Name: Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-484757H50M55S
Total time: PT-484757H50M55S
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground turkey (preferably lean); ⅓ cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free); 1 large egg; 3 garlic cloves, minced; ¼ cup finely chopped onion; ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp ground cumin; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; Olive oil for cooking (if pan-frying); 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat or low-fat); ½ cucumber, grated and drained; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

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If you’re craving a healthy and flavorful meal, these Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki are the perfect option! Packed with lean turkey, aromatic spices, and fresh herbs, these meatballs are full of Mediterranean flavor. Paired with a creamy and refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce, this dish is a satisfying and light alternative to traditional meatball recipes. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, in pita wraps, or over a bed of greens, these meatballs will quickly become a family favorite. Best of all, they’re simple to make and come together in just a few easy steps.

Perfect for meal prep, lunch, or dinner, these Greek Turkey Meatballs are a great way to enjoy a lighter, yet deliciously rich Mediterranean meal. The savory meatballs are juicy and tender, thanks to the combination of ground turkey, fresh parsley, and a variety of Mediterranean spices. The cool, creamy tzatziki sauce provides a tangy contrast that elevates the whole dish. Once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked on these healthy meatballs and their refreshing sauce!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthy and Lean: Made with ground turkey, these meatballs are a leaner alternative to beef or pork meatballs, making them a great choice for anyone looking for a healthier meal.
Flavorsome: With garlic, oregano, cumin, and parsley, the meatballs are packed with vibrant, bold flavors that transport you straight to the Mediterranean.
Fresh Tzatziki Sauce: The creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce is made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill, adding a cool and refreshing element to the dish.
Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just under 30 minutes, making it a perfect option for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Versatile: These meatballs can be served in so many ways: in pita wraps, with a side salad, over rice, or as a bite-sized appetizer for your next party.

Ingredients

For the Greek Turkey Meatballs:

Ground turkey (preferably lean)
Breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
Large egg
Garlic cloves (minced)
Fresh onion (finely chopped)
Fresh parsley (chopped)
Dried oregano
Ground cumin
Salt
Black pepper
Olive oil (for cooking if pan-frying)

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat or low-fat)
Cucumber (grated and drained)
Garlic clove (minced)
Fresh lemon juice (squeezed)
Fresh dill (chopped)
Olive oil
Salt and pepper (to taste)

Variations

Protein Alternatives: While ground turkey is lean and perfect for this recipe, you can also use chicken, beef, or lamb if you prefer a different flavor profile.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for a completely gluten-free dish.
Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatballs if you like a little heat, or add some feta cheese for a richer flavor.
Vegan Option: Swap the ground turkey for a plant-based ground meat substitute, and use dairy-free yogurt for the tzatziki to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you’re pan-frying the meatballs, heat a large skillet over medium heat with a bit of olive oil.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well incorporated. Don’t overmix, as this could result in dense meatballs.

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs

Shape the mixture into small, even-sized meatballs, about 1 ½ inches in diameter. You should get around 16-20 meatballs, depending on the size.

Step 4: Cook the Meatballs

For Baking: Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
For Pan-Frying: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re golden and cooked through.

Step 5: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

While the meatballs are cooking, make the tzatziki sauce. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeeze out any excess moisture), minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Step 6: Serve

Once the meatballs are cooked, serve them with a generous drizzle of tzatziki sauce. Garnish with extra fresh parsley or dill if desired. These meatballs are great served with pita, over rice, or with a side of roasted vegetables.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Avoid Overcooking the Meatballs: Turkey can dry out if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Drain the Cucumber: Be sure to drain the grated cucumber well to prevent the tzatziki sauce from becoming too watery.
Flavor Variations: For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of red wine vinegar to the tzatziki sauce, or use fresh mint in place of dill.
Forming Meatballs: Use wet hands to form the meatballs to prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the meatball mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it. The flavors will develop even more overnight!

How to Serve

These Greek turkey meatballs are versatile and can be served in various ways. For a Mediterranean-inspired meal, serve them with warm pita bread, a Greek salad, or over a bed of couscous or quinoa. They can also be enjoyed as an appetizer with extra tzatziki sauce for dipping or added to wraps for a quick and satisfying lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover meatballs and tzatziki sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To prevent the meatballs from drying out, store them in their cooking juices or with a little olive oil.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Allow them to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or heat them in a skillet over medium heat.

Reheating

To reheat the meatballs, simply place them in a skillet with a small amount of olive oil or bake them in the oven until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken works well as a substitute for ground turkey in this recipe.

2. How can I make the tzatziki sauce spicier?

Add a small pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped chili peppers to the tzatziki for a spicy kick.

3. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can form the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.

4. Can I pan-fry the meatballs instead of baking them?

Yes, you can pan-fry the meatballs. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook them until golden brown and cooked through.

5. How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Simply swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or use almond flour as a binder.

6. Can I use low-fat Greek yogurt for the tzatziki sauce?

Yes, low-fat Greek yogurt can be used in place of full-fat yogurt, though the sauce may be slightly less creamy.

7. Can I freeze the tzatziki sauce?

It’s not recommended to freeze tzatziki as the yogurt may separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it.

8. How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?

Be gentle when mixing the ingredients and avoid overmixing. If the mixture is too loose, add a bit more breadcrumbs to help bind it together.

9. How long do the meatballs take to cook?

Bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes or until fully cooked. If pan-frying, they should take about 8-10 minutes.

10. What can I serve with these meatballs?

These meatballs pair well with a Greek salad, rice, couscous, or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

These Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki are a flavorful, healthy, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as a main course, an appetizer, or as part of a Mediterranean-inspired spread, they are sure to be a hit. With the savory meatballs and the cool, creamy tzatziki sauce, this dish brings all the best flavors of Greece straight to your table. Enjoy!