Here’s a detailed recipe for a Mediterranean Lamb Salad, featuring succulent lamb, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing. This dish is perfect for a light yet satisfying meal, combining robust flavors and vibrant colors.
Ingredients
For the Lamb:
- 500g lamb fillet or loin, trimmed of fat
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Salad:
- 2 cups mixed salad greens (such as arugula, spinach, and lettuce)
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 200g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 100g Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 100g feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Lamb:
- Marinate the Lamb: In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, cumin, coriander, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the lamb fillet or loin. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Cook the Lamb: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the lamb and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the meat and your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Let the lamb rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly.
2. Prepare the Salad:
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives.
- Add the Lamb: Arrange the sliced lamb over the top of the salad.
3. Make the Dressing:
- Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Dress the Salad:
- Drizzle Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Add Garnishes: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Mediterranean Lamb Salad with warm pita bread or a side of couscous for a complete meal. Enjoy the fresh and bold flavors of this nutritious and delicious dish!
This salad is versatile, and you can customize it by adding other ingredients like roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or quinoa for extra texture and flavor.