Name: Greek Turkey Meatballs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 38 min
Total time: 58 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey; ⅓ cup finely chopped red onion; 2–3 cloves garlic, minced; ⅓ cup finely chopped fresh parsley; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, or 2 teaspoons dried dill; ¼ cup italian breadcrumbs, or ⅓ cup almond flour; 1 large egg; ⅓ cup crumbled feta; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon sea salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 ⅓ cup cucumber, diced; 1 ⅓ cup tomato, diced; ⅔ cup red onion, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; grain of choice, i used brown rice; Tzatziki, store-bought or homemade; cucumber tomato salad; crumbled feta; kalamata olives

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Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki are a delightful twist on a classic dish. Tender turkey meatballs, infused with fragrant herbs and spices, create a wonderful every-bite promise of freshness. The addition of crumbly feta takes these meatballs to a new level, making them rich in flavor but light enough to feel good about serving. These beauties are perfect for a quick dinner, a healthy meal prep, or a tuck-in-your-bag lunch.

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Having first made these meatballs on a busy weeknight, I was struck by how simple they were yet packed with flavor. The best part? They’re ready from start to finish in just under an hour! With a vibrant cucumber tomato salad and creamy tzatziki to top it off, it’s hard to believe such a satisfying meal can be so easy. Dive in and treat yourself; you’re going to love making and sharing this recipe.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Greek Turkey Meatballs
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Greek Turkey Meatballs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: In just about 20 minutes of prep and 38 minutes of cooking time, you can have a filling and delicious meal.
Irresistible Flavor: A perfect harmony of spices, fresh herbs, and creamy feta creates meatballs that are both juicy and flavorful.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The contrast of colors in the cucumber tomato salad provides an appealing presentation that’s sure to impress.
Flexible Serving: These meatballs can be served over rice, in a wrap, or even as a snack on their own.
Diet-Friendly Options: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour for a gluten-free option, and skip the feta for a dairy-free version.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 pound ground turkey: Lean and healthy, turkey is the star ingredient here, providing a flavorful base.
⅓ cup finely chopped red onion: This gives a nice bite and sweetness to the meatballs.
2–3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic depth—don’t skimp on this!
⅓ cup finely chopped fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with its herbaceous flavor.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, or 2 teaspoons dried dill: Dill brings a beautiful and authentic Greek flavor.
¼ cup Italian breadcrumbs, or ⅓ cup almond flour: Helps bind the meatballs together; almond flour keeps them gluten-free.
1 large egg: The egg acts as a binder, ensuring your meatballs hold their shape.
⅓ cup crumbled feta: This creamy cheese introduces a delectable tang and richness.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: Bright acidity balances the flavors and adds freshness.
1 teaspoon lemon zest: A fragrant touch that enhances the zing of the lemon juice.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: A staple in Greek cooking, it lends a robust flavor.
½ teaspoon sea salt: A vital seasoning that enhances every ingredient’s flavor.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Introduces warmth and subtle spice.
2 tablespoons lemon juice: For the cucumber tomato salad, adding freshness and zing.
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: A drizzle for a hint of richness in the salad.
1 ⅓ cup cucumber, diced: Provides crunch and refreshing flavor.
1 ⅓ cup tomato, diced: Sweet and juicy, it complements the cucumber beautifully.
⅔ cup red onion, chopped: Adds a mild sweetness and crunch to the salad.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Enhances the salad with additional freshness.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing all the components.
Grain of choice, e.g., brown rice: A filling base for serving.
Tzatziki, store-bought or homemade: Adds creaminess and a tangy punch.
Cucumber tomato salad: The perfect fresh side to complement the meatballs.
Crumbled feta: For additional topping; who doesn’t love more feta?
Kalamata olives: A briny touch that adds character.

How to Make Greek Turkey Meatballs

Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine 1 pound of ground turkey, ⅓ cup finely chopped red onion, 2–3 cloves minced garlic, ⅓ cup finely chopped fresh parsley, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (or 2 teaspoons dried dill), ¼ cup Italian breadcrumbs (or ⅓ cup almond flour), 1 large egg, ⅓ cup crumbled feta, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon sea salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined; be careful not to overmix, or you’ll end up with dense meatballs.
Roll the Meatballs: Using your hands, roll the mixture into meatballs that are about 1–1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they have some space in between for even cooking.
Bake the Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the meatballs for 15-18 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly golden. You’ll know they’re ready when a thermometer inserted reads 165°F and they’re firm to the touch.
Prepare the Cucumber Tomato Salad: While the meatballs are baking, mix together 1 ⅓ cups diced cucumber, 1 ⅓ cups diced tomato, ⅔ cup chopped red onion, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley in a medium bowl. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and adjust seasonings if desired. Place in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Serve: To serve, layer the baked meatballs over your grain of choice, sprinkle with cucumber tomato salad, and top with extra crumbled feta and kalamata olives. Finish it off with a generous drizzle of tzatziki. Enjoy every mouthful!

Storing & Reheating

To store your Greek Turkey Meatballs, allow them to cool at room temperature for no more than 2 hours before transferring them to a sealed container. They will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy again, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Keep in mind that they might lose a bit of their original texture, but the flavor will still be just as delicious.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

If your meatball mixture feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs or almond flour until it holds together nicely.
Make sure all ingredients, especially the ground turkey and egg, are at room temperature to help blend them easily.
For a fun twist, try adding grated zucchini or carrot into the meatball mixture for added nutrition.
Keep a close eye on the meatballs while they bake to prevent overcooking; they should no longer be pink in the center.
If you’re making these ahead of time, consider freezing the uncooked meatballs. When ready to cook, they can be baked straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki are a fantastic option for your next family dinner or meal prep. Not only do they bring a burst of flavor and freshness to your table, but they’re also easy to prepare and customizable to your tastes. Don’t hesitate to explore variations of this dish; perhaps by swapping in different proteins or adding seasonal veggies. A sprinkle of creativity can take every meal to new heights!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make Greek turkey meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatball mixture and form them a day in advance. Simply store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. You can also freeze them uncooked and bake them straight from frozen.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply replace the Italian breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. This keeps the dish satisfying while accommodating dietary needs.

What should I serve with Greek turkey meatballs?

These meatballs are versatile! They pair wonderfully with a grain like brown rice, quinoa, or couscous. Alternatively, serve them in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option, or on a bed of zucchini noodles.

Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Certainly! Ground beef can be substituted if you prefer a richer flavor. Just remember that it may be higher in fat, so adjust cooking times accordingly for a perfectly cooked meatball.

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Greek Turkey Meatballs