Grilled Lamb Chops with Garlic‑Herb Labneh and Parsley Salad

Grilled lamb chops are seared to perfection, paired with creamy garlic‑herb labneh, and served alongside a bright, refreshing parsley salad. This dish combines bold Mediterranean flavours with elegant presentation, making it perfect for special dinners or relaxed gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Juicy and flavorful lamb chops with a smoky char
• Tangy, creamy labneh loaded with garlic and fresh herbs
• Bright, crisp parsley salad balances the richness
• Elegant enough for entertaining, yet easy to prepare

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the lamb:

• 8 lamb chops (about 180–200 g each)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• Salt and black pepper

For the garlic‑herb labneh:

• 1 cup plain labneh (or thick Greek yogurt, drained)
• 1 garlic clove, finely minced
• 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper

For the parsley salad:

• 2 cups fresh parsley leaves (stems discarded)
• ½ cucumber, diced
• 8 cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small red onion, finely sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Marinate the lamb: Combine olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Rub over lamb chops and let them rest for 15–30 minutes at room temperature.
2. Prepare labneh: Mix labneh with garlic, mint, parsley, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Chill until ready to serve.
3. Make the salad: Toss parsley, cucumber, tomatoes, and onion with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Set aside to let flavours meld.
4. Grill the chops: Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high. Cook chops for 3–4 minutes per side (for medium rare), or to your preferred doneness.
5. Rest and serve: Let lamb rest for 5 minutes. Plate with spoonfuls of labneh, chopped parsley salad on the side, and finish with an extra drizzle of olive oil or squeeze of lemon.

Servings and timing

• Serves: 4
• Prep time: 15 minutes (+ 15–30 minutes marinating)
• Cook time: 10 minutes
• Total time: ~40 minutes

Variations

• Herb marinade: Add thyme or oregano to the lamb rub.
• Spicy labneh: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Salad twist: Use arugula or add diced bell peppers or radish.
• Yoghurt swap: Use Greek yogurt instead of labneh—drain overnight to thicken.

Storage/reheating

• Store: Keep lamb chops and salad separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2–3 days.
• Reheat: Warm lamb gently in the oven (160 °C) for 5–7 minutes. Serve salad fresh.
• Labneh: Keeps up to 4 days—reattach herbs if they separate.

FAQs

Can I use boneless lamb chops?

Yes—just adjust cooking time (about 3 minutes per side for 2 cm thick chops).

What is labneh?

Labneh is thick, tangy Middle Eastern yogurt cheese, like a spreadable cream cheese.

Can I grill outside?

Absolutely—use a hot outdoor grill with direct heat for a nice char.

Is the parsley salad gluten-free?

Yes—naturally gluten-free as long as your condiments are gluten-free.

Can I prep components ahead?

Yes—marinate chops and make labneh and salad ahead. Grill lamb right before serving.

What sides go well?

Serve with warm pita, grilled vegetables, rice pilaf, or roasted potatoes.

Can I use mint instead of parsley in the salad?

Yes—mint adds a fresh, cooling twist.

How to check lamb doneness?

Use a meat thermometer: 60 °C for medium rare, 65–70 °C for medium.

Can I serve this for a BBQ?

Definitely—each element suits warm-weather grilling and outdoor dining.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Not recommended—the salad and labneh are best fresh, but lamb chops can be frozen for up to 1 month.

Conclusion

Grilled Lamb Chops with Garlic‑Herb Labneh and Parsley Salad deliver Mediterranean-inspired elegance with minimal fuss. With tender, charred lamb, creamy tangy labneh, and a bright green salad, it’s a balanced meal perfect for summer dinners, friendly gatherings, or anytime you want to impress with bold but fresh flavors.

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