Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki: A Flavor-Packed Mediterranean Delight

There’s something truly special about Mediterranean flavors—bright, herbaceous, and deeply satisfying. Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki offer the perfect harmony of healthy comfort food and vibrant culinary tradition. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, a light summer lunch, or prepping meals for the week, this recipe fits the bill effortlessly.

Inspired by classic Greek cuisine, this dish brings together lean ground turkey, fresh herbs, and tangy tzatziki sauce to create a mouthwatering experience. I first tried something similar during a trip to a coastal taverna in Santorini—sun shining, waves crashing, and a plate of herb-studded meatballs served with creamy tzatziki and warm pita. That memory sparked the creation of this home-kitchen version that captures the same Mediterranean magic.

Why You’ll Love These Greek Turkey Meatballs

These meatballs check all the boxes: healthy, flavorful, easy to make, and versatile. Here’s why they deserve a spot in your regular rotation:

• Lean and nutritious: Turkey is a great source of lean protein.

• Packed with herbs and spices: Oregano, garlic, and parsley bring traditional Greek flavor.

• Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch and enjoy throughout the week.

• Naturally gluten-free and low-carb: Ideal for a range of dietary needs.

• Pairs beautifully with Tzatziki: The creamy, garlicky yogurt sauce brings it all together.

Ingredients for Greek Turkey Meatballs

Before diving into the steps, let’s look at the core ingredients you’ll need.

For the Turkey Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean works best)

• 1 egg

• 1/4 cup finely diced red onion

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1/2 tsp ground cumin

• Zest of 1 lemon

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/4 cup almond flour (or breadcrumbs, if not gluten-free)

• 1 tbsp olive oil (for pan-frying or baking)

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt (preferably full-fat for creaminess)

• 1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess water

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)

• Juice of 1/2 lemon

• Salt to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Tzatziki First

Tzatziki is best when the flavors have a little time to meld. Start with this simple process:

1. Grate the cucumber using a box grater, then place it in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, and salt.

3. Stir well and refrigerate while you make the meatballs.

2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture

1. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, red onion, garlic, parsley, oregano, cumin, lemon zest, salt, pepper, almond flour, and egg.

2. Mix everything gently using your hands or a fork until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the meatballs tough.

3. Shape the Meatballs

1. Use a tablespoon or small scoop to portion out the meat.

2. Roll into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.

3. Place them on a parchment-lined tray as you go.

4. Cook the Meatballs

You have two great options here:

Pan-Frying (for a crispy exterior):

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

2. Add meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.

3. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).

Baking (for a hands-off method):

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Place meatballs on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.

3. Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until browned and cooked through.

Serving Suggestions

These Greek turkey meatballs are incredibly flexible. Here are a few inspired ways to enjoy them:

1. Classic Mezze Plate

Serve the meatballs with a dollop of tzatziki, warm pita bread, olives, cherry tomatoes, and sliced cucumbers. Add a sprinkle of crumbled feta and fresh herbs for a complete Mediterranean mezze spread.

2. Grain Bowl

Build a wholesome bowl with quinoa or brown rice as the base. Top with meatballs, tzatziki, diced cucumber, chopped tomatoes, red onion, and a drizzle of olive oil.

3. Pita Wraps

Tuck meatballs into a soft pita with lettuce, tomatoes, onion, and tzatziki. Wrap it up for a lunch option that’s both satisfying and portable.

4. Low-Carb Option

Serve over a bed of mixed greens or cauliflower rice for a light, keto-friendly meal.

Tips for Success

• Don’t skip the lemon zest: It brings brightness and depth that elevates the meatballs.

• Use full-fat Greek yogurt for tzatziki: It creates a creamier texture and richer taste.

• Make extra: These freeze beautifully. Store cooked meatballs in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

• Use a scoop for even sizing: It helps the meatballs cook uniformly.

How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerator: Store cooked meatballs and tzatziki separately in airtight containers. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze meatballs in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag once frozen. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To Reheat: Warm meatballs in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes, depending on quantity. Tzatziki should be served cold or at room temperature.

Health Benefits

Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki aren’t just delicious—they’re packed with nutrients too:

• High Protein: Turkey provides lean, muscle-building protein.

• Probiotics: Greek yogurt in the tzatziki supports gut health.

• Low in carbs: Ideal for those watching their carbohydrate intake.

• Rich in antioxidants: Thanks to fresh herbs, lemon, and garlic.

Flavor Variations

Want to mix it up? Try these twists:

• Spicy Mediterranean: Add 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the meatball mix.

• Cheesy Meatballs: Fold in 1/4 cup crumbled feta for a salty surprise.

• Herb swap: Use mint or basil in place of dill in the tzatziki for a different twist.

Make It a Meal: What to Serve Alongside

• Greek salad with kalamata olives and creamy feta

• Lemon roasted potatoes or Greek-style oven fries

• Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant

• Warm orzo with olive oil and herbs

These additions can turn a simple plate of meatballs into a full Mediterranean feast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes! Ground chicken works just as well. Just ensure it’s not too lean (use 93% if possible) to avoid dryness.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely—especially when you use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs and serve without pita.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can swap the tzatziki for a dairy-free version using coconut or almond-based yogurt, though the flavor and texture will vary slightly.

How do I keep turkey meatballs from being dry?

Using ingredients like grated onion, lemon zest, and olive oil helps retain moisture. Avoid overcooking and always mix gently.

Print