Skillet Lamb Chops with Quinoa Salad

Need a flavorful dinner that’s super easy to make and is healthy (high protein)? This skillet lamb chops recipe paired with a fresh quinoa salad is packed with Greek-inspired flavors and comes together with ease. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal or hosting friends, this dish delivers on taste, nutrition, and simplicity.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Greek-inspired flavors.
• Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Healthy and wholesome ingredients for a nutritious meal.
• Versatile enough to impress at dinner parties or serve as a casual family dinner.
• Customizable to suit your preferences or dietary needs (gluten free).
• This is a kid approved recipe, my kids loved the lamb!!

Nutrition Profile Highlight

This recipe serves 4 and provides approximately 40 grams of protein per serving, making it a great choice for a high-protein meal. Lamb chops are a rich source of high-quality protein, while quinoa contributes additional plant-based protein to round out the meal.

Tips for Success

• Getting The Lamb: I’ve had success getting a rack or lamb or lamb chops at most major grocery stores, more recently Fresh Thyme and Aldi have had them, Aldi being much cheaper (Aldi also has ground lamb for $5/lb) which I always stock up on.)
• Get a Good Sear: A hot skillet is key to achieving a beautiful crust on your lamb chops. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.
• Rest the Meat: Let the lamb chops rest for a few minutes after cooking to lock in the juices.
• Cool the Quinoa: For the best salad texture, ensure the quinoa is fully cooled before mixing it with the vegetables.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust the seasoning of both the lamb and salad dressing to suit your palate.

Customizations

• Herbs: Swap dill for parsley or mint for a different flavor profile.
• Add-Ins: Mix in crumbled feta, kalamata olives, or roasted red peppers to the quinoa salad.
• Protein Alternative: Try this recipe with chicken, pork chops, or even tofu for a vegetarian option like tofu.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir.
• Add warm pita bread and tzatziki sauce for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Serve leftovers cold as a meal prep option for the next day—the salad holds up beautifully in the fridge.

This skillet lamb chops with quinoa salad recipe is a wonderful combination of rich, savory flavors and refreshing, vibrant sides. It’s easy enough for a weekday dinner but impressive enough to wow guests. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

Skillet lamb chops with quinoa salad

Enjoy a high protein delicious dinner of skillet lamb chops with quinoa salad which is super easy to prepare.

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Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the lamb chops

• 1.5 lbs rack of lamb cut into lamb chops
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Greek seasoning salt or a mix or oregano, lemon pepper, dill and sea sal

For the quinoa salad

• 1 cup quinoa dry, and cooked (I like using 1/2 water 1/2 chicken stock when cooking quinoa)
• 3 mini seedless cucumbers chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes chopped (or any kind of tomato, 1 cup chopped)
• 1/4 small red onion chopped
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 lemon juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Greek seasoning salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried dill

Instructions

• Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water. Cook according to package instructions, substituting half the water with chicken broth for extra flavor. Allow to cool.

For the lamb chops

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Pat the lamb chops dry with paper towels.
• Rub each chop with EVOO and sprinkle generously with Greek seasoning salt.
  
• Once the skillet is hot, sear the lamb chops for 2-3 minutes per side for medium rare, or 3-4 minutes per side for medium well (internal temperature of 145°F for medium well).

  Remove from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  

Assemble the Quinoa Salad

• In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the EVOO, lemon juice, vinegar, dill, and Greek seasoning salt. (Or you can just pour the ingredients on top of the dry ones in the step above if you want to save a dish)
• Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning to taste.
• Plate the lamb chops alongside a generous scoop of quinoa salad. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.