Infuse your meals with Mediterranean flair by trying these irresistible Mediterranean Diet Savory Pork Balls! Crafted with lean ground pork, aromatic fresh parsley and oregano, zesty lemon zest, and a hint of Dijon mustard, these pork meatballs offer a delightful balance of vibrant flavors and satisfying texture. Perfectly seasoned and seared to golden perfection before baking, they are tender, juicy, and bursting with Mediterranean-inspired goodness. Ready in just 35 minutes and easily adaptable, these pork balls are ideal as a savory appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce or as a hearty main dish paired with crisp salads or roasted vegetables. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this recipe is a standout choice for Mediterranean diet enthusiasts seeking nutritious yet indulgent meals.
Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and Dijon mustard.
Mix the ingredients thoroughly with your hands until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs dense.
Form the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. You should have approximately 16-18 pork balls.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pork balls in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
Sear the pork balls for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
Transfer the seared pork balls to the baking sheet and finish cooking them in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 71°C (160°F).
Remove the pork balls from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serve the Mediterranean Diet Savory Pork Balls as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce or as a main dish paired with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.
Calories |
2143 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 147.3 g | 189% | |
| Saturated Fat | 45.5 g | 228% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 670 mg | 223% | |
| Sodium | 3955 mg | 172% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 58.7 g | 21% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.8 g | 39% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.2 g | ||
| Protein | 145.7 g | 291% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 535 mg | 41% | |
| Iron | 13.4 mg | 74% | |
| Potassium | 627 mg | 13% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.