Description
Enjoy the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with these healthy and delicious Greek turkey meatballs, served with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce. Perfect for meal prep bowls or light salads, this recipe combines lean turkey with fresh herbs and spices for a protein-packed dish that’s easy to make and satisfying.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground turkey (93/7 lean)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 large red onion, grated or finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or almond flour
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/2 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Tzatziki Sauce (halved recipe)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cucumber, peeled and grated
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Side
- Rice, cooked (for serving)
- Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad (for serving)
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, add the ground turkey and minced garlic. Grate the 1/4 red onion into the bowl or finely chop it, then add it to the mixture. Add the egg, breadcrumbs (or almond flour), chopped dill, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined without overworking the mixture.
- Form meatballs: Shape the mixture into 14 evenly sized meatballs, ensuring they are consistent so they cook evenly.
- Cook meatballs: Heat a saucepan over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs carefully. Cook them for about 7-8 minutes total, turning frequently to brown all sides evenly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Prepare tzatziki: While the meatballs cook, make the tzatziki sauce by combining Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (drained of excess water), minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix until smooth and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Serve: Plate the cooked meatballs over a bed of rice and drizzle or serve with the tzatziki sauce. Add a fresh tomato cucumber feta salad on the side for a complete Mediterranean meal.
Notes
- Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Ensure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe turkey consumption.
- Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture before adding to tzatziki to prevent watery sauce.
- For meal prep, store meatballs and tzatziki separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Oven baking meatballs at 400°F for 15-20 minutes is an alternative if preferred over stovetop cooking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Greek
