Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki is a delicious and healthy twist on traditional meatballs, featuring lean ground turkey flavored with Mediterranean herbs and spices. Paired with a creamy and refreshing tzatziki sauce, this dish is bursting with flavors of garlic, fresh parsley, and dill, offering a lighter yet satisfying option for a family meal or a casual dinner. Whether you’re following a healthy eating plan or simply want something light but full of flavor, this dish is the perfect balance of savory and fresh.
The Greek-inspired meatballs are easy to make, and the homemade tzatziki sauce provides the perfect cooling contrast to the meatballs’ warmth. Serve these meatballs as an appetizer, over a bed of greens, or in a pita for a delicious sandwich. Whether you’re entertaining guests or looking for a weeknight dinner, Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Healthy and Light
Made with lean turkey and served with a refreshing tzatziki sauce, this dish is light and healthy, making it a great option for a balanced meal.
2. Packed with Flavor
The Mediterranean spices and herbs like oregano, cumin, and fresh parsley give the meatballs an incredibly flavorful punch, while the tzatziki sauce adds a creamy, tangy contrast.
3. Versatile
These meatballs can be enjoyed in various ways – as an appetizer, in a pita wrap, on top of a salad, or even as a main course with a side of roasted vegetables or rice.
4. Quick and Easy
With minimal ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
5. Gluten-Free Option
By using gluten-free breadcrumbs, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free without compromising flavor or texture.
Ingredients
For the Greek Turkey Meatballs:
- 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)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 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
Variations
- Add Veggies to the Meatballs: Grated zucchini or spinach can be added to the meatball mixture for extra vegetables and moisture.
- Spicy Tzatziki: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the tzatziki sauce for a spicy kick.
- Different Protein: If you prefer, swap the turkey for ground chicken or even lean beef for a variation on this dish.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free yogurt alternative in the tzatziki sauce to make this dish dairy-free.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the meatballs tough.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. You should get approximately 18-20 meatballs, depending on the size you make.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
You can either bake or pan-fry the meatballs.
- To pan-fry: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, cooking for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- To bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
Step 4: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeeze out any excess moisture), minced garlic, lemon juice, fresh dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed, and taste to adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 5: Serve
Once the meatballs are cooked, serve them with a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce. You can also serve them over a bed of greens, inside pita bread with some fresh veggies, or with a side of roasted potatoes or couscous.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Avoid Dry Meatballs: Don’t overmix the turkey when preparing the meatball mixture, as this can result in dry meatballs. Gently mix just until combined.
- Drain the Cucumber: To prevent the tzatziki from becoming too watery, make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the grated cucumber before mixing it with the yogurt.
- Customize the Seasoning: Taste the meatball mixture before rolling into balls. Adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or spices to suit your preferences.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the meatballs are cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check that they have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How to Serve
Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are a few ideas:
- Serve them in pita bread or a wrap with fresh veggies for a Mediterranean-inspired sandwich.
- Place them on a bed of mixed greens or quinoa for a fresh salad.
- Pair them with roasted vegetables or a side of rice for a complete meal.
- Serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks and extra tzatziki for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover meatballs and tzatziki sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
These meatballs freeze well. After cooking, let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
Reheating
To reheat meatballs, place them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep them moist, or microwave them in short intervals, checking their temperature.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, you can substitute ground chicken for ground turkey. Just be sure to choose a lean variety for the best texture and flavor.
2. Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the tzatziki sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator for better flavor as the ingredients meld together.
3. Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?
Yes, baking the meatballs is a healthier option and is just as delicious. Simply place them on a lined baking sheet and bake until golden brown.
4. Can I use store-bought tzatziki sauce?
Yes, you can use store-bought tzatziki if you’re short on time, but making it from scratch adds a fresh and personalized flavor to the dish.
5. Can I add vegetables to the meatballs?
Absolutely! You can add finely chopped spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the meatball mixture for added nutrition and moisture.
6. How do I make sure the meatballs are juicy?
To keep the meatballs moist, avoid overworking the meat mixture, and consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil or milk to the mixture for extra moisture.
7. Can I make this recipe without breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can use ground oats, almond meal, or even gluten-free breadcrumbs as a substitute for traditional breadcrumbs.
8. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can substitute the ground turkey with a plant-based protein like lentils or chickpeas, although the texture will be slightly different.
9. How do I serve the meatballs as an appetizer?
For appetizers, serve the meatballs on a platter with toothpicks and a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping.
10. How can I adjust the seasoning?
Taste the meatball mixture before cooking, and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or cumin based on your preferences.
Conclusion
Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki is a delightful dish that brings bold Mediterranean flavors to the table in a healthy, satisfying way. The juicy turkey meatballs combined with the creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce create a meal that’s sure to please everyone. Whether you enjoy them as a main dish or an appetizer, this recipe is versatile, easy to prepare, and packed with flavor. Try it today for a delicious and nutritious meal your whole family will love!
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Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki: A Flavorful and Healthy Meal
- Total Time: 40 minutes (if baking) or 25 minutes (if pan-frying)
- Yield: 4 servings (approximately 16-20 meatballs) 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki are the perfect healthy, flavorful meal! The lean turkey meatballs are seasoned with fragrant spices like oregano and cumin, then served with a cool, creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. It’s a Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s both light and satisfying!
Ingredients
For the Greek Turkey Meatballs:
- 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)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 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
Instructions
-
Make the Meatballs:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) or heat a pan with olive oil if you prefer to pan-fry.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or directly into a skillet if frying.
- For baking: Place the meatballs in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
- For frying: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until they are browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
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Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, fresh dill, and olive oil. Stir until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill the tzatziki sauce in the fridge for about 10 minutes before serving for better flavor.
-
Serve:
- Serve the Greek turkey meatballs hot with the tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.
- Garnish with additional fresh dill or parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, make sure to use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check your seasoning mixes for any hidden gluten.
- You can also serve these meatballs in pita bread or over a Greek salad for a complete meal.
- These meatballs freeze well! Store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes (for baking) or 10 minutes (for pan-frying)
- Category: Main Dish, Appetizer
- Method: Baking or Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Greek