Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki (Print Version)
Greek turkey meatballs seasoned with herbs and served with creamy tzatziki. High-protein, flavorful, and ready in under 40 minutes.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Greek
Dietary: Diabetic-Friendly
# Ingredients:
→ Herbed Turkey Meatball Base
01 -
1 lb ground turkey (93% lean)
02 -
1/3 cup breadcrumbs
03 -
1 large egg
04 -
1/4 cup red onion, finely grated
05 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
→ Mediterranean Spice Blend
06 -
1 tsp dried oregano
07 -
1/2 tsp ground cumin
08 -
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
09 -
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
10 -
1/2 tsp salt
11 -
1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Creamy Tzatziki Sauce
12 -
1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat)
13 -
1/2 cup cucumber, finely grated and squeezed dry
14 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
15 -
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
16 -
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
→ Bright Finishing Touches
17 -
2 tbsp olive oil (for pan-frying)
18 -
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
19 -
Fresh parsley, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Start by preparing the tzatziki so flavors can develop. Combine 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup finely grated and squeezed-dry cucumber, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tbsp fresh dill, and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Stir well, cover, and refrigerate until serving.
02 -
In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground turkey, 1/3 cup breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup finely grated red onion, and 3 cloves minced garlic. Mix gently with your hands until just combined — overmixing will make your Flavorful Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki tough and dense.
03 -
Add the Mediterranean Spice Blend directly to the meat mixture: 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Fold everything together evenly so every bite of your Flavorful Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki is perfectly seasoned.
04 -
Using slightly damp hands, roll the turkey mixture into evenly sized balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get approximately 16–18 meatballs. Place them on a parchment-lined plate or tray. Uniform sizing ensures even cooking throughout the entire batch.
05 -
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches if needed, add the meatballs in a single layer. Cook for 8–10 minutes, turning every 2–3 minutes, until all sides are deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
06 -
For the best Flavorful Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki, transfer the cooked meatballs to a clean plate and let them rest for 3–5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping every meatball moist and tender when you cut into them.
07 -
Arrange the meatballs on a serving platter and spoon the chilled tzatziki sauce generously alongside or over the top. Finish your Flavorful Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki by scattering 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese and a handful of fresh parsley over everything for a vibrant, restaurant-worthy presentation.
# Notes:
01 -
💡 Cooking Tip: Grating the red onion instead of chopping it releases more moisture and flavor, helping the meatballs bind better and stay incredibly juicy during pan-frying.
02 -
🥒 Tzatziki Tip: Squeezing the grated cucumber completely dry is the most important step for a thick, creamy tzatziki — wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and wring out as much liquid as possible.
03 -
🔄 Substitution Tip: No ground turkey on hand? Ground chicken or a lean ground lamb blend works beautifully and keeps the authentic Mediterranean character of this dish intact.
04 -
🗄️ Storage Tip: Store leftover meatballs and tzatziki separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat meatballs in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes to maintain their texture without drying out.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
large mixing bowl
02 -
box grater
03 -
baking sheet or large skillet
04 -
measuring cups and spoons
05 -
fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
06 -
spatula
07 -
oven or stovetop
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 370 kcal
Total Fat: 20 g
Total Carbohydrate: 14 g
Protein: 34 g