Greek Beef Meatballs Salad

Savor the flavors of the Mediterranean with this mouthwatering Greek-Style Meatball Salad, a harmonious blend of juicy beef meatballs infused with aromatic herbs and spices, paired with a vibrant spinach and tomato salad. The use of an air fryer not only makes cooking a breeze but also ensures the meatballs are perfectly cooked and succulent. Topped with a zesty Greek yogurt dressing, this recipe brings together the richness of protein-packed meatballs and the freshness of crisp vegetables. In just 20 minutes, you can relish a wholesome and satisfying meal that transports you to the shores of Greece.

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

Servings: 6

INGREDIENTS:

• ¼ cup milk
• 17 ounces beef, ground
• 1 yellow onion, grated
• 5 bread slices, cubed
• 1 egg, whisked
• ¼ cup parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup mint, chopped
• 2 and ½ teaspoons oregano, dried
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Cooking spray
• 7 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 1 and ½ tablespoons lemon juice
• 7 ounces Greek yogurt

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a bowl, place torn bread slices and pour milk over them. Allow them to soak for a few minutes, then squeeze out excess milk and transfer the bread to another bowl.
2. To the bowl with soaked bread, add ground beef, grated yellow onion, whisked egg, chopped parsley, minced garlic, chopped mint, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine.
3. Shape medium-sized meatballs out of the mixture and place them on a tray.
4. Spray the meatballs with cooking spray to promote browning.
5. Preheat your air fryer to 370 degrees F (188 degrees C).
6. Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket and cook at 370 degrees F for 10 minutes, or until they are cooked through and have a golden exterior.
7. While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the salad. In a salad bowl, combine baby spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
8. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle this dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
9. Once the meatballs are done, gently place them on top of the salad.
10. Serve the Greek-Style Meatball Salad with a dollop of Greek yogurt on top.
11. Enjoy the fusion of flavors and textures, relishing the wholesome goodness of this Mediterranean-inspired dish.

TIPS:

• Use lean ground beef to keep the meatballs moist without excessive fat content.
• Grating the onion helps distribute its flavor evenly throughout the meat mixture.
• Gently squeeze the soaked bread to remove excess milk, creating a moist binding agent for the meatballs.
• Experiment with adding other herbs such as dill or basil to the meat mixture for added depth of flavor.
• Spray the meatballs with cooking spray before air frying to help them achieve a golden and crispy exterior.
• When preparing the salad, consider adding Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese for an authentic Greek touch.
• Adjust the lemon juice and yogurt quantities in the dressing according to your taste preference for tanginess.

NUTRITION INFORMATION (per serving):

• Calories: 200
• Fat: 4g
• Fiber: 8g
• Carbs: 13g
• Protein: 27g

Indulge in the flavors of Greece with this Greek-Style Meatball Salad that effortlessly blends succulent meatballs with a refreshing vegetable medley and zesty yogurt dressing. The air fryer ensures the meatballs are cooked to perfection, making this recipe a delightful choice for a quick, nutritious, and satisfying meal.