Name: Irresistible Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki : Healthy & Zesty
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1/2 cup cucumber, finely diced (or grated and squeezed); 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped; 1/4 tsp salt

Looking for a flavorful, protein-packed, and healthy dinner that the whole family will love? These Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki are bursting with Mediterranean herbs, tender lean turkey, and a creamy, refreshing tzatziki sauce that brings everything together. Whether you’re serving them over rice, tucked in a pita, or as part of a meal prep, this dish is an easy crowd-pleaser you’ll keep coming back to. It’s gluten-free, made with real ingredients, and ready in under 45 minutes!

What Are Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki?

Greek Turkey Meatballs, also known as keftedes, are a lighter take on traditional meatballs, using ground turkey instead of beef or lamb. They’re seasoned with bold Mediterranean flavors like garlic, onion, parsley, and oregano, giving them a savory punch without the heaviness.

The star pairing? Homemade tzatziki, a chilled yogurt-based cucumber sauce that’s creamy, tangy, and refreshing—perfect for dipping or drizzling over the meatballs. Together, they make a balanced, wholesome, and delicious meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Greek Turkey Meatballs

To make these juicy, flavorful meatballs, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 lb ground turkey
1/2 cup almond flour (or substitute breadcrumbs if preferred)
1 egg
1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tbsp olive oil, for baking sheet

Ingredients for Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

The tzatziki sauce comes together with just a few fresh ingredients:

1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup cucumber, finely diced (or grated and squeezed)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1/4 tsp salt

Step-by-Step Preparation for Greek Turkey Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly brush it with olive oil.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, almond flour, egg, onion, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly using clean hands or a spoon until just combined—don’t overmix to avoid dense meatballs.
Shape the mixture into small meatballs, roughly the size of a golf ball, and place them evenly on the baking sheet.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the meatballs are cooked through and slightly golden on the outside.
Let them cool slightly before serving with tzatziki.

How to Make Creamy Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

Prepare the cucumber: If using grated cucumber, place it in a paper towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out the excess moisture to avoid a watery sauce.
In a bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, and salt.
Stir well until smooth and creamy. Chill in the refrigerator while the meatballs bake to let the flavors meld.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make this recipe, here’s what you’ll need:

Mixing bowls (large and small)
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Knife and cutting board
Garlic press or grater (optional)
Measuring cups and spoons
Paper towel or cheesecloth (for squeezing cucumber)
Spoon or cookie scoop (for forming meatballs)

Expert Tips for Perfect Turkey Meatballs Every Time

Don’t overmix the meat mixture—this leads to dense, rubbery meatballs.
Use grated or very finely diced onion to prevent chunkiness.
For extra juiciness, you can add a tablespoon of milk or yogurt to the mixture.
Bake on a lightly oiled parchment sheet for easy cleanup and golden edges.
Chill the mixture for 10 minutes before rolling if it’s too sticky to handle.

Serving and Presentation Ideas for Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki

Make your dish pop with beautiful plating and fresh sides. Here are a few ideas:

Serve in warm pita bread with chopped lettuce, tomato, and red onion.
Pair with lemon rice or quinoa for a balanced meal.
Add to a Mediterranean bowl with hummus, olives, cucumbers, and roasted veggies.
Use mini skewers for a party appetizer platter with a side of tzatziki for dipping.

Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley and a drizzle of olive oil for a restaurant-worthy touch!

Storage Instructions: Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Store any leftover meatballs and tzatziki sauce in separate airtight containers:

Meatballs: Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Tzatziki: Best used within 3 days. Stir well before serving if it separates.

To reheat meatballs, simply warm them in a skillet, oven, or microwave until heated through.

Healthy Swaps & Variations for Greek Turkey Meatballs

Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free yogurt in the tzatziki.
Low-Carb/Keto: Stick with almond flour or swap for coconut flour.
Vegetable Boost: Add finely grated zucchini to the meatball mix (squeeze out moisture first).
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the meatballs for heat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Turkey Meatballs

Skipping the binder (almond flour or breadcrumbs) can lead to crumbly meatballs.
Not draining the cucumber for tzatziki results in a watery sauce.
Overbaking the meatballs dries them out—watch them closely near the end.
Using too lean turkey without fat can make them dry. Look for a mix that’s around 93% lean.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve with Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki

These meatballs are super versatile and can be served with:

Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta
Roasted lemon potatoes or sweet potato fries
Couscous or orzo pasta tossed with olive oil and herbs
Steamed green beans or grilled zucchini

Pair with a chilled glass of sparkling water and lemon for a refreshing touch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes! Ground chicken works well in this recipe—just make sure it’s not too lean to keep the meatballs juicy.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use almond flour or certified gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Can I air fry the meatballs?
Absolutely. Cook at 375°F for 12-14 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the mixture or bake the meatballs ahead. Store in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Final Thoughts + Call to Action

These Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki are everything you want in a wholesome, easy-to-make dinner—juicy, flavorful, healthy, and totally satisfying. Whether you’re meal prepping or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress.

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