Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki
These Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki are a healthy and flavorful dish featuring lean turkey, fresh herbs, and a creamy yogurt sauce. Perfect for meal prep or a balanced dinner, this recipe captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine at your table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey preferably lean
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs regular or gluten-free
- 1 large egg
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup onion finely chopped
- 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)
- 1 cup Greek yogurt plain, full-fat or low-fat
- 1/2 cucumber grated cucumber drained
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until all ingredients are well combined. Avoid over-mixing, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Using your hands, roll the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter). This should yield approximately 16-20 meatballs.
- Oven-Baked Option: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden brown.
- Pan-Fried Option: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Add meatballs in batches, cooking for 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Air Fryer Option: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Place meatballs in the basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Grate the cucumber and drain it using a paper towel or cheesecloth to remove excess moisture.
- In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill, and olive oil.
- Stir well, then season with salt and pepper to taste. For the best flavor, let the sauce chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve the turkey meatballs with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce on the side.
- Enjoy with pita bread, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Notes
To keep meatballs tender, avoid over-mixing the ingredients. Let tzatziki chill before serving for best flavor. Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal doneness at 165°F (74°C). Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick if desired.