Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki

I still remember the first time I whisked together ground turkey, crumbled feta, and fragrant herbs for these Greek turkey meatballs with tzatziki. I was chasing that perfect balance of Mediterranean flavors—juicy turkey mingling with salty, tangy cheese, and bright parsley notes dancing on my palate. My kitchen smelled like a little slice of a sun-drenched Greek taverna, and each bite felt like a mini vacation. These savory Greek-inspired turkey meatballs, served with a refreshing tzatziki sauce, quickly became a staple in my weeknight rotation and an instant crowd-pleaser at dinner parties.

The real magic happens when you pair these meatballs with the creamy, cooling tzatziki—there’s a satisfying contrast between warm, golden-brown morsels and the crisp bite of cucumber-infused yogurt. Over the years, I’ve experimented by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick or swapping parsley for mint to inject a fresh twist. This recipe is beginner-friendly and requires just 15 minutes of prep time, making it ideal for a healthy dinner or a fuss-free appetizer. Whether you’re hosting friends or whipping up a quick family meal, these turkey meatballs embody the best of Mediterranean flavors and wholesome ingredients. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps so you can bring a taste of Greece straight to your table!

KEY INGREDIENTS IN GREEK TURKEY MEATBALLS WITH TZATZIKI

Before we roll up our sleeves, let’s gather everything we need. These ingredients combine pantry staples with a few fresh items to create juicy turkey meatballs and a tangy tzatziki dip that bursts with Mediterranean flair.

• Ground turkey: Provides a lean, protein-packed base that stays moist when mixed with breadcrumbs and egg.
• Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs and absorb juices, resulting in a tender, cohesive texture.
• Feta cheese: Adds a creamy, salty punch that complements the mild turkey perfectly.
• Fresh parsley: Brings a bright, herbaceous note that lifts every bite.
• Onion: Finely chopped for natural sweetness and savory depth.
• Garlic: Mincing two cloves infuses the mixture with classic Mediterranean warmth.
• Olive oil: Coats the meatball mixture, ensuring richness and preventing dryness.
• Dried oregano: Delivers earthy, slightly peppery tones reminiscent of Greek islands.
• Egg: Binds all ingredients together and helps meatballs hold their shape.
• Salt and pepper: Season each component to perfection.
• Greek yogurt: Forms the creamy foundation of the tzatziki sauce with tangy richness.
• Cucumber: Grated and drained, it contributes a cool, refreshing crunch.
• Lemon juice: Brightens the sauce with citrusy acidity.
• Fresh dill: Chopped to add a fragrant, mildly sweet herb flavor.
• Salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors in the tzatziki.

HOW TO MAKE GREEK TURKEY MEATBALLS WITH TZATZIKI

Ready to transform these ingredients into golden bites of goodness? Follow these steps for foolproof results every time.

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even heat distribution and prevents sticking.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, crumbled feta, chopped parsley, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, and egg. Season generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

3. Mix thoroughly using clean hands or a spatula until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Checking for uniform color and consistency helps the meatballs stay tender and juicy.

4. Form the mixture into small, 1-inch-diameter meatballs, gently rolling each between your palms. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow hot air to circulate.

5. Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through and develop a light golden-brown exterior. A quick internal temperature check (165°F) guarantees they’re safely done.

6. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, fresh lemon juice, chopped dill, and minced garlic. Stir well and season with salt to taste—adjust the tanginess and garlic level to your preference.

7. Serve the warm meatballs alongside the tzatziki sauce for dipping. Arrange on a platter with extra parsley sprigs and lemon wedges, inviting everyone to enjoy these juicy, herb-infused bites.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR GREEK TURKEY MEATBALLS WITH TZATZIKI

Elevating these meatballs from everyday dinner to a show-stopping dish is all about presentation and accompaniments. Whether you’re serving a casual family meal or impressing guests at a gathering, these ideas will help you showcase every juicy bite alongside that creamy tzatziki dip.

• Arrange on a pita platter: Warm pita triangles on the side, letting guests assemble their own meatball wraps with a dollop of tzatziki, fresh lettuce, and tomato slices.
• Style as a party appetizer: Skewer two or three meatballs on decorative toothpicks, pairing them with a mini ramekin of tzatziki for an elegant finger-food spread.
• Pair with a Greek salad: Offer crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, red onions, Kalamata olives, and more feta for a refreshing contrast that complements the meatballs’ savory depth.
• Build a meatball wrap: Spread tzatziki on a flatbread, layer in sliced meatballs, fresh greens, thinly sliced bell peppers, and roll tight for a portable, flavor-packed lunch.

HOW TO STORE GREEK TURKEY MEATBALLS WITH TZATZIKI

Storing your leftovers properly ensures you can enjoy these Greek turkey meatballs with perfect flavor and texture days later. With a few simple steps, you’ll maintain the freshness of both meatballs and tzatziki while making future meals a breeze.

For best results, store meatballs and sauce separately in airtight containers. This prevents moisture from the sauce from softening the crispy exterior of the meatballs. Keep everything in the refrigerator for up to three days.

• Refrigerating: Place cooled meatballs in a single layer in an airtight container. Store the tzatziki in a separate container, stirring before serving to recombine any separated liquids.
• Freezing: Flash-freeze meatballs on a parchment-lined tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Label with the date and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Gently warm meatballs in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Microwave tzatziki on low power if needed, but aim to keep it cool and creamy.
• Meal Prep: Assemble individual portions in meal-prep containers with a scoop of meatballs, a side of tzatziki, and a fresh Greek salad. Store lids tightly and refrigerate for grab-and-go lunches.

CONCLUSION

Thank you for joining me on this flavorful journey through Greek-inspired turkey meatballs and creamy tzatziki! We’ve covered everything from the tender, herb-infused meatball mixture to the bright, cooling yogurt sauce that brings it all together. This recipe is perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned home chefs looking to infuse a bit of Mediterranean sunshine into their weeknight dinners or entertaining spread. Feel free to print this article and save it for later reference—every detail you need is right here, from ingredient notes to storage tips.

In addition to the step-by-step guide, you’ll find a FAQ below to address any lingering questions about ingredient swaps, cooking times, or flavor variations. I hope these juicy meatballs become a go-to in your kitchen, just as they have in mine. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment, share your adaptations, or ask for guidance if you run into any questions. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with delicious Mediterranean goodness!

Print Recipe

Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki

Author: Martha Williams Courses: Appetizer

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 20 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 40 mins

Calories: 350

Description

These Greek turkey meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and enhanced with feta and herbs. Paired with creamy tzatziki, they make for a delectable dish that everyone will love!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground turkey

• ¹⁄₂ cup breadcrumbs

• ¹⁄₄ cup feta cheese, crumbled

• ¹⁄₄ cup fresh parsley, chopped

• ¹⁄₄ cup onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 egg

• Salt and pepper to taste

• For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt

• ¹⁄₂ cucumber, grated and drained

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, feta cheese, parsley, onion, garlic, olive oil, oregano, and egg. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4. Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown.
6. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, dill, and garlic. Mix well and season with salt to taste.
7. Serve the meatballs warm with the tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping.

Note

• These meatballs are perfect for a healthy meal or an appetizer at a gathering.
• Try serving them with pita bread or a fresh Greek salad for a full meal.
• The tzatziki sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.

Keywords: turkey meatballs, tzatziki, Greek recipe, healthy dinner, easy appetizer, Mediterranean flavors