Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce
These Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce are a delicious, healthy twist on traditional meatballs. Packed with Mediterranean flavors like garlic, oregano, and feta cheese, these tender turkey meatballs are paired with a creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a low-carb meal, appetizer, or served with pita and vegetables!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20-24 meatballs
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- For the meatballs:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
- For the tzatziki sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
- 1/2 cucumber, finely grated and excess water squeezed out
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the tzatziki sauce: Start by making the tzatziki sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well-combined. Set aside in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the meatballs.
Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, feta cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well incorporated but be careful not to overmix.
Form the meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs. You should get about 20-24 meatballs, depending on the size.
Cook the meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the meatballs for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Serve: Arrange the cooked meatballs on a platter and serve with the chilled tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with additional fresh dill, if desired. These meatballs can be served as an appetizer or paired with pita bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- If you prefer baking the meatballs instead of frying them, you can bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- For extra flavor, you can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the meatballs before serving.
- The tzatziki sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
