Description
These Greek turkey meatballs are a delicious and flavorful twist on a classic dish. Served with lemon orzo and a creamy feta yogurt sauce, this recipe is sure to impress your dinner guests.
Ingredients
Units
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Feta Yogurt Sauce:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup feta crumbles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Freshly ground salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1–3 teaspoons water
Meatballs:
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Veggies:
- 1 red bell pepper, julienned
- 1 orange bell pepper, julienned
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Freshly ground salt and pepper
Lemon Orzo:
- 1 1/3 cup orzo pasta
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
- 1–2 tablespoons butter
- Freshly ground salt and pepper
- Optional: 1/2 cup pitted and sliced kalamata olives
To Garnish:
- Fresh torn mint and parsley
For Serving:
- Optional: Pita bread
Instructions
- Make the feta yogurt sauce: Blend yogurt, feta, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and garlic powder until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Thin with water if needed.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the meatballs: Combine turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Form into meatballs and set aside.
- Prepare the veggies: Toss peppers and onions with oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on the baking sheet and nestle the meatballs among them. Bake for 17-23 minutes.
- Cook the orzo: Cook orzo according to package instructions. Drain and return to pot. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, butter, salt, pepper, and olives.
- To serve: Plate orzo, top with meatballs and veggies, drizzle with feta yogurt sauce, and garnish with mint and parsley. Serve with pita bread if desired.
Notes
- This recipe pairs well with tzatziki sauce.
- Coconut flour can be used as a gluten-free alternative to breadcrumbs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 565 cal
- Sugar: 6.2g
- Fat: 19.5g
- Saturated Fat: 7.2g
- Carbohydrates: 59.8g
- Fiber: 5.1g
- Protein: 39.5g