Gluten-Free Lamb Chops with Mint Chimichurri

Gluten-Free Lamb Chops with Mint Chimichurri

Julia

This elegant gluten-free lamb chop dish brings restaurant-quality sophistication to your dinner table with minimal effort. Tender, juicy lamb loin chops are seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and garlic, then seared to perfection, creating a beautiful caramelized crust while maintaining a rosy, succulent interior. The star of this dish is the vibrant mint chimichurri—a fresh, herbaceous sauce that cuts through the richness of the lamb with its bright, tangy flavors.

Chimichurri, traditionally an Argentine condiment, gets a refreshing twist here with the addition of mint alongside the classic parsley. The combination of fresh herbs, garlic, red wine vinegar, and quality olive oil creates a sauce that's both zesty and aromatic. This mint variation pairs exceptionally well with lamb, as the cooling mint complements the meat's natural gamey sweetness while the acidity helps tenderize and balance each bite.

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities without sacrificing any flavor or elegance. The dish comes together in under 30 minutes, yet looks and tastes impressive enough for special occasions or dinner parties. Serve these lamb chops alongside roasted vegetables, cauliflower mash, or a simple green salad for a complete, sophisticated meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—quality ingredients prepared with care result in a dish that's greater than the sum of its parts. The chimichurri can be made ahead and actually improves in flavor as it sits, making this an ideal choice for entertaining when you want to minimize last-minute cooking stress.

Julia

Julia

Recipe Author: Gluten-Free & Specialty Diet Chef

Nutrition

25 minutes
None servings
485 calories
Fat 39.00g
Carbs 3.00g
Protein 32.00g

Ingredients

8 pieceslamb loin chops, about 1 inch thick, at room temperature
1 tspkosher salt
1/2 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
2 tbspolive oil, for cooking
1 cupfresh mint leaves, packed, roughly chopped
1 cupfresh parsley, packed, roughly chopped
4 clovesgarlic, minced
3 tbspred wine vinegar
1/2 cupextra virgin olive oil, for chimichurri
1/4 tspred pepper flakes
1/2 tspkosher salt, for chimichurri
1 wholelemon, cut into wedges (optional)

Equipment

Cutting board
paper towels
tongs
aluminum foil
chef's knife
medium mixing bowl
meat thermometer
measuring cups and spoons
serving platter
large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan

Ancestral Diet

Fully compliant with Ancestral Diet guidelines, using grass-fed meat, fresh herbs, and healthy oils while completely avoiding grains, legumes, and processed ingredients.

Gluten-Free Diet

Naturally gluten-free, this recipe explicitly avoids all gluten-containing ingredients, using only whole foods like lamb, fresh herbs, olive oil, and lemon, making it safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.

Low-Carb Diet

An ideal low-carb option with virtually zero net carbohydrates, focusing on high-quality protein from lamb and healthy fats from olive oil, while avoiding any carb-heavy ingredients.

Paleo Diet

This recipe perfectly aligns with Paleo principles, featuring grass-fed lamb, fresh herbs, olive oil, and no grains, legumes, or dairy. The simple, whole-food ingredients and cooking method mirror the hunter-gatherer approach to eating.

Primal Diet

This recipe meets Primal Diet requirements with grass-fed lamb, fresh herbs, olive oil, and no processed ingredients. The simple preparation and whole-food focus align perfectly with primal eating principles.

Instructions

1

Remove lamb chops from refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Pat them completely dry with paper towels.

20 min
2

Make the mint chimichurri by combining the chopped mint, parsley, and minced garlic in a medium bowl.

3

Add the red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, red pepper flakes, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the herb mixture. Stir well to combine and set aside to let flavors meld.

1 min
4

Season both sides of the lamb chops generously with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.

1 min
5
3 min

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.

6
4 min

Place the lamb chops in the hot skillet without overcrowding (work in batches if necessary). Sear for 3-4 minutes on the first side without moving them, until a golden-brown crust forms.

7
4 min

Flip the lamb chops and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes for medium-rare (internal temperature of 135°F), or longer for desired doneness.

8

Transfer the cooked lamb chops to a plate and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let them rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.

5 min
9

Arrange the lamb chops on a serving platter and generously spoon the mint chimichurri over the top. Serve with lemon wedges on the side if desired.

1 min

Frequently Asked Questions