Lunch / Dinner
Grilled Lamb Chops with Mint Pesto
Lamb may have an air of natural elegance, but it’s just as suited to your weeknight table with this casual Greek-inspired menu.
Naturally tender, surprisingly versatile, and perfectly portioned, lamb chops just might be the protein your grilling routine is missing. Resembling tiny T-bone steaks, loin chops include meat from the tenderloin and short loin and are more economical and less fussy than the rib chops you see crowning formal holiday spreads. They’re also milder and won’t have that “gamey” flavor lamb often gets a bad rap for.
The lamb chops still wouldn’t be as great, though, without the pesto. Homemade with mint leaves, fresh lemon juice, and walnuts, it trumps store-bought options with an authentic feel that complements the lamb and enhances the Thunder & Lightning Pasta side dish.
Ingredients
PURÉE:
BRUSH:
Test Kitchen Tip
If you aren’t a fan of lamb or it’s not available in your local supermarket, T-bone steaks or pork chops would work equally as well in this dish.
Instructions
Preheat grill to medium-high. Brush grill grate with oil.
Purée mint, parsley, oil, walnuts, garlic, zest, and lemon juice in a food processor until smooth; season with salt and pepper. Set aside 2 Tbsp. pesto for the Thunder & Lightning Pasta; reserve remainder to serve with lamb chops.
Brush lamb chops with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill chops until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the side (without touching the bone) registers 125–130° for mediumrare, 2–3 minutes per side. Transfer chops to a plate, tent with foil, and let rest 3–4 minutes. Serve lamb chops with pesto.
Purchased pesto would work fine, too, but this quick, fresh version uses mint to complement the lamb.
Salt the lamb just before grilling. If you season it too far in advance, the meat can become tough and gray.
Tender and flavorful, lamb is ideal for grilling. It’s best when cooked to medium-rare or medium.
Nutritional Facts
Nutritional Facts
Per serving
Calories: 342
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 24g 36%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 87mg 28%
Sodium 97mg 4%
Carbs 2g 0%
Fiber 1g 4%
Protein 28g
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.