Name: Christmas Spicy Lamb Meatballs with Green Goddess Dip
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb ground lamb; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low-carb); 1 large egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, finely grated; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup Greek yogurt; 1/2 avocado; 1 clove garlic; 1/4 cup fresh parsley; 1/4 cup fresh basil; 2 tablespoons fresh chives; Juice of 1 lemon; Salt and pepper, to taste

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Christmas Spicy Lamb Meatballs with Green Goddess Dip a juicy, warmly spiced lamb meatballs paired with a creamy and vibrant Green Goddess dip make a standout addition to any holiday spread. This festive appetizer balances rich, savory meat with a bright, herby sauce, making every bite a holiday celebration in itself.

Christmas Spicy Lamb Meatballs with Green Goddess Dip

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground lamb

½ cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low-carb)

1 large egg

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, finely grated

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

For the Green Goddess Dip:

½ cup mayonnaise

½ cup Greek yogurt

½ avocado

1 clove garlic

¼ cup fresh parsley

¼ cup fresh basil

2 tablespoons fresh chives

Juice of 1 lemon

Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

I start by combining the lamb, breadcrumbs (or almond flour), egg, garlic, onion, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, chili flakes, salt, pepper, and parsley in a large bowl. I mix everything until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.

I roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

I heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs in batches. I turn them to brown all sides, letting them cook through for about 8–10 minutes total.

While the meatballs cook, I make the dip by blending mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, avocado, garlic, parsley, basil, chives, and lemon juice until smooth. I season it with salt and pepper to taste.

I serve the warm meatballs with the Green Goddess dip on the side.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 280 kcal per serving

Variations

I sometimes use turkey or beef if lamb isn’t available, but lamb gives a richer, more festive flavor.

For a gluten-free version, I use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.

If I want extra heat, I add more chili flakes or a bit of harissa to the meat mixture.

I occasionally bake the meatballs instead of frying—20 minutes at 400°F works well.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm them in a skillet over medium heat or pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. The dip keeps well for 2 days in the fridge—just give it a good stir before serving.

FAQs

How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

I check that the meatballs are browned on all sides and have reached an internal temperature of 160°F. They should be firm and no longer pink inside.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, I often prep the meatballs the day before and refrigerate them uncooked. When I’m ready to serve, I just fry them fresh.

Is there a dairy-free version of the Green Goddess dip?

I replace the Greek yogurt and mayo with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt and vegan mayo to keep the same creamy texture.

Can I freeze these meatballs?

Absolutely. I freeze the cooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They reheat well in the oven or microwave.

What can I serve alongside these meatballs?

I like serving them with a fresh salad, pita bread, or a holiday veggie platter for a complete appetizer spread.

Conclusion

These Christmas Spicy Lamb Meatballs with Green Goddess Dip bring together cozy spices and fresh herbs in a way that feels both festive and comforting. I love how easy they are to make yet how elegant they look on a holiday table. Whether I’m entertaining or just treating myself, this recipe always delivers a delicious seasonal touch.

Recipe:

Christmas Spicy Lamb Meatballs with Green Goddess Dip

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

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Description

Juicy, warmly spiced lamb meatballs paired with a creamy and herby Green Goddess dip make a standout festive appetizer perfect for the holiday season.

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine ground lamb, breadcrumbs (or almond flour), egg, garlic, onion, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, chili flakes, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix until just combined.
Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning to brown all sides, for about 8–10 minutes until fully cooked.
While the meatballs cook, blend mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, avocado, garlic, parsley, basil, chives, and lemon juice until smooth to make the dip. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the warm meatballs with the Green Goddess dip on the side.