Grilled Lamb Chops with Mint Walnut Pesto

Lamb chops are one of those dishes that instantly bring a touch of elegance to the dinner table without requiring a professional chef’s skills. With their tender meat, rich flavor, and natural juiciness, they’re the perfect protein when you want to impress guests or simply treat yourself to a hearty, satisfying meal.

Today, I’m sharing a recipe that combines the earthy depth of grilled lamb chops with the bright, refreshing notes of homemade mint walnut pesto. This recipe is more than just dinner—it’s a beautiful balance of flavors: smoky grilled meat, zesty herbs, crunchy walnuts, and creamy feta blended into a vibrant green sauce.

Whether you’re planning a weekend barbecue, a cozy weeknight dinner, or even a festive holiday menu, these Grilled Lamb Chops with Mint Walnut Pesto are sure to win hearts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What sets this dish apart? It’s the unique mint walnut pesto. Unlike the traditional basil pesto, this version uses fresh mint, parsley, toasted walnuts, garlic, and a touch of feta cheese. The result is a tangy, nutty, herby sauce that cuts through the richness of lamb beautifully.

Here’s why you’ll want to make it again and again:

✅ Quick & Easy: Lamb chops cook in under 15 minutes.
✅ Restaurant-Quality Flavor: That pesto makes it feel gourmet.
✅ Versatile: Works for weeknights, dinner parties, or special occasions.
✅ Make-Ahead Friendly: Pesto can be stored in the fridge or freezer.
✅ Customizable: Swap nuts, cheeses, or herbs for endless variations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Lamb Chops

4 (170 g each) lamb loin chops
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 tbsp mint walnut pesto (recipe below)

For the Mint Walnut Pesto

20 g walnuts
20 g fresh mint leaves
20 g fresh flat-leaf parsley
30 g feta cheese, crumbled
½ clove garlic, smashed
½ tsp salt
4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

🔥 Preparing the Lamb Chops

Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan on high, about 10–15 cm from the flame. A hot surface ensures a beautiful sear and locks in the juices.
Season the Chops: Brush both sides lightly with olive oil, then season generously with salt and black pepper.
Grill the Chops: Place the lamb on the grill. Cook 7 minutes for rare, 8 minutes for medium, and 9 minutes for well-done, flipping halfway.
Rest the Meat: Transfer to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes. This step redistributes the juices, keeping the meat tender.
Serve with Pesto: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of mint walnut pesto over each chop before serving.

🌿 Making the Mint Walnut Pesto

Toast the Walnuts: Spread walnuts on a baking tray and toast in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 8 minutes. Let cool.
Blend the Ingredients: In a food processor, add walnuts, mint, parsley, feta, garlic, and salt. Pulse until finely chopped.
Add Olive Oil: With the motor running, drizzle in olive oil until the pesto reaches a smooth, spoonable consistency.
Store Properly: Transfer to a jar, press plastic wrap onto the surface to prevent browning, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 1 month.

Pro Tips for Perfect Lamb Chops

🌡️ Check with a Thermometer: Rare = 125°F (52°C), Medium = 140°F (60°C), Well Done = 160°F (71°C).
⏱️ Don’t Skip Resting: Always rest grilled meats before slicing or serving.
🍋 Brighten the Pesto: Add a squeeze of lemon juice for freshness.
🥩 Choose the Right Cut: Loin chops are leaner; rib chops are fattier and juicier.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these lamb chops with sides and drinks that complement their rich, herby flavors.

🍽️ Side Dishes

Roasted baby potatoes with rosemary
Lemon couscous with chickpeas
Creamy mashed potatoes with garlic butter
Rice pilaf with almonds
Grilled asparagus or zucchini

🥗 Salads

Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumber, and olives
Arugula salad with shaved parmesan and lemon vinaigrette
Beetroot and goat cheese salad

🍷 Drink Pairings

Red Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, or Syrah
White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
Non-Alcoholic: Sparkling water with lime, mint lemonade, or pomegranate juice

Variations & Substitutions

🌰 Nuts: Swap walnuts for almonds, pecans, or pistachios.
🧀 Cheese: Replace feta with parmesan, pecorino, or goat cheese.
🌿 Herbs: Use basil, cilantro, or dill for a new twist.
🥬 Dairy-Free: Skip the cheese and add avocado for creaminess.
🥗 Vegetarian Use: The pesto pairs well with roasted vegetables, pasta, or grilled halloumi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I marinate the lamb chops?
Yes! Marinate in olive oil, garlic, lemon, and rosemary for 2–12 hours for extra flavor.

Q: What cut of lamb works best?
Loin chops are tender and lean, but rib chops or a leg of lamb also work—just adjust cooking time.

Q: Can I make these without a grill?
Absolutely. Use a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan on the stovetop.

Q: Can I freeze the pesto?
Yes. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

Q: How can I make this dish keto or low-carb?
It’s naturally low-carb! Just pair with roasted veggies or cauliflower mash instead of potatoes.

Q: How do I know if lamb is tender?
Choose chops with some marbling and avoid overcooking. Resting also ensures tenderness.

Q: Can I cook lamb chops in the oven?
Yes. Sear first on a pan, then finish in a 200°C (400°F) oven for 5–7 minutes.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, 2 chops + pesto)

Calories: ~420
Protein: 28g
Fat: 32g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 0.5g

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Conclusion

These Grilled Lamb Chops with Mint Walnut Pesto strike the perfect balance of rustic comfort and refined flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and under 30 minutes of cooking, you can create a dish that feels like fine dining at home.

Whether you’re cooking for a date night, a family gathering, or a backyard barbecue, this recipe will always deliver. Don’t forget to bookmark it, share it on Pinterest, and let me know in the comments how you served yours.

✨ Love lamb recipes? Stay tuned for more Mediterranean-inspired dishes coming soon!