Bring the bright, bold flavors of the Mediterranean to your table with these juicy Greek Turkey Meatballs served with homemade tzatziki sauce! Made with lean ground turkey, aromatic herbs, and warm spices, these meatballs are light, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Paired with a cool and creamy cucumber yogurt sauce, this dish is perfect for meal prep, healthy weeknight dinners, or serving a crowd.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🌿 Full of Greek flavor – Garlic, oregano, parsley, and cumin create authentic Mediterranean taste.
- 🍽️ Versatile – Serve over rice, in pita wraps, or as part of a mezze platter.
- 🥗 Healthy and protein-packed – Great for a balanced meal.
- 🕒 Easy to make – Choose from baking, pan-frying, or air-frying methods.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Turkey Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground turkey (lean)
- ⅓ cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
- 1 large egg
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Olive oil, for pan-frying (optional)
For the Homemade Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat or low-fat)
- ½ cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, mix the turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Use clean hands or a spoon to combine until just mixed—don’t overwork the mixture.
2. Shape the Meatballs
Form the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch balls. You should get about 16–20 meatballs.
3. Cook the Meatballs (Choose Your Method)
- Oven: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes on a lined baking sheet.
- Pan-fry: Sauté in a skillet with olive oil over medium heat for about 4–5 minutes per side.
- Air Fryer: Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway.
Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
How to Make Tzatziki Sauce
- Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture with a paper towel or cheesecloth.
- In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill, and olive oil.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Serving Suggestions
- 🥙 Wrap it up in warm pita with veggies and tzatziki.
- 🍚 Serve over rice or quinoa for a hearty meal.
- 🥗 Add to a salad with cucumbers, olives, tomatoes, and feta.
- 🧊 Meal prep for the week—store meatballs and tzatziki separately in the fridge.
Tips and Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use GF breadcrumbs or almond flour.
- Dairy-Free: Sub Greek yogurt with a plant-based version like coconut yogurt.
- Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
- Make Ahead: Freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months.
Storage and Reheating
- Fridge: Store meatballs and tzatziki separately for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze meatballs in a sealed container or bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm meatballs in the oven or skillet. Tzatziki is best served cold.
FAQs
Can I use another meat?
Yes! Ground chicken, beef, or lamb all work well.
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Absolutely—just thaw and reheat before serving.
What’s a good dairy-free option for tzatziki?
Use unsweetened coconut or almond-based yogurt.
Final Thoughts
These Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki are the perfect combination of fresh, flavorful, and satisfying. They’re easy to prepare, adaptable to your dietary needs, and make a deliciously healthy dinner the whole family will enjoy.