Name: Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 lb. ground turkey; ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs; ¼ cup red onion, chopped; ¼ cup feta cheese; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 egg; 2 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried dill; ½ tsp cumin; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 2 Persian cucumbers, grated; 1 Tbsp fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon of dried dill); 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 Tbsp lemon juice; 1 Tbsp olive oil; ½ tsp salt; Cracked black pepper, to taste

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If you’re looking for a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make dish, look no further than Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce. These tender, juicy meatballs are infused with Mediterranean-inspired herbs and spices, loaded with feta cheese, and paired with a creamy, refreshing tzatziki sauce.

Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love These Greek Turkey Meatballs

Healthy and Nutritious: Made with lean ground turkey, these meatballs are a lighter alternative to traditional beef or pork meatballs.
Easy to Make: With just 30 minutes from prep to plate, this recipe is perfect for busy evenings.
Packed with Flavor: The combination of feta cheese, garlic, oregano, and dill gives these meatballs an authentic Mediterranean taste.
Versatile: Serve them as a main course with a side salad or as an appetizer at your next gathering.

The Star Ingredients

For the Greek Turkey Meatballs:

Ground Turkey: The base of the meatballs, providing a lean and protein-packed option.
Feta Cheese: Adds a tangy, creamy flavor that pairs beautifully with the spices.
Herbs and Spices: Oregano, dill, cumin, garlic, salt, and pepper bring the Mediterranean flair to life.
Panko Breadcrumbs and Egg: Help bind the meatballs together while keeping them moist and tender.

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

Greek Yogurt: Creamy and rich, it forms the base of this classic sauce.
Cucumber: Adds a refreshing crunch and lightness.
Garlic and Dill: Infuse the sauce with bold, herby flavors.
Lemon Juice and Olive Oil: Brighten up the sauce with a zesty finish.

How to Make Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

The tzatziki sauce is incredibly simple to make but delivers big on flavor. Start by grating two Persian cucumbers and wringing out as much liquid as possible using paper towels or a cheesecloth. This step is crucial to prevent your sauce from becoming watery.

In a mixing bowl, combine the grated cucumber with plain Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh (or dried) dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and cracked black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the sauce while you prepare the meatballs to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 2: Make the Meatball Mixture

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray a baking dish with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, chopped red onion, crumbled feta cheese, minced garlic, an egg, dried oregano, dried dill, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together until just combined—be careful not to overmix as this can make the meatballs dense.

Step 3: Shape and Bake

Form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

For an extra layer of flavor, you can brown the meatballs in a sauté pan before baking them. If you choose this method, check for doneness around 13 minutes as they may cook faster.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the meatballs are done baking, serve them immediately with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce on the side. Garnish with lemon wedges for an added burst of freshness.

Tips for Success

Don’t Skip Squeezing the Cucumber: Removing excess water from the cucumber is key to achieving a thick and creamy tzatziki sauce.
Use Fresh Herbs When Possible: Fresh dill adds an extra layer of flavor to both the meatballs and tzatziki sauce. If using dried herbs, reduce the quantity slightly as they are more concentrated in flavor.
Double the Recipe: These meatballs freeze beautifully! Make a double batch and store extras in an airtight container for quick meals later on. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to eat.

Serving Suggestions

These Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce are incredibly versatile! Here are some ideas for serving them:

As an Appetizer: Arrange them on a platter with toothpicks for dipping into tzatziki sauce. Perfect for parties or game nights!
In Pita Wraps: Stuff warm pita bread with meatballs, tzatziki sauce, sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions for a delicious gyro-inspired meal.
Over Rice or Quinoa: Serve the meatballs over a bed of rice or quinoa for a hearty main course. Add a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
With a Salad: Pair with a crisp Greek salad loaded with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese for a light yet satisfying dish.

Why Homemade is Better

While store-bought tzatziki sauce can be convenient, making it at home allows you to control the ingredients and customize it to your taste. Plus, freshly made tzatziki has a vibrant flavor that’s hard to beat! The same goes for these turkey meatballs—homemade ensures you’re using fresh ingredients without any unnecessary additives or preservatives.

Final Thoughts

Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce are proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or complicated. With their bold Mediterranean flavors and simple preparation process, they’re bound to become a staple in your meal rotation. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this recipe is guaranteed to impress!

So grab your ingredients and get cooking—your taste buds will thank you!