This dish combines the succulent richness of lamb meatballs with the fresh and vibrant flavors of a Greek-inspired couscous salad. Picture tender and juicy meatballs, seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, perfectly complemented by a light and refreshing couscous salad packed with cucumbers, tomatoes, feta cheese, and Kalamata olives. Each bite is a burst of savory and tangy goodness that will transport you to the sun-drenched shores of Greece. Let’s dive in!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
For the Greek couscous salad:
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 1/4 cups boiling water
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, breadcrumbs, red onion, garlic, parsley, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the lamb meatballs and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the couscous Greek salad. Place the couscous in a heatproof bowl and pour boiling water over it. Cover and let it sit for 5 minutes until the couscous is tender and has absorbed the water.
- Fluff the couscous with a fork and add the diced cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, chopped parsley, extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until well combined.
Notes
For added flavor, you can incorporate minced garlic and chopped fresh mint leaves into the lamb meatball mixture. Make sure to cook the lamb meatballs over medium heat to ensure they cook evenly and retain their juiciness. Feel free to customize the couscous Greek salad by adding or substituting ingredients to your liking. You can include diced red bell peppers, red onions, or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra zing. Serve the lamb meatballs with warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce, or a side of hummus for a complete Mediterranean feast. If you prefer a lighter option, you can serve the lamb meatballs and Greek salad on a bed of fresh greens such as lettuce or arugula. Enjoy!
*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
