Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
