When TJ + I started doing our at home date nights, we began to get creative and have “themes.” Everything from the menu to cocktails were centered around a cuisine. Admittedly, we fell into a rut with Mexican + Italian happening on the regular, so about a year ago we decided to mix things up a bit….

We have a favorite, family owned, Greek restaurant that we love having date nights at when we can get out for the evening. They have a beautiful little patio, adorned with twinkly lights, along with live (Greek) music and a belly dancer that makes an appearance from time to time for some extra entertainment. And aside from the ambiance, the food is absolutely delicious… lemon soup, homemade hummus + pita, lamb gyro….

So, we decided to try our hand at some Greek cuisine… and these lamb meatballs were born. Now, we can’t get enough of the entire dish. It’s evolved over the years, but our favorite way to enjoy the meatballs is with an easy side salad (recipe below) + some garlic (or lemon) herb rice. It’s full of flavor, relatively easy, and transports us (sort of) back to that twinkly little patio….

Today I thought I’d share the recipe here… in case you too are looking to transport yourself (mentally) to somewhere other than your dining room table! Opa (plate smash)!
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GREEK LAMB MEATBALLS + SIDE SALAD

MEATBALL INGREDIENTS
2lbs Ground Lamb (we get ours from Whole Foods)
1 tbsp Sea Salt
1 tbsp Onion Powder
1 tbsp Garlic Powder
2 tbsp Fresh Minced Garlic
1/2 Cup of Red Onion
1 tsp Dijon Mustard
1 Large Egg
Rosemary (generous amount)

SIDE SALAD INGREDIENTS
Arugula
1 Large Cucumber, diced
1 Can Jumbo Black Olives
1 1/2 CupsCherry Tomatoes
1/2 Cup Red Onion (more)
1-2 tbsp Avocado Oil (start with less and then add)
1/2 Large Lemon, juiced
Garlic Powder (to taste)
Sea Salt (to taste)

MEATBALL DIRECTIONS
Combine all ingredients (for meatballs) in a large bowl
Mix together with your hands
Form into large meatballs
We prefer to grill out meatballs for about 8-10 minutes
If you don’t have a grill, you can bake them as well. Place the meatballs in a cast iron skillet, brown on all sides on stovetop, then place in oven at 425 for 10-12 minutes.

SALAD DIRECTIONS
Combine all ingredients (for salad) into a medium size bowl
Drizzle avocado oil over ingredients, mix together
Pour in lemon juice, mix together
Taste to ensure a good balance, should be tangy but not make you pucker
Toss on sea salt + garlic powder for taste

We served ours with Garlic Herb Right Rice… such a great balance and transported us to our favorite Greek Restaurant!