Description
These Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki are a healthy and flavorful dish featuring lean turkey, fresh herbs, and a creamy yogurt sauce. Perfect for meal prep or a balanced dinner, this recipe captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine at your table.
Ingredients
For the Greek Turkey 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)
For the 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. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix until all ingredients are well combined. Avoid over-mixing, as this can make the meatballs tough.
3. Using your hands, roll the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter). This should yield approximately 16-20 meatballs.
4. Oven-Baked Option: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden brown.
5. Pan-Fried Option: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Add meatballs in batches, cooking for 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Air Fryer Option: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Place meatballs in the basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through.
7. Grate the cucumber and drain it using a paper towel or cheesecloth to remove excess moisture.
8. In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill, and olive oil.
9. Stir well, then season with salt and pepper to taste. For the best flavor, let the sauce chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
10. Serve the turkey meatballs with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce on the side.
11. Enjoy with pita bread, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Notes
To save time, prepare the tzatziki sauce ahead and refrigerate for up to 3 days. These meatballs freeze well—store cooked and cooled meatballs in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baked, Pan-Fried, Air-Fried
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450