Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki

why make this recipe

Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki are a flavorful and healthy choice for any meal. Turkey is a lean protein, making it a great option for those looking to eat healthier. The spices and herbs in these meatballs bring a burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with the cool, refreshing tzatziki sauce. This dish is simple to prepare and can be enjoyed by everyone, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

how to make Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki

Ingredients :

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 cucumber, grated and drained
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt to taste

Directions :

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  3. Form the mixture into small meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
  5. In a separate bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt to make the tzatziki sauce.
  6. Serve the meatballs warm with tzatziki sauce on the side.

how to serve Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki

Serve the Greek Turkey Meatballs warm on a plate. You can place the tzatziki sauce in a small bowl on the side for dipping. This dish goes well with pita bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables. It makes a great appetizer or a main dish for lunch and dinner.

how to store Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki

To store leftovers, keep the meatballs and tzatziki sauce in separate airtight containers. The meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tzatziki can also be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep the meatballs longer, you can freeze them. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.

tips to make Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki

  • Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, but dried herbs can also work in a pinch.
  • Make sure to drain the grated cucumber well to keep the tzatziki from becoming watery.
  • For a bit of spice, you can add red pepper flakes to the meatball mix.
  • If you want individual portions, you can use a mini muffin tin to shape the meatballs for even cooking.

variation

You can easily adapt this recipe by using ground chicken instead of turkey. You can also add chopped spinach or feta cheese to the meatball mixture for additional flavor. For a gluten-free option, swap out breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.

FAQs

Can I use frozen turkey for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen ground turkey. Just make sure to thaw it completely before mixing in the other ingredients.

Can I bake these meatballs instead of grilling them?
Absolutely! Baking them at 400°F is a great way to cook them. Just follow the baking directions as mentioned.

How can I make the tzatziki sauce spicier?
You can add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a bit of cayenne pepper to the tzatziki sauce for some heat. Adjust to your taste!

Greek Turkey Meatballs served with Tzatziki sauce on a plate

Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki

These Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki are flavorful and healthy, perfect for family dinners or gatherings, featuring lean turkey and delicious herbs coupled with a refreshing yogurt sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

For the meatballs
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For the tzatziki sauce
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 medium cucumber, grated and drained
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt to taste

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  3. Form the mixture into small meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
Cooking
  1. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
Prepare Tzatziki
  1. In a separate bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt to make the tzatziki sauce.
Serving
  1. Serve the meatballs warm with tzatziki sauce on the side.

Notes

Use fresh herbs for the best flavor. Drain grated cucumber well to avoid watery tzatziki. For added spice, include red pepper flakes in the meatball mix. You can use a mini muffin tin for shaping meatballs for even cooking.

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