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Greek Turkey Meatballs & Tzatziki


  • Author: Luna
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 2024 meatballs 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Greek Turkey Meatballs:

  • 500g ground turkey (lean)
  • 1 small red onion, grated or finely minced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat preferred)
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint (optional but recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for pan frying or baking)

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat or low-fat)
  • ½ cucumber, grated and excess liquid squeezed out
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

  • Grate the cucumber using the large holes of a box grater.
  • Place grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, and cucumber.
  • Stir well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve to let the flavors blend.

2. Prepare the Turkey Meatball Mixture

  • In a large mixing bowl, add the ground turkey, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, mint (if using), oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
  • Mix everything thoroughly with clean hands or a fork until fully combined.
  • Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.

3. Shape the Meatballs

  • Use a small scoop or your hands to form uniform meatballs, about 1½ inches in diameter.
  • Place the shaped meatballs on a tray or plate lined with parchment paper.
  • If time allows, refrigerate them for 15–20 minutes to help them hold their shape during cooking.

4. Cook the Meatballs

  • Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
  • Cook for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
  • Alternatively, bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20–22 minutes, flipping halfway through.

5. Serve

  • Transfer the cooked meatballs to a serving plate and garnish with additional chopped herbs.
  • Serve with a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce on the side or drizzled over the top.
  • Pair with warm flatbread, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4–5 meatballs with a generous dollop of tzatziki
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 28g