Oriental Meatball Salad
A vibrant and flavorful salad featuring tender meatballs, fresh vegetables, and a tangy pineapple vinaigrette, perfect for gatherings or a lively family meal.
Ingredients
- 2 beaten eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 cup milk ⓘ
- 3 cups soft bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon onion salt ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 pound ground beef ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil ⓘ
- 1 can pineapple chunks (8 1/4 oz.)
- 2 medium green peppers, cut into 1/2-inch squares ⓘ
- 2 medium carrots, sliced ⓘ
- 2 stalks celery, sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/3 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tomatoes, cut into wedges ⓘ
- Shredded lettuce ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine beaten eggs and milk; stir in bread crumbs, onion salt, and black pepper.
- Add ground beef and mix well.
- Shape the mixture into 3/4-inch meatballs.
- Cook meatballs in hot cooking oil about 10 minutes or until done, turning frequently.
- Drain off excess fat.
- Drain pineapple chunks, reserving the juice.
- Add water to the reserved pineapple juice to make 3/4 cup liquid.
- Prepare the salad by arranging shredded lettuce, green peppers, carrots, celery, tomato wedges, and pineapple chunks on a serving platter.
- In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice mixture; bring to a boil.
- Simmer the sauce for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
- Pour the sauce over the salad ingredients.
- Add cooked meatballs on top and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for beef and use whole wheat bread crumbs. You can also swap out the pineapple for mandarin oranges for a different flavor. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding some sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce. Make sure to turn the meatballs often while cooking to ensure they brown evenly.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is best served fresh but can be enjoyed later. Pair it with crusty bread or serve it alongside a light soup for a complete meal. It also goes well with rice or noodles, making it a versatile dish. For a more filling option, consider serving it with a side of Caribbean Stew for a delightful combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the meatballs and salad in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, adding a splash of water to keep the salad fresh.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oriental Meatball Salad contains roughly 2090 calories, with 37g protein, 313g carbohydrates, and 86g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (140% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (130% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (126% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1280mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs a day in advance. After shaping them, store them in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply fry them in the hot oil as directed. This saves time and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I use instead of brown sugar?
If you don't have brown sugar, you can substitute it with an equal amount of white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses or honey. This will mimic the moisture and caramel flavor of brown sugar, ensuring your sauce remains delicious.
Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables such as cucumbers, radishes, or even shredded cabbage. This is a flexible recipe, so you can customize the salad to suit your taste or seasonal availability.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).