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