diced 1/2-inch ripe tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 tbsp olive oil, dried oregano, ground cumin, 1/4 tsp salt, and smoked paprika; toss with lamb cubes until evenly coated. Marinate for 20 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 2: Thread lamb cubes onto 8 skewers, spacing them 1 inch apart. Grill over medium heat (375°F) for 8-10 minutes total, turning every 2 minutes until lamb reaches 145°F for medium doneness and edges are caramelized.
- Step 3: While lamb grills, combine tomatoes, red onion, 2 tbsp chopped basil, balsamic vinegar, and 1 tbsp olive oil in a bowl; toss gently and let sit for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Step 4: Transfer lamb skewers to a platter, top with tomato-basil salad, and sprinkle with remaining 2 tbsp chopped basil. Serve immediately with crusty bread.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Lamb Skewers with Tomato & Basil Salad take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (25 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 Spiced Lamb Skewers with Tomato & Basil 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Lamb Skewers with Tomato & Basil 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 Spiced Lamb Skewers with Tomato & Basil Salad 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 Spiced Lamb Skewers with Tomato & Basil Salad?
Italian 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.