Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe
These Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki are a flavorful, healthy take on a traditional Mediterranean dish. Made with lean ground turkey and fresh herbs, they are pan-cooked to juicy perfection and served with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a quick family dinner or meal prep, these meatballs provide a satisfying combination of protein and vibrant Greek flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 14 meatballs (serves 14)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground turkey (93/7 lean)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 large red onion, grated or finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or almond flour
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 1/2 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey with the minced garlic. Grate or finely chop the 1/4 red onion and add it to the mixture. Incorporate the egg, breadcrumbs (or almond flour), chopped fresh dill, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently with your hands until just combined to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 14 evenly sized meatballs to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Cook Meatballs: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs, cooking them for 7 to 8 minutes. Turn frequently to brown all sides evenly and cook through. The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare Tzatziki Sauce: While the meatballs cook, prepare the tzatziki by combining Greek yogurt, grated and well-drained cucumber, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix until smooth and refrigerate until serving.
- Serve: Serve the warm Greek turkey meatballs topped or accompanied by the chilled tzatziki sauce. They pair wonderfully with rice or a fresh salad for a complete Mediterranean meal.
Notes
- For a low-carb option, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour.
- Ensure the grated cucumber for tzatziki is well drained to avoid a watery sauce.
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible for the best flavor.
- Cook meatballs evenly by turning frequently during cooking.
- Check internal temperature using a meat thermometer for food safety.