A perfectly grilled rack of lamb is a showstopper—and surprisingly simple to prepare at home. This recipe leans on the power of high-quality olive oil, fresh herbs, and flame-kissed technique to bring out the best in this elegant cut. A vibrant salsa verde made with parsley, mint, lemon, and capers adds brightness and balance to the rich, tender meat. Whether you're hosting a summer gathering or just elevating a weeknight meal, this dish delivers bold flavor with minimal fuss. Be sure to use a robust, high-phenolic extra virgin olive oil for both grilling and finishing to enhance the lamb’s natural savoriness and give the salsa its signature depth.
Rack of Lamb with Salsa Verde
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This grilled rack of lamb is simple yet impressive, with a golden crust and tender, juicy center. A zesty salsa verde made with fresh herbs, lemon, and extra virgin olive oil adds the perfect bright contrast to the rich meat.

Ingredients
- 1 rack of lamb (8 ribs), frenched
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Aluminum foil
- ¾ cup flat-leaf parsley, packed
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
- 1–2 garlic cloves
- 2-3 anchovy fillets (optional)
- 2 tbsp capers, rinsed
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ¼ tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
For the Rack of Lamb
For the Salsa Verde
Directions
Prepare the Lamb
Pat the rack of lamb dry with paper towels.
- Rub all over with 1 tbsp olive oil, then season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Marination (Optional)
For enhanced flavor, allow the seasoned lamb to marinate at room temperature for 30–60 minutes before grilling.
Grill – Direct Heat Searing
Preheat your grill to high heat.
- Place the lamb fat side down and sear for 2–3 minutes until a golden crust forms.
- Flip and sear the other side for 1–2 minutes.
Grill – Indirect Heat Cooking
Wrap the seared lamb i Direction Wrap the seared lamb in heavy-duty aluminum foil.
- Move the wrapped lamb to a cooler part of the grill (indirect heat).
- Close the grill lid and cook for 10–12 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 120–125°F (49–52°C) for medium-rare
Rest the Lamb
Remove the lamb from the grill and let it rest, still wrapped, for 10 minutes.
- This allows the juices to redistribute and the internal temperature to rise slightly.
Make the Salsa Verde
Combine all salsa verde ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Taste and adjust salt, lemon, or chili as needed.
Serve
Spoon salsa verde onto each plate.
- Arrange lamb chops over the sauce.
- Garnish with additional herbs (mint or tarragon) if desired.
Recipe Note
Note: Cooking times may vary based on grill temperature and lamb size. Always rely on a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- For best results, use a meat thermometer to monitor doneness. Medium-rare is achieved at 130°F (54°C) after resting.
- Wrapping the bones in foil before grilling can prevent them from burning.
- Salsa verde can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.