Venison Meatballs Spiced Salad Hummus (Printable)

Tender venison meatballs, spiced and flavorful, served with a crisp salad and creamy hummus for a balanced and satisfying plate.

# What You'll Need:

→ For the Venison Meatballs

01 - 1.1 lbs ground venison
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 1 large egg
05 - 1.4 oz breadcrumbs
06 - 1 tsp ground cumin
07 - 1 tsp ground coriander
08 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
09 - ½ tsp ground cinnamon
10 - ½ tsp salt
11 - ¼ tsp black pepper
12 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
13 - 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

→ For the Salad

14 - 3.5 oz mixed salad greens
15 - 1 small cucumber, diced
16 - 10 cherry tomatoes, halved
17 - ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
18 - 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
19 - Juice of ½ lemon
20 - 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
21 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ For the Hummus

22 - 8.8 oz cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed if canned
23 - 2 tbsp tahini
24 - 1 garlic clove
25 - Juice of 1 lemon
26 - 2 tbsp olive oil
27 - 3–4 tbsp cold water
28 - ½ tsp ground cumin
29 - Salt, to taste

# Preparation Steps:

01 - In a large bowl, combine ground venison, onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
02 - Form the mixture into 16 equal meatballs, approximately 1 oz each. Roll gently between your palms to create uniform spheres.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally until evenly browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
04 - Place chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, and salt in a food processor. Blend until smooth, gradually adding cold water to achieve creamy consistency. Adjust seasoning to taste.
05 - In a large bowl, combine salad greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and mint. Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss gently to coat.
06 - Spread a generous portion of hummus on each plate. Arrange salad alongside and top with warm meatballs. Garnish with additional parsley or mint if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Venison is naturally lean and packed with protein, making these meatballs feel substantial without being heavy
  • The Mediterranean inspired salad brings crunch and brightness that cuts through the rich spices
  • Creamy hummus ties everything together into a complete meal that feels fancy but comes together in under an hour
02 -
  • Venison is extremely lean so do not overcook the meatballs or they will become dry and tough
  • Letting the hummus sit for 15 minutes after blending lets the flavors meld and develop
  • The salad is best dressed right before serving so it stays crisp and fresh
03 -
  • Wet your hands slightly before shaping meatballs to prevent sticking
  • Taste and adjust the hummus seasoning before serving, it needs more salt than you think
  • If the meatballs are browning too fast, reduce the heat and cover the pan briefly
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