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Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki

A healthy and delicious Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring flavorful turkey meatballs paired with creamy tzatziki sauce, perfect for dinner or as a snack.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Keyword: easy recipe, Greek Recipe, Healthy Dinner, Turkey Meatballs, Tzatziki
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 350kcal

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

  • 450 g ground turkey (preferably lean) Can substitute with ground chicken.
  • 40 g breadcrumbs Use regular or gluten-free.
  • 1 large egg Acts as a binder.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Enhances flavor.
  • 60 g finely chopped onion Adds moisture.
  • 15 g fresh parsley, chopped Can substitute with other fresh herbs.
  • 1 tsp dried oregano Classic Mediterranean herb.
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin Adds warmth to the flavor.
  • 1/2 tsp salt To taste.
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper To taste.
  • Olive oil For cooking if pan-frying.

For the Tzatziki Sauce

  • 240 g Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat or low-fat) Base of the sauce.
  • 1/2 cucumber grated and drained For texture and freshness.
  • 1 clove garlic, minced Adds aromatic flavor.
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed) For acidity.
  • 15 g fresh dill, chopped Can be replaced with other herbs.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for tzatziki) Enhances richness.
  • Salt and pepper To taste.

Instructions

Preparation

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended.
  • Roll the mixture into small meatballs, around 4-5 cm in diameter. You should get approximately 16-20 meatballs.

Cooking

  • Oven-Baked Option: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). 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 olive oil. Cook meatballs in batches for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
  • Air Fryer Option: Preheat your air fryer to 193°C (380°F). Cook the meatballs in the basket for 10-12 minutes, turning them halfway through.

Make the Tzatziki Sauce

  • Grate the cucumber and drain the excess moisture. In a bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, dill, and olive oil. Stir well and season with salt and pepper.
  • For the best flavor, let the sauce chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Serve

  • Serve your turkey meatballs with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. These meatballs are great on their own, but for a complete meal, enjoy them with pita bread, rice, or a fresh salad.

Notes

Make-ahead Option: You can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer. Spice it Up: Add chopped red chili or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat. Customizable Tzatziki: Experiment with other herbs like mint or basil for a different flavor profile.