Mediterranean Lamb Chops with Herbs

Mediterranean Lamb Chops with Herbs

Mia

Mediterranean Lamb Chops with Herbs brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean coast directly to your dinner table. This dish celebrates the region's love for fresh herbs, quality olive oil, and perfectly seasoned meat. The lamb chops are marinated in a fragrant blend of rosemary, thyme, oregano, and garlic, creating a aromatic crust that seals in the meat's natural juices while delivering layers of herbaceous flavor with every bite.

Lamb has been a cornerstone of Mediterranean cuisine for centuries, particularly in Greece, Turkey, and the coastal regions of Italy and Spain. This recipe honors that tradition while keeping preparation simple and accessible. The key to success lies in using high-quality lamb chops, preferably rib or loin chops, and not overcooking them – a perfect medium-rare to medium doneness ensures tender, succulent meat that practically melts in your mouth.

What makes this dish truly special is its adherence to Mediterranean Diet principles: it's rich in heart-healthy fats from olive oil, packed with antioxidants from fresh herbs, and provides excellent protein without relying on heavy sauces or excessive butter. The addition of fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and aids in digestion, while the garlic offers both flavor and numerous health benefits.

This elegant yet straightforward recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike. Pair these herb-crusted lamb chops with a simple Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or creamy hummus and warm pita bread for a complete Mediterranean feast that's as nutritious as it is delicious.

Nutrition

27 minutes
None servings
385 calories
Fat 26.00g
Carbs 3.00g
Protein 35.00g

Ingredients

8 pieceslamb rib chops, about 1 inch thick
3 tbspextra virgin olive oil
2 tbspfresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 tbspfresh thyme, leaves stripped and chopped
1 tbspfresh oregano, chopped
4 clovesgarlic cloves, minced
1 wholelemon, zested and juiced
1 tspsea salt
1/2 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
2 tbspfresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Equipment

Cutting board
Whisk
paper towels
tongs
small mixing bowl
aluminum foil
chef's knife
meat thermometer
cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan
shallow dish or large plate

80/20 Diet

This recipe fits the 80/20 principle with 100% whole, nutrient-dense ingredients including quality lamb, extra virgin olive oil, and fresh herbs—all anti-inflammatory and minimally processed foods that comprise the nutritious 80% foundation.

Ancestral Diet

These lamb chops follow Ancestral eating principles with grass-fed meat, olive oil, and fresh herbs—ingredients that would have been available to hunter-gatherers. The recipe contains no grains, legumes, dairy, or processed foods, emphasizing nutrient-dense whole foods.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

The recipe emphasizes anti-inflammatory ingredients including extra virgin olive oil, fresh herbs rich in antioxidants (rosemary, thyme, oregano), garlic, and lemon. While red meat should be limited, the preparation focuses on herbs and healthy fats that combat inflammation when consumed in moderation.

Atkins Diet

These herb-crusted lamb chops are Atkins-friendly with zero net carbs, high-quality protein, and healthy fats from olive oil. The recipe uses only fresh herbs and seasonings without any grains, sugar, or high-carb ingredients, making it suitable for all Atkins phases.

Cave Man Diet

These lamb chops are perfect for the Cave Man Diet with grass-fed meat, olive oil, and foraged herbs. The recipe excludes all modern processed foods, grains, legumes, and dairy, focusing on foods that could have been hunted and gathered.

Clean Eating

This recipe exemplifies clean eating with whole, unprocessed ingredients: fresh lamb, extra virgin olive oil, fresh herbs, and real lemon. There are no artificial additives, preservatives, or refined ingredients—just simple, recognizable whole foods prepared with minimal processing.

Evolutionary Diet

This recipe aligns with Evolutionary Diet principles, featuring grass-fed lamb and olive oil with fresh herbs for seasoning. It excludes all grains, legumes, dairy, and processed ingredients, focusing on whole foods that support our evolutionary nutritional needs.

Gluten-Free Diet

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, containing only lamb, olive oil, fresh herbs, and seasonings without any wheat, grains, or gluten-containing ingredients. It's a safe and delicious option for those avoiding gluten.

Heart-Healthy Diet

This recipe uses heart-healthy extra virgin olive oil and antioxidant-rich fresh herbs while employing a lean cooking method. Though lamb should be consumed in moderation, the emphasis on olive oil, herbs, and simple preparation aligns with heart-healthy principles when enjoyed occasionally as part of a balanced diet.

High-Protein Diet

Lamb chops are an excellent high-protein choice, providing 25-30+ grams of complete protein per serving. The simple herb preparation keeps the focus on the protein-rich meat while adding flavor without unnecessary carbohydrates or fillers.

Hunter-Gatherer Diet

These herb-crusted lamb chops represent foods available through hunting, using only meat, herbs, and natural seasonings. The recipe avoids all grains, legumes, dairy, and processed ingredients, relying on simple preparation methods that hunter-gatherers could have used.

IIFYM (If It Fits Your Macros)

These lamb chops provide easily trackable macros with high protein from the lamb, healthy fats from both the meat and olive oil, and zero carbohydrates. The simple preparation makes it easy to calculate and log precise nutritional information to fit your daily macro targets.

Intermittent Fasting

These nutrient-dense lamb chops provide high-quality protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients without processed ingredients, making them ideal for breaking a fast or eating during your feeding window. The combination of protein and fat promotes satiety and stable blood sugar levels throughout fasting periods.

Intuitive Eating

This satisfying lamb dish honors both pleasure and nourishment with flavorful herbs, quality ingredients, and a focus on enjoying food without restriction. The recipe emphasizes taste and satisfaction while providing substantial protein and nutrients.

Ketogenic Diet

These lamb chops are ideal for keto with zero carbohydrates from the meat and herbs, high healthy fats from both the lamb and olive oil, and moderate protein. The fresh herbs and lemon provide flavor without adding carbs, making this a perfect high-fat, low-carb meal that fits ketogenic macros.

Low-Carb Diet

With virtually zero net carbohydrates from the lamb and fresh herbs, this recipe is perfect for low-carb eating. The dish relies on protein and healthy fats from olive oil while avoiding all grains, starches, and high-carb ingredients.

Macro Diet

This recipe offers clear, trackable macronutrients with substantial protein from lamb, healthy fats from olive oil and the meat itself, and minimal carbohydrates. The straightforward ingredients make it easy to calculate and adjust portions to meet specific macro goals.

Mediterranean Diet

This recipe is a quintessential Mediterranean Diet dish, featuring extra virgin olive oil as the primary fat, fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano), garlic, and lemon for flavoring. While lamb is red meat and should be limited on this diet, the recipe uses it in moderation with heart-healthy preparation methods and emphasizes the traditional Mediterranean ingredients and cooking techniques that define the region's cuisine.

Mindful Eating

The aromatic herbs, tender texture of perfectly cooked lamb, and bright lemon create a multi-sensory eating experience that encourages slow, conscious consumption. The simple, whole-food ingredients and fragrant preparation invite mindful appreciation of flavors, aromas, and textures.

Paleo Diet

This recipe is completely Paleo-compliant, featuring grass-fed lamb (a traditional protein), olive oil, and fresh herbs—all whole, unprocessed ingredients that would have been available to hunter-gatherers. It contains no grains, legumes, dairy, or processed ingredients, focusing purely on quality meat and natural seasonings.

Paleolithic Diet

This recipe is fully Paleolithic-compliant, featuring grass-fed lamb and fresh herbs that would have been available to pre-agricultural humans. It contains no grains, legumes, dairy, or processed ingredients, emphasizing simple preparation of whole foods.

Pegan Diet

While lamb should be used as a smaller accompaniment rather than the main focus in Pegan eating, this recipe uses quality grass-fed meat with anti-inflammatory herbs and olive oil, avoiding all dairy, gluten, and processed ingredients. Pair with abundant vegetables to align with Pegan principles of 75% plant-based meals.

Primal Blueprint

These lamb chops align perfectly with Primal Blueprint principles, featuring high-quality grass-fed meat, healthy fats from olive oil, and fresh herbs for flavor. The recipe avoids all grains, legumes, refined sugars, and processed foods while focusing on nutrient-dense whole ingredients.

Primal Diet

This recipe is completely Primal-compliant with grass-fed lamb, olive oil, and fresh herbs—all whole, unprocessed ingredients. It avoids all grains, legumes, refined sugars, and processed foods, focusing on quality meat and natural seasonings that support metabolic health.

Stone Age Diet

This recipe follows Stone Age eating with grass-fed lamb and fresh herbs—ingredients that could have been hunted and foraged. It contains no grains, legumes, dairy, or processed foods, focusing on the simple, whole foods available to prehistoric humans.

Whole30

This recipe is fully Whole30-compliant, featuring only whole, unprocessed ingredients: lamb, olive oil, fresh herbs, lemon, and basic seasonings. It contains no added sugars, grains, legumes, dairy, or artificial ingredients, focusing on clean protein and healthy fats.

Instructions

1

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

15 min
2

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

2 min
3

Place the lamb chops in a shallow dish or on a large plate. Rub the herb marinade generously over both sides of each lamb chop, making sure to coat them evenly.

2 min
4

Let the lamb chops marinate at room temperature for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

10 min
5

Heat a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until very hot, about 3-4 minutes.

4 min
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 another 3-4 minutes for medium-rare (internal temperature of 135°F) or 4-5 minutes for medium (145°F).

8

Remove the lamb chops from the skillet and transfer them to a clean plate. Tent loosely with aluminum foil and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.

5 min
9

Arrange the lamb chops on a serving platter, garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

1 min

Frequently Asked Questions