Description
These Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki are a healthy and flavorful dish featuring lean turkey, fresh herbs, and a creamy yogurt sauce. Perfect for meal prep or a balanced dinner, this recipe captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine at your table.
Ingredients
- 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)
- For the 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. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix until all ingredients are well combined. Avoid over-mixing, as this can make the meatballs tough.
3. Using your hands, roll the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter). This should yield approximately 16-20 meatballs.
4. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden brown.
5. Alternatively, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Add meatballs in batches, cooking for 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Or, preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Place meatballs in the basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through.
7. Grate the cucumber and drain it using a paper towel or cheesecloth to remove excess moisture.
8. In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill, and olive oil.
9. Stir well, then season with salt and pepper to taste. For the best flavor, let the sauce chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
10. Serve the turkey meatballs with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce on the side.
11. Enjoy with pita bread, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Notes
For extra juicy meatballs, avoid overcooking and use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Tzatziki sauce can be made a day in advance to enhance the flavor.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated gently before serving.