This vibrant Mediterranean meal combines succulent Spicy Lamb & Feta Skewers with a refreshing Greek Brown Rice Salad that celebrates the bold flavors of the Greek islands. Tender chunks of lamb are marinated in aromatic spices including oregano, garlic, and red pepper flakes, then threaded with creamy feta cheese and grilled to perfection. Alongside, a nutritious brown rice salad bursts with fresh cucumber, ripe tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and herbs, all tossed in a bright lemon vinaigrette that ties the entire meal together. This recipe serves 4-6 people generously and represents the perfect balance of protein, whole grains, and fresh vegetables, making it ideal for summer entertaining, healthy family dinners, or when you want to bring the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean to your table.
The Art of Perfect Lamb Skewers
The secret to exceptional lamb skewers lies in the marinade and proper grilling technique. Lamb shoulder or leg meat works best because it has enough fat to stay juicy during the high heat of grilling, while the marinade tenderizes the meat and infuses it with Mediterranean herbs and spices.
Essential Ingredients
For the spicy lamb skewers:
- 2 pounds boneless lamb shoulder or leg, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 8 ounces feta cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8-10 metal or soaked wooden skewers
For the Greek brown rice salad:
- 1 1/2 cups brown rice
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
For the lemon herb vinaigrette:
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Marinating the Lamb
Cut the lamb into uniform cubes, removing any excess fat or connective tissue but leaving some marbling for flavor and moisture. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, cumin, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
Add the lamb cubes to the marinade, tossing to ensure every piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. The acids in the lemon juice and the enzymes in the garlic will help tenderize the meat while the spices infuse deep flavor.
Preparing Perfect Brown Rice
Rinse the brown rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, bring the broth to a boil and add the rinsed rice. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-50 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Then fluff with a fork and spread the rice on a large baking sheet to cool completely. Cooling the rice prevents it from becoming mushy when mixed with the other salad ingredients.
Creating the Bright Vinaigrette
In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, and Dijon mustard until well combined. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to create a smooth emulsion. Season with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting as needed.
The vinaigrette should be bright and tangy with a good balance of acid and richness from the olive oil. Let it sit for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Assembling the Skewers
Remove the lamb from the marinade and thread onto skewers, alternating with cubes of feta cheese. Leave small spaces between pieces to ensure even cooking. The feta will soften and become creamy during grilling, creating delicious pockets of richness between the spiced lamb.
If using wooden skewers, make sure they’ve been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Metal skewers work best for even heat conduction and easier handling.
Grilling to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Grill the skewers for 8-12 minutes total, turning every 2-3 minutes to ensure even browning on all sides. The lamb should develop a beautiful caramelized crust while remaining pink and juicy inside.
The internal temperature should reach 130°F for medium-rare or 140°F for medium. The feta will be soft and slightly golden, adding creamy richness to each bite. Let the skewers rest for 5 minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute.
Building the Vibrant Salad
In a large bowl, combine the cooled brown rice with diced cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, halved olives, and all the fresh herbs. The vegetables should be cut into similar sizes for the best texture and visual appeal.
Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to ensure everything is well coated. Add the crumbled feta cheese and fold in gently to avoid breaking it up too much.
Perfect Seasoning and Balance
Taste the salad and adjust seasoning as needed. You might want more lemon juice for brightness, more salt to enhance the flavors, or additional herbs for freshness. The salad should be vibrant and well-balanced, with each ingredient contributing its unique flavor and texture.
Let the salad sit for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the rice to absorb some of the vinaigrette. This resting time improves both the flavor and texture significantly.
Beautiful Presentation
Arrange the grilled skewers on a large platter alongside generous portions of the Greek brown rice salad. Garnish with additional fresh herbs, lemon wedges, and perhaps a few extra olives for color. The contrast between the golden-brown skewers and the colorful, fresh salad creates an impressive, restaurant-worthy presentation.
Nutritional Benefits
Each serving provides approximately 580 calories with 32 grams of high-quality protein from the lamb and feta. The brown rice contributes complex carbohydrates and fiber, while the vegetables add vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats, making this a well-balanced, nutritious meal.
Make-Ahead Strategies
The lamb can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance for deeper flavor. The rice salad actually improves when made a few hours ahead, as the flavors have time to develop. Store the components separately and assemble just before serving for the best texture and freshness.
Wine Pairing Suggestions
This Mediterranean feast pairs beautifully with Greek wines like Assyrtiko or Moschofilero, or try a medium-bodied red like Côtes du Rhône. The bright acidity in these wines complements both the spiced lamb and the fresh, herb-laden salad perfectly.
Seasonal Variations
In summer, add fresh cherry tomatoes and cucumber to the skewers for extra freshness. Fall variations might include roasted red peppers in the rice salad, while spring could feature fresh peas or asparagus. The basic technique remains the same while the flavors adapt to seasonal availability.
Indoor Cooking Options
If grilling isn’t possible, these skewers can be cooked under a hot broiler or in a grill pan over medium-high heat. The key is maintaining high heat to achieve proper caramelization while keeping the lamb tender and juicy.
Cultural Connection
This meal celebrates the traditional Greek approach to cooking, where simple, high-quality ingredients are enhanced with herbs, olive oil, and lemon to create dishes that are both satisfying and healthful. The combination of lamb, feta, and fresh herbs reflects the pastoral traditions of the Greek islands.
Storage and Leftovers
Leftover skewers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and are delicious served cold or at room temperature. The rice salad keeps well for 3-4 days and actually improves in flavor over time. Both components make excellent additions to lunch bowls or picnic spreads.
This Spicy Lamb & Feta Skewers with Greek Brown Rice Salad proves that healthy eating can be both exciting and deeply satisfying, bringing the sun-soaked flavors of the Mediterranean to create a meal that nourishes both body and spirit.
