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Plated Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki

Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki

Tender, herb-packed turkey meatballs seasoned with Mediterranean spices and served with cool, creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. A healthy, protein-rich dinner ready in 35 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey preferably 93% lean
  • 1/3 cup breadcrumbs regular or gluten-free
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1/4 cup onion finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • olive oil for cooking if pan-frying
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt plain, full-fat or low-fat
  • 1/2 cucumber grated and drained
  • 1 garlic clove minced for tzatziki
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for tzatziki
  • salt and pepper to taste for tzatziki

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet with parchment paper
  • Box grater
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Large 12-inch skillet (optional for pan-frying)

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix with clean hands until just incorporated, about 30 to 45 seconds. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough meatballs.
  2. Roll the mixture into uniform meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get approximately 16 to 18 meatballs. Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking while rolling.
  3. For oven-baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet with 1 inch of space between each. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown with slightly crispy edges and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  4. For pan-frying: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs for 4 to 5 minutes per side, turning carefully to brown all sides until fully cooked through (8 to 10 minutes total).
  5. For air-frying: Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, turning halfway through until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. While the meatballs cook, prepare the tzatziki. Grate the cucumber using a box grater, then squeeze out excess moisture using paper towels or cheesecloth to prevent watery sauce.
  7. In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, drained cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, fresh dill, and olive oil. Stir until smooth and evenly mixed.
  8. Taste the tzatziki and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional lemon juice if desired. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
  9. Serve the warm meatballs with a generous dollop of chilled tzatziki sauce. Enjoy with pita bread, rice, or a fresh Greek salad for a complete meal.

Notes

Store meatballs and tzatziki separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or beef. Double the batch for easy meal prep throughout the week.