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Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe

Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe

5.1 from 10 reviews

A flavorful and healthy recipe for Greek Turkey Meatballs served with a refreshing homemade Tzatziki sauce. This dish combines lean ground turkey seasoned with traditional Greek herbs and spices, baked or pan-fried to perfection, and paired with a creamy cucumber yogurt sauce. Perfect for a light dinner or a Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Tzatziki Sauce

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
  • ½ cucumber, grated and drained
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 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, garlic, onion, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix all ingredients gently until well combined, taking care not to over-mix to prevent tough meatballs. Then, form the mixture into small meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter; you should get approximately 16-20 meatballs.
  2. Cook the Meatballs: For oven baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and cooked through. For pan frying, heat a skillet over medium heat with a bit of olive oil, cook meatballs in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until nicely browned and cooked through. Alternatively, use an air fryer preheated to 380°F (193°C), cooking the meatballs in the basket for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway.
  3. Make the Tzatziki Sauce: Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture using a paper towel or cheesecloth. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill, and olive oil. Stir well and season with salt and pepper to taste. For best flavor, refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  4. Serve: Plate the turkey meatballs along with a generous serving of tzatziki sauce. Serve with pita bread, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete Greek-inspired meal.

Notes

  • Use lean ground turkey for a healthier option, but dark meat turkey can add more flavor.
  • Breadcrumbs can be substituted with gluten-free options if needed.
  • Do not over-mix the meatball mixture to keep them tender and juicy.
  • Letting the tzatziki sauce chill enhances the flavors.
  • You can add chopped mint or sprinkle extra dill in the tzatziki for additional freshness.
  • This recipe can be adapted for air frying, baking, or pan-frying depending on your preference and equipment.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek turkey meatballs, tzatziki sauce, healthy meatballs, Mediterranean recipe, ground turkey, easy dinner, air fryer meatballs, baked turkey meatballs