Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe
These Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki are a flavorful and healthy Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring tender baked or pan-fried turkey meatballs seasoned with herbs and spices. Paired with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill, this recipe offers a perfect balance of protein and zest. Ideal as a main course served with pita bread, rice, or a fresh salad, it’s a quick and delicious meal ready in just 35 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (16-20 meatballs) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Greek
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Turkey Meatballs
- 1 lb (450g) ground turkey (preferably lean)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
- 1 large egg
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Olive oil for cooking (if pan-frying)
Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat or low-fat)
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, chopped parsley, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are well blended, being careful not to over-mix to prevent tough meatballs.
- Form the Meatballs: Using your hands, roll the mixture into small meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get approximately 16-20 meatballs from the mixture.
- Cook the Meatballs – Oven-Baked Option: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the meatballs evenly spaced on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes until they are fully cooked through and have a golden-brown exterior.
- Cook the Meatballs – Pan-Fried Option: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Cook the meatballs in batches, allowing 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cook the Meatballs – Air Fryer Option: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: Grate the cucumber and then drain it using a paper towel or cheesecloth to remove excess moisture. In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, and olive oil. Stir until well mixed.
- Season and Chill Sauce: Season the tzatziki with salt and pepper to taste. For best flavor, cover and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve: Plate the cooked turkey meatballs and serve with a generous dollop of the chilled tzatziki sauce. Accompany with pita bread, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For gluten-free options, use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatballs.
- Do not over-mix the meat mixture; it helps keep the meatballs tender.
- Draining the grated cucumber well prevents the tzatziki from becoming watery.
- Meatballs can be cooked using oven, skillet, or air fryer methods based on preference and available equipment.
- Leftover meatballs and tzatziki can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Greek turkey meatballs, tzatziki sauce, healthy meatballs, Mediterranean recipe, baked turkey meatballs, homemade tzatziki, Greek cuisine