Description
These Greek Turkey Meatballs are a flavorful and healthy twist on the classic recipe, combining lean ground turkey with fresh herbs and spices. Served with a creamy, tangy homemade tzatziki sauce, they make a perfect appetizer or main course that is both delicious and easy to prepare in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean, 7% fat)
- 1/2 cup grated onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup grated cucumber, squeezed dry
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped dill, dried oregano, breadcrumbs, egg, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
- Shape Meatballs: Form the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Cook Meatballs (Pan-Fry): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning frequently to brown all sides evenly. This should take about 10-12 minutes total until cooked through.
- Alternatively, Bake Meatballs: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Prepare Tzatziki Sauce: In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated and well-drained cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well and chill the sauce before serving to enhance the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the warm meatballs with the chilled tzatziki sauce. They pair wonderfully with pita bread, a fresh salad, or rice.
Notes
- The breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs but can be substituted with gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
- Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the cucumber to prevent a watery tzatziki sauce.
- The meatballs can be cooked either by pan-frying or baking based on your preference.
- These meatballs can be made ahead and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
- For a lower-fat option, use lean ground turkey breast (99% lean).
