Sweet And Sour Meatball Salad
A vibrant sweet and sour meatball salad featuring flavorful oven-baked meatballs, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy sauce, perfect for a family dinner or gathering.
Ingredients
- Sesame Oven Meatballs
- 1 small green pepper, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch wide strips ⓘ
- 2 medium carrots, sliced diagonally into 1/8-inch thick slices ⓘ
- 2 celery stalks, sliced diagonally into 1/4-inch thick slices
- 8 oz. can water chestnuts, drained and thinly sliced ⓘ
- 8 oz. can pineapple chunks in their own juice, drained ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
- 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. minced fresh ginger or 1/4 tsp. ground ginger ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper (optional) ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup cider vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup beef broth ⓘ
Instructions
- Prepare Sesame Oven Meatballs as directed.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked meatballs, green pepper strips, carrot slices, celery slices, sliced water chestnuts, and pineapple chunks; set aside.
- In a small pan, mix cornstarch, brown sugar, ginger, red pepper (if desired), soy sauce, vinegar, and beef broth until smooth.
- Place the pan over high heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce boils and thickens.
- Pour the sauce over the meatball and vegetable mixture and stir gently to coat evenly.
- Divide shredded iceberg lettuce evenly among 4 to 6 dinner plates.
- Top each serving with cooked noodles, then spoon the meatball mixture over the lettuce and noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of pineapple juice to the sauce. If you want a lighter version, substitute turkey or chicken for the meatballs. You can also replace the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile. To enhance the crunch, add some chopped nuts like cashews or peanuts into the salad mix.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is best served fresh, but you can prepare the components in advance. Pair it with a side of steamed bok choy or a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the flavors. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside rice or enjoy it as a filling for lettuce wraps. It also pairs beautifully with Teriyaki Tidbits for an Asian-inspired feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the meatball and vegetable mixture in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it, but be sure to cover it to retain moisture. Serve it over fresh lettuce or noodles for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Meatball Salad contains roughly 343 calories, with 6g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), iron (47% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1408mg per serving (61% 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 this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp. The meatball mixture can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a great option for meal prep.
What can I substitute for water chestnuts?
If you can't find water chestnuts, sliced jicama or even diced bell peppers can provide a similar crunch. Both options will add a fresh texture to the salad while complementing the other ingredients.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Additionally, check that the meatballs do not contain any gluten-containing fillers. With these adjustments, you can enjoy this delicious salad worry-free.
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).