Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatball mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Alternatively, you can cook the meatballs and refrigerate or freeze them for later use.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs are a suitable substitute. Use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon fresh dill, use 1 teaspoon dried.

Is it necessary to drain the cucumber for tzatziki?

Yes, draining is essential to prevent the sauce from becoming watery. Grate the cucumber and press out as much moisture as possible using a paper towel or cheesecloth.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground chicken or lean beef are great alternatives. Just make sure the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki

Name: Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground turkey (preferably lean); ⅓ cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free); 1 large egg; 3 garlic cloves, minced; ¼ cup finely chopped onion; ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp ground cumin; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; Olive oil for cooking (if pan-frying); 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat or low-fat); ½ 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

Description

Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki is a quick and healthy Mediterranean-inspired meal featuring lean ground turkey, fresh herbs, and creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. Perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners, this protein-packed dish is simple enough for beginners and full of bright, savory flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Greek Turkey Meatballs

1 lb (450g) ground turkey (preferably lean)
⅓ cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
1 large egg
3 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup finely chopped onion
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Olive oil for cooking (if pan-frying)

For the Tzatziki Sauce

1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat or low-fat)
½ 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

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Instructions

Make the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
Shape the Meatballs: Use your hands or a scoop to roll the mixture into small, uniform balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Consistent sizing ensures even cooking and a better texture.
Cook the Meatballs: To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet, and cook for 15–20 minutes or until golden and cooked through. To pan-fry, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs in batches, turning to brown all sides. For the air fryer, set it to 380°F (193°C) and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway.
Prepare the Tzatziki: Grate the cucumber and remove excess water using a paper towel or cheesecloth. In a bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Chill the sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
Serve: Plate the warm meatballs with a generous spoonful of chilled tzatziki. Serve with pita, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Notes

For gluten-free meatballs, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. To make this dairy-free, substitute the yogurt with a plant-based alternative like coconut yogurt. Add red pepper flakes to the meatball mix if you prefer a little heat. Don’t skip draining the cucumber—it keeps the tzatziki creamy instead of watery.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baked, Pan-Fried, or Air-Fried
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 450
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 40g
Cholesterol: 110mg