Greek-Style Turkey Meatballs with Creamy Tzatziki

If you’re looking for a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make dish, Greek-style turkey meatballs with creamy tzatziki sauce should be at the top of your list. This Mediterranean-inspired dish is packed with fresh herbs, lean protein, and vibrant spices, making it a nutritious yet indulgent meal. Whether you’re serving them as a main dish, an appetizer, or stuffing them in a pita for a delicious sandwich, these meatballs are sure to impress.

In this blog post, we’ll walk through how to make perfectly juicy Greek-style turkey meatballs, craft a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce, and explore different ways to serve this delightful dish. Let’s dive into the details!

Why Choose Turkey Meatballs?

While traditional Greek meatballs (keftedes) are often made with lamb or beef, turkey provides a leaner alternative without sacrificing flavor. Turkey is high in protein, low in fat, and absorbs seasonings beautifully. By adding Greek-inspired ingredients like oregano, garlic, feta cheese, and fresh parsley, we enhance the natural flavors and create a dish that is both wholesome and delicious.

Ingredients

For the Turkey Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground turkey (preferably 93% lean)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or whole wheat for extra texture)
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
• Juice of ½ lemon (optional for extra zest)

For the Creamy Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat for richness)
• ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess moisture
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Meatballs

1. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, feta cheese, egg, minced garlic, diced onion, fresh parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper. If using lemon juice, add it at this stage.
3. Form Meatballs: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake: Lightly brush or spray the meatballs with olive oil. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and are golden brown.
5. Optional Searing: For a crispier exterior, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat and briefly sear the meatballs for 2-3 minutes after baking.

Making the Tzatziki Sauce

1. Prepare Cucumber: Grate the cucumber and use a cheesecloth or paper towel to squeeze out excess water. This prevents the sauce from becoming watery.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
3. Chill & Serve: Refrigerate for at least 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it sits, the better it tastes!

How to Serve Greek Turkey Meatballs

There are countless ways to enjoy these juicy, herby meatballs. Here are some serving ideas:

• Classic Appetizer: Serve the meatballs with toothpicks and a bowl of tzatziki for dipping.
• Mediterranean Bowl: Pair with quinoa or rice, roasted veggies, olives, and feta for a balanced meal.
• Pita Wraps: Stuff into warm pita bread with lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and a generous drizzle of tzatziki.
• Pasta Night: Toss the meatballs with whole wheat pasta and a light garlic-infused olive oil sauce.
• Salad Topper: Serve on top of a Greek salad with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives.

Tips for Perfect Turkey Meatballs

• Don’t Overmix: Overworking the meat mixture can make the meatballs dense and dry. Gently mix until just combined.
• Use a Light Touch: When forming the meatballs, keep your hands slightly damp and avoid packing them too tightly.
• Add Moisture: Ingredients like feta cheese, eggs, and onions help keep the meatballs juicy.
• Test a Small Portion: Before shaping all the meatballs, cook a small piece of the mixture to taste for seasoning adjustments.
• Chill the Mixture: If you have time, chilling the meatball mixture for 15-30 minutes before shaping helps them hold together better during cooking.

Health Benefits of This Dish

Greek-style turkey meatballs with tzatziki offer a balanced combination of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins:

• Lean Protein: Turkey provides high-quality protein while keeping fat content low.
• Probiotics: Greek yogurt in tzatziki promotes gut health with beneficial probiotics.
• Antioxidants: Herbs like parsley and oregano contain powerful antioxidants that support overall health.
• Good Fats: Olive oil and feta cheese provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

Storing and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Tzatziki lasts 3-4 days when refrigerated.
• Freezing: Cooked meatballs can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.
• Reheating: Warm meatballs in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Greek-style turkey meatballs with creamy tzatziki sauce bring the flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your kitchen. This dish is easy to prepare, healthy, and incredibly versatile, making it perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or entertaining guests. By using simple yet fresh ingredients, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your home.

Give this recipe a try, and let us know how you like to serve your Greek turkey meatballs! Happy cooking!