If you’re craving a flavorful, healthy meal that’s packed with Mediterranean goodness, these Greek turkey meatballs with tzatziki are exactly what you need! The turkey meatballs are juicy, tender, and full of fresh herbs and spices, while the creamy tzatziki sauce adds the perfect cooling touch. Serve these meatballs as a main or as an appetizer — they’ll be a hit either way!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Light and lean – These turkey meatballs are a healthier twist on the classic, packed with protein but low in fat.
- Full of flavor – Fresh herbs like oregano, dill, and parsley give these meatballs a bright, zesty kick.
- Easy to make – This recipe is simple, requiring just a few ingredients to create a delicious dish.
- Tzatziki goodness – The creamy cucumber sauce is the perfect complement to the savory meatballs.
Ingredients
For the Greek Turkey Meatballs:
ground turkey
breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free)
egg
fresh parsley, chopped
oregano
garlic powder
onion powder
salt
black pepper
olive oil (for cooking)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
Greek yogurt
grated and excess water squeezed out
garlic, minced
fresh dill, chopped
lemon juice
olive oil
salt
black pepper
Directions
Make the Meatball Mixture
In a bowl, combine ground turkey with breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, and salt and pepper. Mix everything together until just combined—don’t overwork the mixture to keep them tender.
Form the Meatballs
Roll the turkey mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Cook the Meatballs
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the meatballs for about 20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. If you prefer, you can also pan-fry them for an extra crispy exterior.
Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the tzatziki sauce. Grate the cucumber and squeeze out any excess moisture. In a bowl, combine the grated cucumber with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh dill. Stir until smooth and well mixed.
Serve and Enjoy
Once the meatballs are cooked, serve them with a generous drizzle of tzatziki sauce on top or on the side for dipping. Garnish with extra fresh dill or parsley for a pop of color.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture – Overmixing can lead to dense meatballs, so mix just until everything is combined.
- Chill the meatballs before cooking – If you have time, chilling the formed meatballs in the fridge for 30 minutes will help them hold their shape while cooking.
- Adjust the tzatziki to taste – Add more garlic or lemon for an extra punch, or use a little extra cucumber for a fresher taste.
- Crispy meatballs – For a crispy outside, pan-fry the meatballs in a little olive oil before serving.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Use chicken – Ground chicken can be swapped for the turkey if you prefer a slightly leaner meat.
- Dairy-free tzatziki – Swap Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative, like coconut yogurt.
- Make it spicy – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a subtle heat.
- Grill the meatballs – For a smoky flavor, grill the meatballs instead of baking them.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These meatballs are perfect for a light dinner or appetizer. Serve them alongside a simple Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or warm pita bread. They also pair wonderfully with a side of quinoa or couscous for a hearty meal. For drinks, a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon is a refreshing choice.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage – Store leftover meatballs and tzatziki separately in airtight containers. The meatballs will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Reheating – Reheat the meatballs in the oven or microwave until heated through. Don’t reheat the tzatziki, as it’s best served fresh.
FAQs
Can I freeze these meatballs?
Yes! You can freeze the uncooked meatballs before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. When ready to cook, bake them from frozen (you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time).
Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
Of course! Ground beef works perfectly well in this recipe if you prefer a richer flavor.
How can I make the tzatziki thicker?
If you like a thicker sauce, use less cucumber or strain the yogurt before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can form the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.
Conclusion
Greek turkey meatballs with tzatziki are a flavorful, healthy meal that’s simple to make and full of fresh, vibrant flavors. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe will hit the spot. The turkey meatballs are light but satisfying, and the tzatziki sauce brings everything together for a refreshing, creamy finish
Print
Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki are a healthy, flavorful twist on traditional meatballs. Packed with lean turkey, aromatic herbs, and spices, these juicy meatballs are paired with a cool and creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. This dish is perfect for meal prep, a quick dinner, or as an appetizer!
Ingredients
For the Greek Turkey Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Make the Greek Turkey Meatballs:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
- In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve:
-
- Arrange the meatballs on a serving platter and drizzle with tzatziki sauce.
- Garnish with extra fresh herbs and a wedge of lemon, if desired. Serve with a side of veggies, pita, or salad for a complete meal!
Notes
- For extra flavor, add some crumbled feta to the meatballs.
- Make it low-carb by serving with a salad instead of pita.
- Tzatziki can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (4 meatballs with tzatziki)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: ~600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: ~80mg
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