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Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe


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  • Author: Julie
  • Total Time: 45 minutes

Description

Savory, tender turkey meatballs infused with Mediterranean spices, served with a cool and tangy tzatziki sauce. These meatballs are perfect for a light, flavorful dinner or an appetizer for your next gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Greek Turkey Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground turkey (preferably lean)
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried mint)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 egg
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil (for frying)

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

 

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt (preferably full-fat or 2% for creaminess)
  • 1 small cucumber, grated and excess moisture squeezed out
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped oregano, chopped mint, ground cumin, ground coriander, and lemon zest. Add the egg, and season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.

Use your hands or a spoon to mix the ingredients together until fully combined. Be sure not to overmix, as this can result in dense meatballs. Once the mixture is well combined, it should be slightly sticky but still hold together when formed into balls.

2. Form the Meatballs

Using your hands or a spoon, scoop out portions of the meatball mixture and roll them into 1-1½ inch balls. You should get about 16-20 meatballs, depending on the size. If you prefer, you can make them slightly smaller or larger, just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

3. Cook the Meatballs

There are two methods for cooking these Greek turkey meatballs: frying or baking.

  • Frying: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs to the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook in batches if necessary. Brown the meatballs on all sides, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. This should take about 7-10 minutes per batch. Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

  • Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they are spaced evenly apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through. You can check for doneness by cutting one meatball in half; it should no longer be pink in the center.

4. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (with excess moisture squeezed out), chopped dill, minced garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Taste the tzatziki sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed. If you like your tzatziki a bit tangier, add more lemon juice to suit your preference.

5. Serve the Meatballs

 

Once the meatballs are cooked and the tzatziki sauce is ready, serve the meatballs warm with a generous spoonful of tzatziki on top or on the side for dipping. Garnish with extra fresh dill, mint, or lemon wedges, if desired.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 250-300 kcal
  • Fat: 15-18g
  • Carbohydrates: 10-12g
  • Protein: 20-22g