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Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki

Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki

Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki offer a healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-make Mediterranean-inspired dinner. Lean ground turkey meatballs are infused with fresh herbs and lemon, paired with a cool and creamy homemade tzatziki sauce made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, and herbs. This versatile dish is perfect as a main meal, appetizer, or served in pita bread, delivering fresh, satisfying flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 pound lean ground turkey
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • ½ medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

Tzatziki Sauce

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt (or dairy-free alternative)
  • ½ medium cucumber, finely grated and drained
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped fresh dill and parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture for tender meatballs.
  2. Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter using your hands or a small scoop. Place them on a baking sheet or plate to keep ready for cooking.
  3. Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning carefully until all sides are browned and meatballs are cooked through.
  4. Make the Tzatziki Sauce: While the meatballs cook, grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture with a kitchen towel or cheesecloth. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Plate the warm meatballs alongside a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. Garnish with extra fresh herbs or a lemon wedge if desired. Serve with pita, salad, or your choice of sides.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
  • Drain the grated cucumber well to prevent watery tzatziki.
  • Make uniform size meatballs for even cooking and presentation.
  • Use fresh herbs like dill and parsley for authentic flavor.
  • Allow meatballs to rest a few minutes after cooking to lock in juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: greek turkey meatballs, tzatziki, mediterranean recipe, healthy meatballs, easy dinner, gluten-free meatballs