Grilled Lamb Chops with Fresh Mint Pesto

Grilled Lamb Chops with Mint Pesto

If you’re looking for a dish that’s elegant, bursting with flavor, and perfect for warm-weather grilling, these Grilled Lamb Chops with Mint Pesto are calling your name! Juicy, perfectly seared lamb chops get a vibrant, herbaceous punch from homemade mint pesto—an unbeatable combination.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Restaurant-Worthy, Home-Cook Easy: This feels gourmet but comes together in under 30 minutes.
• Flavor Explosion: Rich, tender lamb meets bright, garlicky mint pesto—talk about a match made in heaven.
• Perfect for Entertaining: Want to impress guests? These beautifully charred lamb chops do the trick.
• Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Taste: You don’t need much—just fresh herbs, good olive oil, garlic, and juicy lamb chops.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Lamb Chops:

• 8 lamb rib chops (about 1-inch thick)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped

For the Mint Pesto:

• 1 cup fresh mint leaves
• ½ cup fresh parsley
• ⅓ cup toasted pine nuts (or almonds)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 garlic clove
• ½ cup olive oil
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Pro Tips:

• Use fresh herbs for the pesto—dried just won’t have the same brightness.
• Let the lamb sit out for 15-20 minutes before grilling for more even cooking.
• If you don’t have pine nuts, cashews or walnuts work great too.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Lamb

In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and rosemary. Rub this all over the lamb chops and let them marinate for at least 20 minutes (or overnight in the fridge).

2. Make the Mint Pesto

In a food processor, combine mint, parsley, toasted nuts, Parmesan, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped. Slowly drizzle in olive oil and lemon juice, blending until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Grill the Lamb Chops

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Sear the lamb chops for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for your preferred doneness.

4. Rest & Serve

Let the lamb chops rest for 5 minutes, then serve them drizzled with the fresh mint pesto.

Chef’s Tips and Tricks

• Letting the meat rest for a few minutes before serving keeps it juicy.
• If using a cast-iron skillet, make sure it’s sizzling hot before adding the chops to get a great sear.
• For extra depth, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto for a bit of heat.

Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions

• Herb Swap: If you’re out of mint, try basil or cilantro for a fun twist.
• Side Pairings: These lamb chops go beautifully with roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a fresh Mediterranean salad.
• Alternative Cooking Method: No grill? No problem! Sear the lamb in a hot skillet and finish it in a 400°F oven for a few minutes.

FAQs

Can I make the pesto ahead of time?

Yes! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a stir before using.

Can I freeze lamb chops?

Absolutely. If you marinate them first, just freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before grilling.

What’s the best way to reheat lamb chops?

Reheat gently in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes to avoid overcooking.

Grilled Lamb Chops with Mint Pesto

Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 8 mins | Total Time: 25 mins | Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 lamb rib chops
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped

Mint Pesto:

• 1 cup fresh mint leaves
• ½ cup fresh parsley
• ⅓ cup toasted pine nuts
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 garlic clove
• ½ cup olive oil
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and rosemary. Rub over the lamb chops. Let marinate for at least 20 minutes.
2. For the pesto, blend mint, parsley, toasted nuts, Parmesan, and garlic in a food processor. Slowly add olive oil and lemon juice until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill lamb chops for 3-4 minutes per side (or to desired doneness).
4. Rest the lamb for 5 minutes, then serve with mint pesto.

Ready to fire up the grill and give this a try? I’d love to see your creations—tag me on social media with #TheKitchensAid. Let me know in the comments how it turned out!