Fresh Mediterranean comfort bowl
This Greek meatball salad brings together juicy, herb-packed meatballs and crisp Mediterranean vegetables in one bold, satisfying bowl. It’s everything you love about a classic Greek salad—cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta—made heartier with perfectly seasoned meatballs. Ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep lunches, this recipe delivers big flavor without complicated steps. The bright lemony dressing keeps things light, while the warm meatballs make it filling and crave-worthy. If you’re looking for a healthy dinner that feels comforting yet fresh, this Greek-inspired salad is about to become a regular on your table.
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 3–4
📝 Ingredients List
Greek Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground chicken)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
Salad
- 3 cups chopped romaine or mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ⅓ cup kalamata olives, halved
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
Greek Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1½ tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt & black pepper to taste
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Large skillet
- Tongs or spatula
- Small bowl or jar for dressing
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Mix the meatballs: In a bowl, combine ground beef, garlic, oregano, parsley, paprika, salt, pepper, egg, and breadcrumbs. Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape: Roll into 1½-inch meatballs using your hands or a scoop.
- Cook: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through 🔥
- Prepare the salad: While meatballs cook, chop veggies and add them to a large bowl with greens, olives, and feta 🥗
- Make the dressing: Whisk olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper until well blended.
- Assemble: Top salad with warm meatballs and drizzle with dressing. Toss lightly and serve ✨
💡 Pro Tips
- Meal prep: Store meatballs and salad separately for up to 4 days.
- Extra flavor: Add a spoon of tzatziki or hummus on top.
- Low-carb option: Skip breadcrumbs or use almond flour.
- Oven method: Bake meatballs at 400°F (205°C) for 15–18 minutes if preferred.