Take your taste buds on a journey to the Mediterranean with these Greek Turkey Meatballs paired with a refreshing and creamy tzatziki sauce. Packed with flavorful spices, feta cheese, and a hint of red onion, these tender meatballs are perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a protein-packed appetizer, a filling lunch, or part of a weeknight dinner, this dish is a guaranteed hit. The tzatziki sauce adds a tangy and refreshing touch that perfectly complements the savory meatballs.
Ingredients
For the Greek Meatballs:
- 1 lb. ground turkey
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 Persian cucumbers, grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Grate the Cucumbers : Using a box grater, grate the Persian cucumbers. Place the grated cucumbers in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel and squeeze out excess moisture.
- Mix the Sauce : In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumbers, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, fresh or dried dill, salt, and cracked black pepper. Stir until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Combine the Ingredients : In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, red onion, crumbled feta cheese, minced garlic, egg, dried oregano, dried dill, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with clean hands or a spatula until just combined.
- Form the Meatballs : Using a small scoop or your hands, roll the mixture into approximately 1-inch meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cook the Meatballs: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the meatballs for 18-20 minutes or until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).Heat a large skillet with a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the warm meatballs on a platter with a side of chilled tzatziki sauce for dipping. Garnish with fresh dill or lemon wedges if desired.
Conclusion
These Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce bring the bright, fresh flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. The combination of tender, herby meatballs and creamy cucumber-yogurt sauce is both satisfying and refreshing. Perfect for family dinners, entertaining guests, or meal prepping for the week, this versatile recipe is easy to make and bursting with authentic flavors. Serve them with pita bread, a Greek salad, or simply enjoy them on their own!
Greek Turkey Meatballs with Creamy Tzatziki Sauce
Ingredients
For the Greek Meatballs:
- 1 lb. ground turkey
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup red onion finely chopped
- ¼ cup feta cheese crumbled
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 Persian cucumbers grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Grate the Cucumbers : Using a box grater, grate the Persian cucumbers. Place the grated cucumbers in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel and squeeze out excess moisture.
- Mix the Sauce : In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumbers, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, fresh or dried dill, salt, and cracked black pepper. Stir until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Combine the Ingredients : In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, red onion, crumbled feta cheese, minced garlic, egg, dried oregano, dried dill, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with clean hands or a spatula until just combined.
- Form the Meatballs : Using a small scoop or your hands, roll the mixture into approximately 1-inch meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cook the Meatballs: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the meatballs for 18-20 minutes or until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Heat a large skillet with a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the warm meatballs on a platter with a side of chilled tzatziki sauce for dipping. Garnish with fresh dill or lemon wedges if desired.