Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe

Introduction

These Greek turkey meatballs with creamy tzatziki are a flavorful and healthy way to enjoy a classic Mediterranean dish. Lean ground turkey is perfectly seasoned and paired with a refreshing cucumber-yogurt sauce, making this a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground turkey (preferably lean)
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
• 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)
• 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat or low-fat)
• 1/2 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)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are combined without over-mixing.
2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into small meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, yielding approximately 16-20 meatballs.
3. Step 3: Choose your cooking method:
   • Oven-baked: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
   • Pan-fried: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
   • Air fryer: Preheat to 380°F (193°C). Cook meatballs in the basket for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through.
4. Step 4: Prepare the tzatziki sauce by grating the cucumber and draining excess moisture with a paper towel or cheesecloth. In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Step 5: For best flavor, chill the tzatziki in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
6. Step 6: Serve the warm turkey meatballs with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. Enjoy alongside pita bread, rice, or a fresh salad.

Tips & Variations

• To keep meatballs moist, avoid over-mixing the meat mixture.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you want to keep this dish gluten-free.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a subtle spicy kick.
• Fresh dill in the tzatziki can be substituted with mint for a different herbaceous note.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and tzatziki sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat meatballs gently in the microwave or oven to avoid drying them out. Serve tzatziki cold or at room temperature for best taste.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead and refrigerate them raw for up to 24 hours. Cook just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

What if I don’t have fresh dill for the tzatziki?

If fresh dill is not available, you can substitute with fresh mint or a small amount of dried dill, but fresh herbs will give the best flavor.

Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 102 reviews

This recipe features flavorful Greek turkey meatballs paired with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce. Lean ground turkey is combined with aromatic herbs and spices, then cooked to perfection using your preferred method—oven, stovetop, or air fryer. The tzatziki sauce, made with creamy Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and dill, adds a cool and tangy finish, making this dish a healthy and satisfying Mediterranean-inspired meal.

• Author: Amaya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 16–20 meatballs (serves 4) 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatballs

• 1 lb (450g) ground turkey (preferably lean)
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
• 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)

Tzatziki Sauce

• 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat or low-fat)
• 1/2 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

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are well incorporated. Avoid over-mixing to keep the meatballs tender.
2. Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands, roll the mixture into small meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get roughly 16 to 20 meatballs.
3. Cook the Meatballs – Oven-Baked Option: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the meatballs on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked through and golden brown.
4. Cook the Meatballs – Pan-Fried Option: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning frequently, for 4-5 minutes per side or until browned and cooked through.
5. Cook the Meatballs – Air Fryer Option: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Place the meatballs in the basket in a single layer and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until cooked and golden.
6. Make the Tzatziki Sauce: Grate the cucumber and use a paper towel or cheesecloth to drain excess moisture thoroughly. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, fresh dill, and olive oil. Mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
7. Serve: Plate the cooked turkey meatballs and serve with a generous spoonful of the chilled tzatziki sauce. Accompany with pita bread, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete and delicious meal.

Notes

• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute with almond flour.
• Do not overmix the meatball mixture to prevent tough meatballs.
• Draining the cucumber well is crucial to avoid watery tzatziki.
• Letting the tzatziki sauce chill enhances its flavor.
• Adjust seasoning according to your taste preference.
• These meatballs can be baked, pan-fried, or air-fried based on your kitchen equipment and preference.

Keywords: Greek turkey meatballs, tzatziki sauce, healthy meatballs, Mediterranean recipe, lean turkey recipe