1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Greek Turkey Meatballs

Healthy Greek Turkey Meatballs

Featured in Heartwarming Main Course Recipes.

Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki is a simple and delicious Mediterranean-inspired dish. These tender meatballs are made with lean turkey, fresh herbs, and a delightful combination of spices. Served alongside a creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce, they make a balanced and flavorful meal that fits any occasion. Easy to prepare, you can oven-bake, pan-fry, or air-fry these meatballs to your preferred style. Pair them with pita bread, rice, or a fresh salad for a perfect complete meal. Great for a healthy dinner or an efficient meal prep option.
Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump To Recipe
Rose
Updated on Thu, 13 Mar 2025 12:56:37 GMT
Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Pin it
Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki | lovelylifewithrose.com

Mediterranean Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki sauce combines lean protein with vibrant Greek flavors to create a wholesome, satisfying meal. This recipe transforms simple ground turkey into tender, herb-infused meatballs complemented perfectly by a cooling homemade tzatziki sauce that brings authentic Mediterranean flavors right to your kitchen.

I've made these meatballs countless times, and they've become a family favorite. Last summer, I served them at a neighborhood gathering, and even the pickiest eaters came back for seconds.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

  • Ground Turkey: Choose 93% lean for the ideal balance of flavor and moisture
  • Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Dill): Look for bright, crisp leaves without yellowing
  • Greek Yogurt: Full-fat provides the creamiest tzatziki, but low-fat works too
  • Cucumber: English cucumbers work best as they have fewer seeds
  • Fresh Garlic: Choose firm bulbs without sprouting
  • Breadcrumbs: Fresh work best, but panko makes a great substitute

Detailed Cooking Instructions

1. Meatball Mixture:
Combine ingredients gently to maintain tenderness. Let rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Use slightly wet hands when rolling to prevent sticking.
2. Forming and Cooking:
Keep meatballs uniform in size (about 1.5 inches) for even cooking. Don't overcrowd the pan or baking sheet. Look for golden-brown exterior and 165°F internal temperature.
3. Tzatziki Preparation:
Salt cucumber ahead of time to draw out moisture. Let sauce rest for flavors to develop. Adjust garlic and lemon to taste.

As a Mediterranean food enthusiast, I've found that fresh dill makes all the difference in tzatziki. My grandmother's secret was to always use Greek yogurt that's been strained overnight for an extra-thick sauce.

Serving Suggestions

  • Create a mezze platter with hummus and olives
  • Stuff into warm pita pockets
  • Serve over cauliflower rice for low-carb option
  • Add to Greek salad for a complete meal

After years of making this recipe, I can confidently say it's one of the most versatile dishes in my repertoire. The combination of lean turkey and aromatic herbs, paired with the cooling tzatziki, creates a meal that's both nutritious and deeply satisfying. Whether you're meal prepping for the week or serving dinner to guests, these meatballs never disappoint.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a substitute for ground turkey?
Yes, you can substitute ground chicken or beef instead of turkey if preferred.
→ Can I make the meatballs gluten-free?
Absolutely, use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe gluten-free.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store meatballs and tzatziki separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven or skillet.
→ What can I serve with these meatballs?
Serve with pita bread, rice, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Greek Turkey Meatballs

Greek turkey meatballs with tzatziki sauce. A healthy Mediterranean dish perfect for dinner or meal prep.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Rose

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Greek

Yield: 4 Servings (16-20 meatballs)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ For the Greek Turkey Meatballs

01 1 pound (450g) ground turkey (lean preferred)
02 ⅓ cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
03 1 large egg
04 3 garlic cloves, minced
05 ¼ cup finely diced onion
06 ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
07 1 teaspoon dried oregano
08 ½ teaspoon ground cumin
09 ½ teaspoon salt
10 ¼ teaspoon black pepper
11 Olive oil for cooking (if pan-frying)

→ For the Tzatziki Sauce

12 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
13 ½ cucumber, grated and drained
14 1 garlic clove, minced
15 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
16 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
17 1 tablespoon olive oil
18 Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 01

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until the ingredients are just blended together to avoid tough meatballs.

Step 02

Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls (about 1 to 1.5 inches in size). This should make roughly 16-20 meatballs.

Step 03

For baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place the meatballs on a lined baking tray, and bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked. For pan-frying, heat a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil and fry the meatballs in batches for about 4-5 minutes per side. Alternatively, use an air fryer preheated to 380°F (193°C) and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Step 04

Grate the cucumber, then use a paper towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out any extra moisture. Combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill, and olive oil in a bowl, stirring until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste. For the best flavor, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 05

Serve the turkey meatballs warm with a generous helping of tzatziki sauce on the side. Complement with pita bread, rice, or a crisp salad for a full meal.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~