Description
These Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki are a delicious and healthy Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring lean ground turkey meatballs seasoned with herbs and spices, pan-fried to perfection, and served with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and fresh dill. A perfect balance of protein and flavor, this recipe is ideal for a family dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb (450g) ground turkey (preferably lean)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
- 1 large egg
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Olive oil for cooking (if pan-frying)
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat or low-fat)
- 1/2 cucumber (grated and drained)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, fresh parsley, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form the Meatballs: Using your hands, shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This should make around 16 meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the cooked meatballs and set aside.
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce: While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, fresh dill, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Plate the meatballs and serve alongside or topped with the tzatziki sauce. Garnish with extra dill or parsley if desired. These meatballs pair well with a side of rice, salad, or pita bread.
Notes
- These Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki are a healthy and flavorful dish featuring lean turkey, fresh herbs, and a creamy yogurt sauce.
- Perfect for meal prep or a balanced dinner, this recipe captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine at your table.
- You can substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free options to make the recipe gluten-free.
- For a lighter option, use low-fat Greek yogurt in the tzatziki sauce.
- Ensure to drain the cucumber well to prevent the sauce from becoming watery.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 4 meatballs and 1/4 cup tzatziki)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
