Vegan Greek Meatballs

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Vegan Greek Meatballs

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Prep

15 minutes

Cook

20 minutes

Yield

4

🌱 These Vegan Greek Meatballs are plant-based, protein-packed, and ready in 40 minutes! Served with creamy orzo and whipped vegan feta!

With all the chaos happening in the world right now, staying healthy is on everyone’s mind. What is one way you can ensure your body stays in top shape? Eating delicious, nutritious food that contains ingredients you can a) pronounce, and b) give your body the nutrients it needs to keep your immune system strong. Not to mention how damn good it makes you feel mentally when you are eating good food! These vegan Greek meatballs are made with plant-based ingredients, full of flavor, and will keep your body healthy and happy. You know me; I love my Greek-inspired recipes, and this one is no exception. I really think you’ll love it, whether it’s for lunch, dinner, meal prep, or any other occasion.

❤️ Why You’ll Love These Vegan Greek Meatballs

  • Quick & Easy: These easy vegan Greek meatballs can be made in under 40 minutes from start to finish.
  • Plant-Based Power: No meat required in these balls – they’re completely plant-based and protein-packed.
  • Extra Delicious: The creamy orzo and whipped vegan feta makes this meal so incredibly satisfying.
A top-down view of various ingredients in bowls on a beige surface, perfect for preparing Vegan Greek Meatballs, including chopped onions, cherry tomatoes, crumbled cheese, herbs, lemon halves, orzo pasta, oil, breadcrumbs, and cream.

🍲 Ingredients

Lentils – The base of these lentil Greek meatballs provides plant-based protein, fiber, and iron while creating the perfect meaty texture. Lentils are nutrient powerhouses that help keep your immune system strong and provide sustained energy, plus they absorb all the delicious Greek flavors beautifully.


Fresh Herbs & Aromatics – A combination of fresh dill, parsley, garlic, and onions brings authentic Greek flavor to these vegan keftedes. These ingredients not only add incredible taste but also provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that support overall health.

👩‍🍳 How to Make Vegan Greek Meatballs

1. Prepare the meatball mixture: Add all your meatball ingredients into a bowl and mix well using your clean hands until everything is well combined and holds together.

A white bowl contains Vegan Greek Meatballs mixture—ground meat substitute, breadcrumbs, chopped onions, herbs, and a spatula. Nearby are bowls with crumbled feta, chopped herbs, and whole cherry tomatoes.
A frying pan with uncooked Vegan Greek Meatballs, mixed with herbs and onions, sits on a gas stove burner. The flame is on, and the background features a white tiled backsplash.

2. Form the meatballs: Create golf-sized balls from the mixture, making sure they’re compact enough to hold their shape during cooking.

3. Cook the meatballs: Heat your cast-iron skillet or pan and cook the baked vegan Greek meatballs, keeping your eyes on them because they won’t take long to cook and you don’t want them to burn.

A creamy white mixture is blended inside a food processor, destined to pair perfectly with Vegan Greek Meatballs, with a wooden spatula resting in the thick, smooth mixture.
A plate of orzo pasta topped with Vegan Greek Meatballs, halved cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of herbs and grated cheese.

4. Make the whipped vegan feta: Process the vegan feta ingredients in a food processor until perfectly whipped and creamy, then place in the fridge to set.

5. Prepare the orzo: Cook the orzo according to package directions, then flavor with pepper and olive oil.

6. Make the tomato salad: Add all the ingredients for the fresh tomato salad and toss together.

7. Plate and serve: Layer the whipped feta, then orzo, then meatballs, and top with tomato salad. Garnish with fresh herbs like dill for an added punch of flavor.

🪄 Tips and Tricks

  • Texture: Use your hands to mix the meatball ingredients for the best texture and binding.
  • Shape: Make sure meatballs are golf-sized and compact so they hold together during cooking.
  • Cooking: Watch the meatballs closely as they cook quickly and can burn if left unattended.
  • Garnish: Fresh dill is the perfect finishing touch, adding authentic Greek flavor to the dish.
A bowl of orzo pasta topped with Vegan Greek Meatballs, crumbled feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs, all served on a creamy sauce.

🗒 Variations

  • Lentils: Chickpeas or black beans can be used as a substitute for lentils in the meatball mixture.
  • Herbs: Mint or oregano can replace dill and parsley for different Greek flavor profiles.
  • Orzo: Any small pasta like ditalini or even quinoa works as a base for this dish.
  • Vegan Feta: Store-bought vegan feta can replace the homemade whipped version if preferred.


🗒 Best served with

An oval white platter with Vegan Greek Meatballs served over orzo pasta and cherry tomatoes, garnished with herbs and zest, set on a light surface with a striped napkin and small bowl of salt nearby.

👝 How to Store Leftovers

Store the vegan Greek meatballs separately from the orzo and salad in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat meatballs in a skillet or oven to maintain their texture.

🤔 Common Questions

What makes these meatballs hold together without eggs?

The lentils and binding ingredients create enough structure to hold these vegan keftedes together perfectly when appropriately mixed with your hands.

Can I bake these instead of pan-frying?

Absolutely! These baked vegan Greek meatballs can be cooked at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through.

How do I know when the meatballs are done cooking?

They should be golden brown on all sides and firm to the touch – this usually takes about 8-10 minutes in a hot skillet.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! Form the meatballs and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking, or cook them thoroughly and reheat when ready to serve.

What can I serve instead of orzo?

Rice, quinoa, or any small pasta works beautifully as a base for these easy vegan Greek meatballs.

How can I make these meatballs more protein-rich?

Add some hemp hearts or nutritional yeast to the mixture for extra protein and a slight cheesy flavor boost.

A bowl with Vegan Greek Meatballs, creamy hummus, sliced cucumber, diced tomatoes, and crumbled cheese, served on a white plate with a beige napkin nearby and a small dish of sauce on the side.

Vegan Greek Meatballs

4.89 from 26 votes
🌱 These Vegan Greek Meatballs are plant-based, protein-packed, and ready in 40 minutes! Served with creamy orzo and whipped vegan feta!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Main Dishes, Appetizers + Sides, Salads and Greens
Cuisine Vegan
Servings 4
Calories 816 kcal
I’m Your Mommy Now

Your Greek mommy that is. 😍 Step into my kitchen to learn how to make yummy Greek food. 🍽️💃

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs:

For the tomato Salad:

For the Orzo:

For the Whipped Feta:

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Instructions
 

  • Prepare your meatballs by adding all your ingredients into a bowl, mix well using your hands and create golf size balls.  Should yield around 12-14.
  • Heat a cast-iron skillet or pan on high and lightly grease with olive oil spray. You want to add your meatballs to the skillet or pan when you see smoke rising.  Cook for around 5-6 minutes on each side or until perfectly golden all around.  Keep a close eye on the balls to avoid any unnecessary burning.
  • Prepare the salad by adding all the ingredients into a small bowl and stir till combined.  Set aside to marry.
  • Prepare the orzo by following the package instructions.  Once cooked, strain and lightly dust with pepper and olive oil or vegan butter.  Stir till coated.
  • Prepare the whipped feta by adding the ingredients to a high-speed food processor.  Process till perfectly whipped and creamy.  Place in the fridge to set while you plate everything else.
  • I put my plate together by first adding the whipped feta, then the orzo, then the meatballs, then some of that fresh gorgeous salad.
  • Garnish with fresh dill or oregano!

Video

YouTube video

Nutrition

Serving: 4(large dinner serving) | Calories: 816kcal | Carbohydrates: 83.5g | Protein: 14.1g | Fat: 49.4g | Saturated Fat: 17.8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 12.7g | Sodium: 1083.3mg | Fiber: 5.9g | Sugar: 6.5g
Review This Recipe Let us know how it was!
 
Cassandra Sexton

5 stars
These meatballs!!! Wow!! By far the best vegan meatballs I have made to date. I used the Impossible Foods ground “meat” and they were so realistic. Cooked up so nicely in the pan and were very hearty and delicious with the oregano. Loved the whole platter, I made it for our quarantined Easter dinner. Another winner from Maria!

Maria Koutsogiannis

Yes, this is amazing, thanks so much for the love, Cassandra. This makes me so happy!

Zandra

5 stars
I’m obsessed with this recipe, I used Beyond Meat for my “meat” and they were perfection! Going to be making this on repeat. Thanks for another bomb ass recipe Maria <3

Maria Koutsogiannis

You’re so welcome, Zandra!!

Jen

5 stars
Such a filling, healthy and all around yummy meal! Thanks for the whipped feta idea, it pairs beautifully with the “meat”balls.

Maria Koutsogiannis

Isn’t it just the best!! So glad you enjoyed it!

Rebecca Adams

What meat alternative did you use? I can’t get mine to stick into a ball shape. I used Quorn.

Maria Koutsogiannis

We used LighLife, it stuck perfectly. Was the torn you used quite sticky as is or was it more of a “meat textured” alternative? The one we use comes in a seal packed tube.

Sabrina Clermont

5 stars
I mean, it’s just perfect and it really is quick to make. I. Loved. It.!!

Maria Koutsogiannis

THANK YOU!! What are you going to make next?

Alexia Bilikas

5 stars
These meatballs are amazing! Definitely adding this recipe to my favorites and will make them again. It is really easy to make in no time. I love adding sauce to everything so I was wondering if these were going to need any addition, but they are SO good, you don’t need anything else!
I just had difficulty getting my balls to stay in a ball while cooking them. They kinda stuck to the pan. Maybe next time I’ll be better at making them!

Maria Koutsogiannis

Thank you so much for the love, Alexia! I love this recipe so much as well!

Greer Dinsmore

5 stars
Delicious mix of flavours and textures! Will definitely make again!

Maria Koutsogiannis

Thank you so much my love!

Jessica Manantan

I’m do looking forward to making these! Any suggestions if I can’t find vegan feta?

Maria Koutsogiannis

Any other vegan cream style cheese should work!!! (cream cheese, goat etc. lots of brands have options now). If not, refer to my vegan tofu feta recipe and blend that!

Jessica Manantan

5 stars
Made this today! FANTASTIC. Everything was so flavorful, especially the meatballs. A few fell apart in the skillet (any tips of that?) and I just couldn’t stop picking at them while I waited for the orzo. Lol. My 6-year-old daughter loved everything as well and kept picking at the tomato salad. I didn’t get to make the whipped feta, but am looking forward to making these again soon and having that vegan feta on hand! Thanks, Maria! Looking forward to making many other recipes. 🙂

Maria Koutsogiannis

Hey Jessica! So glad you loved this recipe. What type of meat alternative did you use? When I made these I had no issues with any of them falling apart!

Jessica Manantan

I ended up using Lightlife Smart Ground. I originally bought Beyond Beef crumbles to try that, but my mom had the smart ground on hand. So delish though! Amaze balls!! Lol

Maria Koutsogiannis

Hahahah thanks so much for the love!!!!

Maria Koutsogiannis

Isn’t it just the best, so glad you loved it too!

Demi Rowe

Would garbanzo beans work for the meat substitute?

Maria Koutsogiannis

It might! But you would need to process it before combining. I didn’t recipe test it this way but I honestly always encourage people to play around in the kitchen and adapt recipes as they see fit! Let me know how it goes!

Donna Stern

I didn’t have orzo and I made this with rice and it was still so delicious! The meat balls are to die for!

Diala Canelo

5 stars
This recipe was a dream! I made extra meat balls and can’t wait to have them again this week!!!

Maria Koutsogiannis

Thank you so much for the support beauty! I just love this recipe so much!

Nina

5 stars
YES, love it! Had to cook the meatballs a little langer but it was totally worth it. Defenitely cooking this again!

Maria Koutsogiannis

Thank you so much for the love, Nina!

Emerald

5 stars
ok, im officially addicted to whipped feta! Thanks so much for this recipe Maria!

Maria Koutsogiannis

You’re so welcome! glad you enjoyed it!

Elisa

5 stars
This dish is LIFE! Actually obsessed with the whipped feta, and the orzo, and the meatballs….okay everything. Make this meal!

Maria Koutsogiannis

Thank you so much, lady! It’s such a favourite!

Nina

Hi Maria, already loving this and haven’t even tried it yet! Can i ask what kind of meat substitute you used for the meatballs? Keep up the good work!

Maria Koutsogiannis

I used Lightlife for these hun!

4.89 from 26 votes (5 ratings without comment)

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