Roast Lamb with Green Olive Potatoes

Featured in: One-Pot Meals

This elegant one-pan meal combines a perfectly roasted rack of lamb with golden baby potatoes studded with green olives, fresh herbs, and lemon zest. The lamb is rubbed with a fragrant blend of Dijon mustard, rosemary, thyme, and garlic, then roasted to medium-rare perfection. Meanwhile, the potatoes become crispy and flavorful with smoked paprika and oregano. Ready in just 50 minutes with minimal cleanup, this French-Mediterranean inspired dish is ideal for a romantic dinner for two.

Updated on Thu, 29 Jan 2026 15:36:54 GMT
A perfectly roasted rack of lamb rests beside golden baby potatoes tossed with green olives and herbs. Save
A perfectly roasted rack of lamb rests beside golden baby potatoes tossed with green olives and herbs. | whisknjoy.com

Indulge in an effortless yet sophisticated French-Mediterranean dining experience with this One-Pan Roast Rack of Lamb. This dish features a succulent rack of lamb, perfectly crusted with herbs and mustard, roasted alongside golden baby potatoes and finished with a zesty olive topping. It is the ultimate choice for a romantic dinner for two, promising high-end restaurant quality with the simplicity of minimal cleanup.

A perfectly roasted rack of lamb rests beside golden baby potatoes tossed with green olives and herbs. Save
A perfectly roasted rack of lamb rests beside golden baby potatoes tossed with green olives and herbs. | whisknjoy.com

The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance. The earthy notes of fresh rosemary and thyme perfectly complement the richness of the lamb, while the smoked paprika adds a subtle warmth to the potatoes. A vibrant mix of green olives and lemon zest provides a refreshing finish that elevates the entire dish to something truly special.

Ingredients

  • Meat: 1 small rack of lamb (about 500–600 g, Frenched), 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp fresh rosemary (finely chopped), 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, 1 garlic clove (minced), salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  • Potatoes: 300 g baby potatoes (halved), 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp sea salt, freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  • Green Olive Mix: 60 g green olives (pitted and halved), 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped), zest of 1/2 lemon, 1 tsp capers (drained, optional).
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Instructions

Step 1
Preheat the oven to 220°C (430°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or foil.
Step 2
In a bowl, toss the halved baby potatoes with 2 tbsp olive oil, smoked paprika, dried oregano, sea salt, and pepper. Spread them on one side of the baking tray.
Step 3
Pat the rack of lamb dry. Mix 1 tbsp olive oil, Dijon mustard, rosemary, thyme, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub this mixture all over the lamb.
Step 4
Place the rack of lamb, fat side up, on the other side of the baking tray, ensuring it does not touch the potatoes.
Step 5
Roast in the oven for 25 minutes for medium-rare (internal temp ~54°C/130°F), or adjust time for your preferred doneness. Turn the potatoes halfway through roasting.
Step 6
In a small bowl, combine green olives, parsley, lemon zest, and capers.
Step 7
Remove the tray from the oven. Tent the lamb with foil and let it rest for 8–10 minutes.
Step 8
Scatter the olive mixture over the roasted potatoes and gently toss.
Step 9
Slice the lamb into individual chops and serve alongside the olive potatoes.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the lamb with the herb-mustard rub for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator before roasting.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily customize this dish by substituting black olives for green, or by adding a few sun-dried tomatoes to the potato mix for a sweet and tangy variation.

Serviervorschläge

This elegant meal pairs beautifully with a light red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Grenache, which complements the savory lamb and aromatic herbs.

Succulent herb-crusted lamb chops served over a colorful tray of crispy potatoes and tangy olive mix. Save
Succulent herb-crusted lamb chops served over a colorful tray of crispy potatoes and tangy olive mix. | whisknjoy.com

Enjoy this refined one-pan dinner that brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your home, making any evening feel like a celebration.

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Recipe FAQ

What temperature should I cook the lamb to?

For medium-rare, roast until the internal temperature reaches 54°C (130°F). For medium, aim for 60°C (140°F), and for well-done, cook to 65°C (150°F).

Can I prepare the lamb ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the lamb with the herb-mustard rub for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator before roasting for even more flavor.

What can I substitute for green olives?

Black olives work beautifully as a substitute, or you can add sun-dried tomatoes for a different Mediterranean twist.

Why should I let the lamb rest after roasting?

Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each chop is tender, juicy, and flavorful when sliced.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A light red wine such as Pinot Noir or Grenache complements the lamb and Mediterranean flavors perfectly.

Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?

Yes, you can use regular potatoes cut into similar-sized pieces. Just ensure they're halved or quartered so they cook evenly in the same timeframe.

Roast Lamb with Green Olive Potatoes

Tender rack of lamb with herb-roasted potatoes, green olives, and fresh herbs—perfect for an elegant meal for two.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
35 min
Complete duration
50 min
Created by Sophia Turner

Classification One-Pot Meals

Skill Level Medium

Cultural Background French-Mediterranean

Output 2 Portion Count

Dietary considerations No Dairy, No Gluten

Components

Meat

01 1 small rack of lamb (about 1.1 to 1.3 lbs), Frenched
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
04 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
05 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
06 1 garlic clove, minced
07 Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Potatoes

01 10.6 oz baby potatoes, halved
02 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
03 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
05 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
06 Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Green Olive Mix

01 2.1 oz green olives, pitted and halved
02 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
03 Zest of 1/2 lemon
04 1 teaspoon capers, drained (optional)

Preparation Steps

Stage 01

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or foil.

Stage 02

Season and Arrange Potatoes: In a bowl, toss the halved baby potatoes with 2 tablespoons olive oil, smoked paprika, dried oregano, sea salt, and pepper. Spread them on one side of the baking tray.

Stage 03

Prepare Lamb Rub: Pat the rack of lamb dry. Mix 1 tablespoon olive oil, Dijon mustard, rosemary, thyme, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub this mixture all over the lamb.

Stage 04

Position Lamb on Tray: Place the rack of lamb, fat side up, on the other side of the baking tray, ensuring it does not touch the potatoes.

Stage 05

Roast Proteins: Roast in the oven for 25 minutes for medium-rare (internal temperature 130°F), or adjust time for your preferred doneness. Turn the potatoes halfway through roasting.

Stage 06

Prepare Olive Mixture: In a small bowl, combine green olives, parsley, lemon zest, and capers.

Stage 07

Rest the Lamb: Remove the tray from the oven. Tent the lamb with foil and let it rest for 8 to 10 minutes.

Stage 08

Finish Potatoes: Scatter the olive mixture over the roasted potatoes and gently toss.

Stage 09

Plate and Serve: Slice the lamb into individual chops and serve alongside the olive potatoes.

Necessary tools

  • Baking tray
  • Small mixing bowls
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Tongs

Allergy details

Review all ingredients for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're unsure about any item.
  • Contains mustard
  • May contain traces of nuts or gluten if using processed olives or capers—check labels if unsure

Nutritional content (each portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 610
  • Fats: 38 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Proteins: 40 g