Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce

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Juicy, herb-packed, and downright irresistible, these Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce are everything you want in a Mediterranean bite. Light enough for summer gatherings but hearty enough to be the star of your weeknight dinner, they offer the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and nutrition. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, tucked into a warm pita, or over a bed of rice, these meatballs come together fast and taste like a vacation on a plate.

The secret to their moist texture lies in combining lean ground turkey with grated onion, fresh herbs, and a kiss of lemon. Paired with a cool and creamy homemade tzatziki sauce, each bite is a refreshing reminder that healthy doesn’t have to mean boring. These are a go-to for meal prep, entertaining, or just when you want something quick, flavorful, and satisfying.

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What Kind of Ground Turkey Should I Use?

Opt for ground turkey that has a mix of white and dark meat if possible. Using only breast meat can result in drier meatballs. A blend ensures the meatballs are tender and flavorful without being greasy.

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Ingredients for the Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce

• Ground Turkey: Lean but not too lean. Look for 93% lean, 7% fat for the juiciest results.
• Grated Onion: Adds moisture and a subtle sweetness.
• Fresh Garlic: Essential for that unmistakable Mediterranean aroma.
• Fresh Parsley and Dill: Brings freshness and brightness to every bite.
• Dried Oregano: Classic Greek herb that deepens the flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps hold everything together and adds lightness.
• Egg: Binds the mixture perfectly.
• Lemon Zest: Adds a citrusy zing that lifts the flavor.
• Salt & Pepper: Because seasoning matters.

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• Greek Yogurt: Thick and creamy base that makes the sauce luscious.
• Grated Cucumber: Adds crunch and freshness.
• Garlic: Just a touch for bite.
• Fresh Dill: Key for that traditional tzatziki flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Brings brightness and tang.
• Olive Oil: Smooths out the texture.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste.

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How To Make the Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley and dill, oregano, breadcrumbs, egg, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined—don’t overmix or the meatballs may become tough.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, shape the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

You can either pan-fry or bake the meatballs.

• Pan-fry: Heat a bit of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning often, until browned on all sides and cooked through (about 10-12 minutes).
• Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden and fully cooked.

Step 4: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

While the meatballs cook, stir together Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeeze out excess water), minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the warm meatballs alongside a bowl of tzatziki. Garnish with fresh dill or a sprinkle of lemon zest. Serve with pita bread, rice, or a crisp cucumber salad.

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How to Serve and Store Greek Turkey Meatballs

These meatballs are as versatile as they are delicious. Serve them hot out of the skillet with warm pita, tucked into a Mediterranean bowl, or skewered with veggies as party bites. They also pair wonderfully with Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or herbed couscous.

Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The tzatziki sauce should also be refrigerated separately and used within 3-4 days.

Freezing: Meatballs freeze beautifully! Once cooked and cooled, freeze them on a tray before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes! Ground chicken works well, though it may be slightly leaner. Be sure to monitor cooking time closely to avoid dryness.

What if I don’t have fresh dill?

No problem. You can use dried dill in both the meatballs and tzatziki sauce, though the flavor will be slightly milder.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare and refrigerate the uncooked meatballs for up to 24 hours before cooking. Tzatziki can also be made a day in advance.

How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?

Make sure to use the egg and breadcrumbs as binders and mix gently. Overmixing can make them tough, while undermixing can cause them to fall apart.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

You can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I bake instead of fry?

Definitely. Baking is less hands-on and still gives you golden, juicy meatballs.

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Want More Mediterranean Ideas?

If these Greek Turkey Meatballs made your weeknight dinner a breeze, here are more flavorful dishes you’ll want to try next:

• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta for a rich, comforting main.
• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Linguine if you’re craving citrusy, savory bites.
• Mediterranean White Beans & Greens for a protein-packed vegetarian option.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli for a one-pot Mediterranean-style meal.
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes for a complete dinner that’s easy and satisfying.

Looking for more weekly inspiration? Visit my Pinterest board: Life with Nina Recipes where I share my favorite daily meals and kitchen experiments.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s easy to come back to when those Greek food cravings hit.

Tried this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Did you bake or pan-fry? Add your own twist to the tzatziki?

Drop a comment and let’s share ideas. Your version might just become someone else’s favorite.

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