Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki: A Mediterranean Delight

Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki is a delicious and healthy twist on classic meatballs, bringing together the rich flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. These meatballs are tender, full of flavor, and perfectly paired with a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce. The dish is packed with fresh ingredients like garlic, onion, and parsley, combined with aromatic spices such as oregano and cumin. The tzatziki sauce made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, and dill adds a refreshing and tangy contrast, making it an irresistible meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as an appetizer.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The meatballs are easy to make, and with the creamy tzatziki on the side, you’ll be able to enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired dish without any fuss. Whether you’re cooking for a family or entertaining guests, Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki is guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, the combination of lean turkey and fresh vegetables makes it a healthier option for those watching their calorie intake. Prepare it in no time and enjoy the vibrant flavors of Greece right at your table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Healthy and Lean

Made with lean ground turkey, these meatballs are a healthier alternative to traditional beef or pork meatballs, while still being juicy and flavorful.

2. Refreshing Tzatziki Sauce

The cool, tangy tzatziki sauce made with Greek yogurt and cucumber balances out the richness of the meatballs, creating a refreshing contrast.

3. Quick and Easy to Prepare

Both the meatballs and tzatziki sauce come together in a matter of minutes, making this dish a great weeknight meal or a fun weekend project.

4. Customizable

The recipe is versatile—add more garlic, increase the cumin for a stronger flavor, or switch up the herbs and spices according to your taste preferences.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

The meatballs can be made in advance, stored, and reheated easily. They also freeze well, making them a great option for busy days.

Ingredients

For the Greek Turkey Meatballs:

• Ground turkey (preferably lean)
• Breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
• Large egg
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Fresh onion, finely chopped
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Dried oregano
• Ground cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Olive oil (for cooking if pan-frying)

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat or low-fat)
• Cucumber, grated and drained
• Garlic clove, minced
• Fresh lemon juice
• Fresh dill, chopped
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Variations

• Meatball Flavor Variations: Add different herbs like thyme, basil, or rosemary for a variation in flavor. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Tzatziki Twist: For a creamier tzatziki, add a small splash of milk or extra olive oil to the sauce. You can also experiment by adding a bit of chopped mint for an additional fresh flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: Use a plant-based ground meat alternative or quinoa for a vegetarian version of the meatballs.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat mixture.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

Using your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should have around 12-15 meatballs, depending on the size.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, turning until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

Step 4: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

While the meatballs are cooking, make the tzatziki sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 5: Serve

Once the meatballs are cooked through, remove them from the skillet and transfer them to a serving platter. Serve with a generous side of the homemade tzatziki sauce. Garnish with extra fresh parsley or dill if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overmix the Meat: When combining the ingredients for the meatballs, mix gently. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.
• Grate the Cucumber: Be sure to grate the cucumber and then drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the tzatziki sauce, which can make it watery.
• Adjust the Size of the Meatballs: For mini meatballs, simply make them smaller, but adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure they cook all the way through.
• Pan-Fry or Bake: If you prefer to bake the meatballs, place them on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.

How to Serve

These Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki are perfect on their own as a main dish, but they can also be served in various ways. Serve them with pita bread, a fresh Greek salad, or even over a bed of couscous or rice for a complete meal. They’re also great as an appetizer or as part of a Mediterranean-inspired spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover meatballs and tzatziki sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The meatballs can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Freezing

The meatballs freeze well. Allow them to cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or skillet.

Reheating

To reheat the meatballs, place them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken works well as a substitute for turkey in this recipe.

2. Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?

Yes, baking is a great alternative. Bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.

3. Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?

Yes, tzatziki can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.

4. Can I use low-fat Greek yogurt for the tzatziki?

Yes, low-fat Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for full-fat yogurt in the tzatziki sauce.

5. Are these meatballs gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free breadcrumbs, these meatballs are gluten-free.

6. How can I adjust the spice level of the meatballs?

You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture for a spicy kick.

7. Can I use dried dill for the tzatziki?

Yes, you can use dried dill if fresh is unavailable, but fresh dill gives a more vibrant flavor.

8. How can I make the tzatziki sauce creamier?

Add a small amount of olive oil or milk to the tzatziki sauce to make it creamier.

9. Can I use a food processor to make the meatball mixture?

Yes, a food processor can be used to combine the ingredients for the meatballs, but be careful not to over-process.

10. Can I serve these meatballs as an appetizer?

Absolutely! Serve them with toothpicks and a side of tzatziki for a Mediterranean appetizer.

Conclusion

Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki offer a healthy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that brings the delicious tastes of the Mediterranean to your table. With their tender texture and aromatic spices, the meatballs are perfectly complemented by the cool, creamy tzatziki sauce. Whether served as a main dish, appetizer, or part of a larger spread, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for any occasion.

Print