I thought about making this post into two separate posts, but I would be a horrible friend if I did that because these two amazing things together =💥❤️😱!!!!
Seriously, though, each of these are epic enough to live life on their own. But the combination of the two is absolutely heavenly! If you’ve never made a quinoa salad before, welcome to my newest obsession! They’ve been around for 100,000,000,000 years, but apparently it’s a new discovery in my little food world. I used to hate salads (back when I ate boring plain lettuce with like 3 veggies and preservative-filled dressing in a bottle), but lately my salad game has grown and I’ve been in LOVE! If you’re skeptical, I have found that the trick is using a good dressing (like olive oil and lemon, or this delicious Vegan Turmeric Ginger Dressing) and making a salad that’s actually creative! Heeeeey delicious Cherry Plum & Goat Cheese Summer Salad. SO good.
And in this case, the pairing of quinoa (—>LOVE this quinoa!), cucumbers, grape tomatoes, red onions, and feta make for one of the best salads on the planet!
Mediterranean Salad Bowls + Lebanese BBQ Meatballs = The BEST easy dinner!
This is actually a really great recipe to make if you’re having people over. It’s easy to multiply and make in bulk! Or you can freeze the meatballs and have them around for later!
Now, I don’t do red meat very often, but about once a week my body just craves it. Like GIMME A BURGER NOW PLEASE AND THANK YOU. Sometimes I cave in for that delicious burger, but today I’m going the Lebanese BBQ Meatballs route!
How do I even begin to describe these delicious little rounds of glory? Think every happy thought ever, and put it into this single food item. AMAZING, y’all!
Here’s the easy recipe for Mediterranean Salad Bowls w/ Lebanese BBQ Meatballs:
Mediterranean Salad Bowls w/ Lebanese BBQ Meatballs
Ingredients
- Salad:
- 1/2 cup dry quinoa
- 2 large cucumbers
- 1 cup grape tomatoes
- 1 avocado
- 1/2 cup feta cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced red onion
- Meatballs:
- 1 1/2 lbs lean (organic, grass-fed beef)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 4 tsp mint
- 4 tsp parsley
- 3 tsp crushed red pepper
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp allspice
- salt/pepper
Instructions
- Create the meatballs by mixing the meat, all of the spices, and red onion together. Roll the meat into 1" balls and place on skewers that have been soaked in water.
- Place each skewer on a lightly oiled baking pan.
- Broil at 500 degrees (keeping the oven door open about 2") for 5-7 minutes, then rotate each skewer and continue broiling for another 5-7 minutes. Ensure that beef is fully cooked.
- While the meatballs are cooking, cook the quinoa according to directions.
- Slice the cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and avocado.
- Toss the vegetables, quinoa, and feta together in a large bowl to create the salad.
- Serve each bowl by adding 1/4th of the salad and topping with meatballs. Enjoy!
Julie @ Running in a Skirt says:
These bowls look cozy and incredible! Love all the flavor in it. Gorgeous photos too!
Emily Kyle says:
These bowls are drop dead gorgeous! I have never tried Lebanese food before, but I can’t wait to give this recipe a go!
Christine McMichael replied:
Thank you, Emily! 🙂
Joanna says:
I’m trying to eat more greens lately! This is a perfect hearty salad!
Christine McMichael replied:
Me too, Joanna! Enjoy the recipe!
Alisa Fleming says:
I’m not sure if I’ve ever had Lebanese cuisine, but darn do those meatballs looks good! This looks like a good, easy recipe to start with.
Christine McMichael replied:
They were so good!
Kristina @ Love & Zest says:
Holy delicious! Great lunch or dinner option!
Christine McMichael replied:
Thank you!
Lorie says:
So intrigued by the spices in the meatballs. Sounds soo good!
Christine McMichael replied:
They were delicious!
Jessica Levinson says:
I can see why this is a favorite! This bowl is filled with so much delicious goodness!
Christine McMichael replied:
Thanks, Jessica!
Sarah says:
This salad bowl looks amazing! All the colors and flavors. I don’t eat red meat but I’m going to figure out a substitute or way to make this. The wheels are turning!
Christine McMichael replied:
Thank you! It was delicious!
Whitney E, R.D. says:
Wow this Mediterranean Bowl looks absolutely amazing. I am literally drooling from over here. I can seriously taste all the flavors + spices and I am drooling 🙂 This is so delicious and absolutely beautiful!
Christine McMichael replied:
Thank you, Whitney! 🙂
Jordan says:
I’m crushing on these bowls so hard right now. ALLLLLL the colors and textures. Trying these later this week!
Christine McMichael replied:
Thank you, Jordan!:)
Susy says:
I did that annoying thing where I made the recipe but entirely changed it. Cauliflower rice instead of couscous (low-carb), frozen turkey meatballs (low-effort), toppings as listed, and a little bit of Greek vinaigrette. Perfect fast and easy lunch – thank you!
Christine McMichael replied:
Haha! Love it. That sounds pretty amazing! Yum! Glad you enjoyed it, Susy 😉
Danielle Gibbs says:
For the spices on the meatballs – are those fresh or dried?
Christine McMichael replied:
I typically use dried spices just because they last longer in the pantry, but in my opinion fresh is always better. If you have access to fresh herbs and spices, go for it!
brinacyl says:
i love your recipe ! they’re so easy and full of flavour. keep up the good work ! love from a pakistani fan
Christine McMichael replied:
Thanks so much! 🙂
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings says:
I love TruRoots brand quinoa too and use it all the time. This looks so fresh and delicious!
Christine McMichael replied:
Oh man, me too! SO good! Thanks, Karen!
Samantha says:
This looks amazing. I love the colors and the mix of flavors. Thankyou for posting BOTH recipes as im going to make this today.
Christine McMichael replied:
Thank you, Samantha! 🙂 Let me know how it goes!