Juicy Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

Mediterranean kitchens have long celebrated these delectable Greek turkey meatballs bursting with robust herbal notes.

Tender ground meat combines seamlessly with fresh herbs and zesty seasonings.

Crumbled feta adds a salty punch that makes each bite extraordinary.

Succulent and light, these meatballs provide a healthier twist on traditional recipes.

Garlic and oregano weave complex flavor profiles through each perfectly formed sphere.

Simple ingredients create magic in your kitchen, promising a meal that transports you straight to sunny greece.

Pair with cool tzatziki and watch everyone ask for seconds.

Greek Turkey Meatballs & Tzatziki Breakdown

• These Greek turkey meatballs pack a punch of Mediterranean taste with minimal cooking skills required, making them perfect for home cooks of all levels.
• Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delicious dinner that can be served multiple ways – as an appetizer, main course, or party snack.
• Kids and adults alike will love the juicy, herb-infused meatballs paired with creamy tzatziki, creating a meal that satisfies everyone's taste buds without complicated preparation.
• Lean ground turkey combined with fresh herbs and Greek yogurt provides a nutritious alternative to traditional beef meatballs, delivering protein and flavor in one delightful package.

Ingredients Needed for Greek Turkey Meatballs & Tzatziki

• Ground Turkey: A lean and flavorful meat that creates tender and juicy meatballs with a light texture.

• Breadcrumbs, Egg: Help hold the meatballs together and provide a smooth, cohesive texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, savory depth to the meatball mixture.

• Parsley, Garlic, Oregano, Onion Powder: Provide aromatic and zesty Mediterranean-inspired flavors to the meatballs.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile.

• Greek Yogurt: Creates a creamy and tangy base for the traditional Greek sauce.
• Cucumber: Adds freshness and a cool, crisp texture to the tzatziki.
• Dill, Garlic, Lemon Juice: Contribute bright and herbal notes that complement the meatballs.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Balance and elevate the sauce's flavors.

• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle Mediterranean touch when cooking meatballs.

Directions for Greek Turkey Meatballs & Tzatziki

Step 1: Whip Up Creamy Tzatziki

Grab a mixing bowl and combine tangy Greek yogurt, freshly grated cucumber, finely chopped garlic, fragrant dill, bright lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper.

Stir everything together until well blended.

Pop the mixture into the refrigerator to let the flavors dance and mingle.

Step 2: Craft Flavorful Turkey Meatballs

• Ground turkey
• Crispy breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Minced garlic
• Dried oregano
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• Beaten egg

Gently mix the ingredients until they just come together, being careful not to overwork the mixture.

Step 3: Sizzle and Brown Meatballs

Heat a skillet over medium flame and drizzle with olive oil.

Roll the turkey mixture into perfect bite-sized spheres about 1-2 inches wide.

Carefully place the meatballs in the hot skillet, allowing them to develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust.

Cook for 6-8 minutes on each side, ensuring they’re thoroughly cooked and crispy on the outside.

Step 4: Plate and Devour

Transfer the sizzling meatballs to a serving platter.

Place the chilled tzatziki sauce in a dipping bowl alongside.

Serve with warm pita bread or a crisp, fresh salad for a Mediterranean-inspired feast that’ll transport your taste buds to the Greek islands.

Handy Tips for Greek Turkey Meatballs & Tzatziki

• Squeeze excess moisture from grated cucumber using a clean kitchen towel to prevent watery tzatziki and maintain a thick, creamy texture.
• Gently mix meatball ingredients to keep the turkey tender and avoid tough, dense meatballs that can become rubbery.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure turkey meatballs reach 165°F for safe consumption without overcooking and drying out the meat.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or za'atar to the meatball mixture for an extra layer of Mediterranean-inspired complexity and aroma.
• Let cooked meatballs sit for 2-3 minutes after cooking to help retain juices and distribute heat evenly before serving.

Saving Greek Turkey Meatballs & Tzatziki for Later

• Store meatballs and tzatziki sauce separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Place cooled meatballs in freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Warm refrigerated meatballs on a microwave-safe plate at 50% power for 1-2 minutes. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange meatballs on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Add a splash of broth to prevent them from becoming too dry.

Pairing Suggestions for Greek Turkey Meatballs & Tzatziki

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Assyrtiko from Santorini or a refreshing Pinot Grigio that complements the tangy tzatziki and cuts through the rich turkey meatballs.
• Create Mediterranean Salad Side: Toss together a Greek-style salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, kalamata olives, and feta cheese to enhance the Mediterranean flavors and provide a fresh counterpoint to the meatballs.
• Match with Herbal Ouzo Cocktail: Mix a light ouzo aperitif with cold water, creating a traditional Greek drink that highlights the herbs in the meatballs and cleanses the palate between bites.
• Serve with Warm Pita Bread: Grill or warm soft pita bread to scoop up tzatziki and meatballs, adding a perfect textural element and making the meal more interactive and enjoyable.

Recipe Variations for Greek Turkey Meatballs & Tzatziki

• Low-Carb Zucchini Wrap Option: Replace pita bread with thin zucchini ribbons as a low-carb alternative, using a vegetable peeler to create flexible wraps that keep the Greek flavor profile intact.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of traditional breadcrumbs, ensuring celiac and gluten-sensitive individuals can enjoy the meatballs without compromising texture.
• Dairy-Free Tzatziki Alternative: Replace Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or cashew-based yogurt, adding fresh herbs and cucumber to preserve the traditional tangy sauce while accommodating dairy-free diets.

FAQs

• Are Greek turkey meatballs healthier than traditional beef meatballs?

Turkey is leaner than beef, containing less fat and fewer calories. This makes Greek turkey meatballs a healthier protein option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley?

Yes, you can substitute dried parsley. Use 1 teaspoon of dried parsley for every 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley. Just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated, so adjust accordingly.

• How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures the ground turkey is safely cooked through without becoming dry.

• Is tzatziki sauce always made with cucumber?

Traditional tzatziki sauce typically includes cucumber, but some variations might use different ingredients. The key components are Greek yogurt, garlic, herbs, and often cucumber for freshness and texture.

Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean magic shines through these Greek turkey meatballs with tzatziki sauce, blending lean protein and zesty herbs. Served with cool cucumber sauce, this dish brings Greek island flavors directly to your plate, inviting you to savor each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) ground turkey
• 1 egg, beaten

Herbs and Cheese:

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill

Binding and Seasoning:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Olive oil, for cooking

Tzatziki Ingredients:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 small cucumber, grated and excess moisture squeezed out
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft the zesty tzatziki by blending tangy Greek yogurt with freshly grated cucumber, minced garlic, fragrant dill, bright lemon juice, and a pinch of seasoning. Chill the mixture to intensify the flavors while preparing the meatballs.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, gently fold ground turkey with crisp breadcrumbs, nutty Parmesan, chopped parsley, aromatic garlic, earthy oregano, subtle onion powder, and a whisked egg until ingredients are just harmoniously combined.
3. Heat a skillet over medium flame with a delicate olive oil drizzle. Tenderly shape the turkey mixture into uniform spheres, approximately 1-2 inches in diameter.
4. Carefully place meatballs into the heated skillet, allowing them to sizzle and transform. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side, rotating until a golden-brown exterior develops and interior reaches complete doneness.
5. Transfer the succulent meatballs onto an elegant serving platter, accompanied by a generous bowl of chilled tzatziki for dipping. Complement the dish with warm pita bread or a crisp, refreshing salad for a Mediterranean-inspired feast.

Notes

• Drain grated cucumber thoroughly to prevent watery tzatziki, pressing out excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth for a thick, creamy sauce.
• Choose lean ground turkey with 93% lean or higher to keep meatballs moist without excess grease, ensuring a healthier protein option.
• Chill meatball mixture for 15-20 minutes before forming helps them hold shape better and prevents falling apart during cooking, creating firmer texture.
• Experiment with alternative protein options like ground chicken or plant-based alternatives for dietary restrictions, maintaining similar seasoning profile for consistent flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg