These Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki are a delightful, healthy dish that combines Mediterranean flavors with lean protein. Tender turkey meatballs, seasoned with garlic, herbs, and spices, are served with a creamy and refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce. Perfect for meal prep, a light dinner, or as an appetizer, this dish is both flavorful and nutritious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful & Fresh: Mediterranean herbs like oregano and parsley infuse the meatballs with incredible flavor, while the tangy tzatziki adds the perfect creamy contrast.
- Healthy & Lean: Made with lean ground turkey, these meatballs are high in protein but low in fat.
- Versatile: Serve with pita, rice, a fresh salad, or use in a Mediterranean bowl.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish stores well and can be easily reheated.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Greek Turkey Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 large egg
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Olive oil for cooking (if pan-frying)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat or low-fat)
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the Meatballs: Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs:
- Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes.
- Pan-fry: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs for 4-5 minutes per side.
- Air-fry: Air-fry at 380°F (193°C) for 10-12 minutes.
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce: Grate and drain the cucumber. Mix with Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve: Pair the meatballs with the tzatziki sauce and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the meatballs and tzatziki separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze meatballs for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or skillet.
- Reheating: Reheat meatballs in the oven or stovetop. Tzatziki is best served cold, so no need to reheat.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, ground chicken or beef can work well in this recipe, though turkey is leaner.
Can I make the tzatziki dairy-free?
Yes, use a plant-based yogurt for a dairy-free option.
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes, cooked meatballs freeze well for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or stovetop.
How do I make the tzatziki sauce thicker?
Grate and drain the cucumber thoroughly to prevent excess moisture.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the meatballs for a spicy kick.
Conclusion
These Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki are a healthy, tasty, and easy-to-make dish. Packed with fresh Mediterranean flavors, they’re perfect for a balanced meal or meal prep. Enjoy them with a side of pita or a refreshing Greek salad for the ultimate Mediterranean experience!
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Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki
- Author: Emma
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish, Mediterranean
- Method: Baking, Pan-frying, Air-frying
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki are packed with Mediterranean flavors, featuring tender turkey meatballs paired with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce. Perfect for meal prep, a light dinner, or as an appetizer, this healthy dish is both flavorful and nutritious.
Ingredients
For the Greek Turkey Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 large egg
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Olive oil for cooking (if pan-frying)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat or low-fat)
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined.
- Shape the Meatballs: Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs:
- Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes.
- Pan-fry: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs for 4-5 minutes per side.
- Air-fry: Air-fry at 380°F (193°C) for 10-12 minutes.
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce: Grate and drain the cucumber. Mix the cucumber with Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs with the chilled tzatziki sauce.
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken or beef for the turkey.
- For a dairy-free tzatziki, use a plant-based yogurt.
- Make the meatballs spicier by adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the mixture.
- Thoroughly drain the cucumber to ensure the tzatziki is thick.
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