Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki

Introduction

Mediterranean-Inspired Turkey Meatballs Served with Creamy Tzatziki Sauce – a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make dish perfect for any meal. These tender meatballs are packed with Mediterranean herbs and spices and paired with a refreshing tzatziki sauce for the ultimate combination.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and beaten egg. Mix until well combined.
3. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the meatballs and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
5. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, dill, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
6. Once the meatballs are done, serve them warm with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce on the side.

Variation

1. Herbed Spinach Meatballs
   Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped spinach and a teaspoon of fresh mint leaves to the meatball mixture for a vibrant, nutrient-rich twist. The spinach enhances the color and flavor while keeping the meatballs moist.
2. Lemon Zest and Feta Meatballs
   Mix in 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese and the zest of one lemon. These additions infuse the meatballs with a tangy, salty flavor that complements the tzatziki perfectly.
3. Spiced Mediterranean Meatballs
   Include 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin and a pinch of smoked paprika in the mixture. These spices add a warm, smoky depth, enhancing the Mediterranean profile of the dish.

Cooking Notes

1. For added flavor, try using fresh oregano instead of dried.
2. Serve with a side of warm pita bread or a fresh Greek salad.
3. To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Serving Suggestions

1. With Warm Pita Bread
   Serve the meatballs with warm pita bread on the side. Slice the pita into quarters to create an easy-to-handle option for dipping into the tzatziki or wrapping the meatballs for a handheld treat.
2. Over a Fresh Greek Salad
   Pair the meatballs with a crisp Greek salad featuring cucumbers, tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. The fresh, tangy flavors of the salad balance the richness of the meatballs and tzatziki.
3. As Part of a Mezze Platter
   Include these meatballs on a mezze platter with hummus, baba ganoush, roasted red peppers, and olives. This creates a beautiful, shareable appetizer spread that celebrates Mediterranean flavors.

Tips

1. Don’t Overmix the Meat Mixture
   Combine the ingredients just until they are incorporated. Overmixing can make the meatballs dense and tough instead of light and tender.
2. Pre-Chill the Meatball Mixture
   If the mixture feels too soft to handle, refrigerate it for 10–15 minutes before forming the meatballs. This step makes the mixture easier to shape and helps the meatballs hold their form during baking.
3. Make the Tzatziki Ahead of Time
   Prepare the tzatziki a few hours in advance to allow the flavors to meld. The garlic, dill, and lemon juice will infuse the yogurt over time, enhancing the sauce’s overall flavor.

Prep Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 220 kcal
Protein: 25 g
Sodium: 540 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
   Absolutely! Ground chicken works well in this recipe and has a similar texture. Just make sure to use a mix with some fat content to keep the meatballs moist.
2. How do I prevent the meatballs from drying out?
   Adding breadcrumbs and egg helps lock in moisture. Also, avoid overbaking the meatballs—check them after 20 minutes to ensure they stay tender.
3. Can I freeze the meatballs?
   Yes! You can freeze the baked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop before serving with fresh tzatziki sauce.
4. What can I serve as a gluten-free alternative to breadcrumbs?
   Gluten-free breadcrumbs, almond flour, or crushed rice crackers are excellent substitutes to make this recipe gluten-free without compromising texture or flavor.

Conclusion

Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki is a versatile and delicious recipe that brings the bold flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. Whether served with a Greek salad, pita bread, or as part of a mezze platter, these meatballs are sure to impress. Enjoy their tender texture and the refreshing tzatziki sauce, making every bite a flavorful experience!

Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce

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• Author: Avery
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-Inspired Turkey Meatballs Served with Creamy Tzatziki Sauce – a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make dish perfect for any meal. These tender meatballs are packed with Mediterranean herbs and spices and paired with a refreshing tzatziki sauce for the ultimate combination.

 

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and beaten egg. Mix until well combined.
• Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Drizzle olive oil over the meatballs and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
• While the meatballs are baking, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, dill, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Once the meatballs are done, serve them warm with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce on the side.

Notes

• For added flavor, try using fresh oregano instead of dried.
• Serve with a side of warm pita bread or a fresh Greek salad.
• To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: Greek turkey meatballs, tzatziki, Mediterranean meatballs, healthy turkey meatballs