Salads

Grilled Lamb Salad with Muhammara, Herbs & Pomegranate

Name: Grilled Lamb Salad with Muhammara, Herbs & Pomegranate
Prep time: 35 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1⁄4 cup uncooked bulgur; 8 lamb loin chops (1-1 1⁄4 inches thick); olive oil cooking spray; 1⁄2 tsp ground cumin; 1⁄2 tsp each sea salt and ground black pepper; 1 tbsp pomegranate molasses; 1 cup torn mint leaves; 1 cup parsley leaves; 1⁄2 cup pomegranate arils; 3 tbsp chopped walnuts, toasted; 1 lemon, cut into wedges; &frac13; cup whole-wheat bread crumbs; 1 cup sliced roasted red peppers; &frac13; cup chopped walnuts, toasted; 1 tbsp pomegranate molasses; 2 tbsp BPA-free unsalted tomato paste; 1⁄2 to 1 tsp ground Aleppo pepper or paprika; sea salt, to taste

This stunning salad is as rich in flavor as it is in nutrients.

Jill Silverman Hough

Take your taste buds to Syria with this Grilled Lamb Salad with Muhammara. It’s got everything, from grilled lamb loin chops to fresh herbs to hearty grains, all atop a layer of creamy muhammara. And in addition to a whole lot of flavor, you’ll get protein, fiber and a rainbow of nutrient-rich ingredients in every bite thanks to the Mediterranean staples used to make this bright, colorful meal.

We love muhammara, which is a dip or spread made with roasted red peppers, pomegranate molasses and walnuts. It’s used in a variety of ways both in Syria and throughout the Middle Eastern region – and it’s actually a relative of a Spanish romesco sauce. While a classic romesco is made with tomatoes, red bell peppers, almonds, olive oil and garlic, muhammara is made with just slightly different ingredients. And the final product is savory, sweet and a little smoky. It’s incredibly versatile, too. While we love smearing it across a plate filled with veggies and proteins, it’s also delicious as a dip for crunchy veg and freshly-made pita, an accompaniment on a mezze board or used as a topping for savory dishes.

One key ingredient to the vibrant color and punch of flavor in the muhammara that’s paired with this Grilled Lamb Salad? Pomegranate molasses. If you don’t have any pomegranate molasses in your pantry, it’s a great staple to keep on hand for many Mediterranean-inspired meals. Pomegranate molasses has a tart, fruity flavor that’s only slightly sweet. You can look for it at specialty food stores and Middle Eastern grocery stores. Better yet, you can make your own with our easy homemade recipe.