Zesty Greek Meatballs with Lemon and Arugula Recipe

Tender, succulent Greek meatballs dance with zesty Mediterranean flavors that awaken every taste bud.

Crafted from carefully selected ingredients, these savory spheres embody culinary tradition and warmth.

Rich herbal notes and bright citrus undertones revamp simple proteins into a remarkable dining experience.

Authentic spices weave complex layers of taste that transport you straight to sun-drenched coastal regions.

Fresh herbs and quality meat blend seamlessly, creating delectable bites that sing with rustic elegance.

Each mouthful promises a delightful journey through classic Greek cuisine’s robust and comforting character.

Families and friends will gather eagerly around this irresistible dish, anticipating every delicious moment.

Tips for Perfect Greek Meatballs Every Time

• Choose Fresh Meat: Select high-quality ground lamb or beef with 15-20% fat content for juicier, more flavorful meatballs.
• Mix Gently: Combine ingredients using a light touch to prevent dense, tough meatballs that can become rubbery when cooked.
• Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach 160°F internally for safe and perfectly cooked results.
• Rest Before Serving: Let meatballs sit for 3-5 minutes after cooking to help juices redistribute and maintain moisture.
• Enhance Brightness: Squeeze fresh lemon juice just before serving to boost the bright, zesty flavor and complement the rich meat.

How to Store and Reheat Greek Meatballs with Arugula

• Refrigerate: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep them refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain optimal freshness and taste.
• Freeze: Preserve meatballs for longer storage by placing them in a freezer-safe container or sealed freezer bag. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 months when properly sealed and frozen.
• Reheat: Warm meatballs gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to prevent drying out. Alternatively, place them in a microwave-safe dish with a splash of broth, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals until thoroughly warmed.

What to Serve with Lemon-Infused Greek Meatballs

• Sip Fresh Tzatziki Pairing: Complement the rich, savory meatballs with a cool, tangy tzatziki made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and fresh dill. Its creamy texture and bright flavors cut through the meat's richness, creating a refreshing balance.
• Uncork Greek White Wine: Reach for a crisp Assyrtiko from Santorini or a zesty Moschofilero. These light, citrusy wines harmonize perfectly with the lemon notes in the dish, enhancing the meatballs' herbal and bright Mediterranean flavors.
• Serve Alongside Rustic Salad: Create a simple Greek salad with ripe tomatoes, red onions, kalamata olives, and feta cheese. The salad's bold, briny elements will echo the meatballs' robust seasoning while adding a fresh, crunchy counterpoint to the tender meat.
• Match with Herbed Pita Bread: Warm, soft pita bread brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with oregano provides the ideal accompaniment. Its soft texture and herbal undertones will soak up the delicious juices from the meatballs, making each bite a complete Mediterranean experience.

Variations on Greek Meatballs You Should Try

• Mediterranean Herb Burst: Enhance the meatballs by adding fresh chopped mint, dill, and parsley directly into the meat mixture for an intensified herbal flavor profile.
• Spicy Feta Fusion: Mix crumbled feta cheese and red pepper flakes into the ground meat for a tangy, fiery kick that elevates the traditional Greek recipe.
• Vegetarian Swap: Replace ground meat with a plant-based alternative like lentils, chickpeas, and quinoa, maintaining the authentic Greek seasoning and texture.
• Grilled Summer Version: Instead of pan-frying, grill the meatballs over open flame to create a smoky exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender, perfect for outdoor summer cooking.

Why Greek Meatballs with Lemon and Arugula Stand Out

• Burst with Mediterranean Flavors: These meatballs pack a punch of traditional Greek seasonings, blending savory ground meat with herbs like oregano and mint that transport your taste buds straight to a sunny Greek taverna.
• Super Quick Weeknight Meal Savior: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe offers a speedy solution for busy families craving a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen, making it perfect for hectic weeknight meals.
• Healthy and Vibrant Plate Design: The bright arugula adds a peppery freshness that cuts through the rich meat, creating a balanced dish with beautiful green and golden colors that make the meal both nutritious and visually appealing.
• Versatile Serving Options: Easily adaptable to different eating styles, these meatballs can be served over rice, tucked into pita bread, or enjoyed as a standalone protein, making them a flexible choice for various dining preferences.

What You’ll Need for Greek Meatballs with a Twist

• Ground Lamb, Ground Beef: Rich combination offering deep, robust flavor with balanced fat content for juicy meatballs.

• Converted Rice, Eggs: Helps bind meatballs together and maintain moisture, creating tender texture.
• Provolone Cheese: Adds creamy richness and subtle tangy flavor to meatball mixture.

• Fresh Mint, Fresh Parsley, Fresh Marjoram: Provides bright, classic Greek herbal notes that complement meat's richness.
• Onion, Garlic: Foundation of aromatic base with subtle sweetness and pungent depth.
• Allspice: Warm, slightly sweet spice that adds complexity to meatball seasoning.

• Chicken Broth: Creates gentle cooking liquid with subtle savory background.
• Lemon Juice: Offers bright, acidic balance to rich meatballs with classic Mediterranean profile.
• Baby Arugula: Fresh, peppery green for garnish and light contrast.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for enhancing overall flavor.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Rich, fruity finishing touch for added Mediterranean authenticity.

Cooking Greek Meatballs with Lemon and Greens

Step 1: Chop and Mingle Herbs

Finely chop mint and parsley. Mince garlic and dice red onion into tiny pieces. These fragrant ingredients will dance together and create magic in your meatballs.

Step 2: Mix Meat Magic

• Ground lamb
• Ground beef
• Chopped herbs
• Minced garlic
• Diced onion
• Breadcrumbs
• Eggs
• Salt
• Black pepper

Use your hands to blend everything until ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Shape Delicious Spheres

Roll the meat mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs. Aim for uniform size to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Sizzle and Brown

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Gently place meatballs in the pan, allowing each side to turn golden brown. Rotate carefully to cook evenly.

Step 5: Create Zesty Finish

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the meatballs during the last few minutes of cooking. The citrus will brighten the entire dish.

Step 6: Plate with Pizzazz

Arrange arugula on a serving platter. Place hot meatballs on top of the greens. Crumble feta cheese over the entire dish.

Step 7: Serve and Celebrate

Garnish with additional lemon wedges. Serve immediately while meatballs are hot and arugula is crisp.

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach 160°F
• Let meatballs rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking
• Can be served with pita bread or over rice

Nutrition Note: This dish provides protein, greens, and a burst of Mediterranean flavors.

Greek Meatballs with Lemon and Arugula Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Juicy Greek meatballs dance with zesty lemon and peppery arugula, creating Mediterranean magic on your plate. Succulent lamb mingles with herbs, promising a delicious journey through Greek culinary traditions you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meats:

• ½ pound lean ground lamb
• ½ pound lean ground beef

Herbs and Cheese:

• ⅓ cup chopped fresh mint
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh marjoram (or ½ teaspoon dried)
• ½ cup chopped deli-sliced provolone cheese (about 2 ounces)

Additional Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs
• ⅓ cup converted rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground pepper
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 3 lemons)
• 3 cups baby arugula
• Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Blend ground lamb, breadcrumbs, mint, parsley, garlic, eggs, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl until ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
2. Gently shape the meat mixture into uniform, rounded spheres approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
3. Refrigerate formed meatballs for 20 minutes to help them maintain structural integrity during cooking.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling surface for perfectly golden-brown exteriors.
5. Carefully place meatballs into the hot skillet, allowing each side to develop a rich, caramelized crust without overcrowding the pan.
6. Rotate meatballs periodically, cooking until they reach a deep golden-brown color and are thoroughly cooked through, approximately 8-10 minutes.
7. Remove meatballs from skillet and let them rest on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
8. Whisk together lemon juice, additional olive oil, and a pinch of salt to create a bright, zesty dressing.
9. Arrange a bed of fresh arugula on a serving platter, positioning the warm meatballs atop the peppery greens.
10. Drizzle the lemon dressing over the meatballs and arugula, ensuring each bite is infused with citrusy brightness.
11. Garnish with additional chopped mint and serve immediately while meatballs are warm and crisp.

Notes

• Freezing these meatballs ahead of time saves precious weeknight dinner moments, allowing you to prep in advance and enjoy a stress-free meal.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunch or dinner reheats.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 210mg