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feta meatballs with delicata squash, pepitas, lemon, and avocado_blood sugar friendly fall harvest salad

Delicata Squash and Baked Feta Meatballs

Salty, herby meatballs meet caramelized squash, crunchy pepitas, and tender butter lettuce—an unsuspecting yet delicious fall salad. The meatballs are tender and soft, packed with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Course: dinner, lunch, Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Keyword: blood sugar friendly, fall salad, healthy dinner, healthy dish, salad, seasonal food, seasonal salad

Ingredients

Feta Meatballs

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 2 tablespoons almond flour
  • 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
  • 3/4 cup crumbled feta
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped herbs (mint, chives, basil, etc.)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1-2 teaspoons sea salt
  • Black pepper, to taste

Delicata Squash

  • 1 medium delicata squash
  • 1-2 teaspoons sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • Black pepper, to taste

Butter Lettuce Salad

  • 5-6 cups butter lettuce
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta
  • 1/4 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
  • 1/2 large avocado, chopped
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • Olive oil, to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenehit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, mix together meatball ingredients. Roll into balls and place on baking sheet (about 18 total).
  • Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until the center of each meatball is cooked through.
  • While they bake, cut delicata squash in half. Scoop out seeds. Cut into half-moon shapes and place in air fryer. Spray with avocado oil (optional). Season with salt, pepper, and turmeric. Air fry on the veggie setting (350F) for 12-15 minutes.
  • Assemble salad on a large serving platter, beginning with the butter lettuce. Top with delicata squash, meatballs, crumbled feta, pumpkin seeds, and avocado. Drizzle with olive oil. Spread out lemon wedges.

Notes

While this salad is best eaten warm (as soon as the meatballs and delicata squash are done), it's also great cold! Feel free to meal prep the meatballs and squash ahead of time and assemble the salad after.