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Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe

Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe
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5.1 from 10 reviews

Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki is a flavorful and healthy Mediterranean-inspired recipe featuring lean ground turkey meatballs seasoned with herbs and spices, paired with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill. This dish can be oven-baked, pan-fried, or air-fried, making it versatile for any kitchen. Perfect as a main course served with pita bread, rice, or salad.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 lb (450g) ground turkey (preferably lean)
  • 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Olive oil for cooking (if pan-frying)

Tzatziki Sauce

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat or low-fat)
  • 1/2 cucumber (grated and drained)
  • 1 garlic clove (minced)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, chopped parsley, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything gently until all ingredients are well combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the meatballs tender.
  2. Shape the Meatballs: Using clean hands, roll the mixture into small meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get approximately 16 to 20 meatballs from this mixture.
  3. Cook the Meatballs (Choose Your Method): For oven baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place meatballs on a lined baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through and golden brown. For pan-frying, heat a skillet over medium heat, add a small amount of olive oil, and cook meatballs in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. For air frying, preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C), place meatballs in the basket, and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through cooking.
  4. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: Grate the cucumber and remove excess moisture by dabbing with paper towels or using cheesecloth. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill, and olive oil. Stir well to blend all flavors together. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For best results, refrigerate the tzatziki sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. Serve: Plate the turkey meatballs with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce on the side. This dish pairs wonderfully with warm pita bread, steamed rice, or a fresh green salad for a satisfying Mediterranean meal.

Notes

  • You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Do not over-mix the meat mixture to avoid tough meatballs.
  • Letting the tzatziki sauce chill improves its flavor and texture.
  • Use fresh herbs for the best taste.
  • Adjust the seasoning as per your preference.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat meatballs gently to avoid drying them out.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek turkey meatballs, tzatziki sauce, Mediterranean recipe, healthy meatballs, easy dinner, lean turkey recipe, Greek yogurt sauce

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/greek-turkey-meatballs-with-tzatziki-recipe/