Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce

Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce is a fresh and flavorful dish inspired by Mediterranean cuisine. These juicy, herb-packed turkey meatballs are oven-baked to perfection and served with a creamy, garlicky cucumber-yogurt sauce. It’s a wholesome, protein-rich meal that works well as an appetizer, main course, or meal prep option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy and Lean: Made with ground turkey and Greek yogurt, this dish is lighter than traditional meatball recipes but still packed with flavor.

• Bold Mediterranean Flavors: The combination of garlic, dill, oregano, and feta brings out authentic Greek-inspired tastes.

• Versatile Meal: Serve with rice, pita, salad, or roasted vegetables—great for lunch, dinner, or entertaining guests.

• Easy to Prepare: Both the meatballs and the tzatziki sauce are simple to make with everyday ingredients.

• Perfect for Meal Prep: They store well and reheat beautifully, making them ideal for make-ahead meals.

Ingredients

For the Turkey Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground turkey

• ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs

• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped

• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 egg

• 2 teaspoons dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried dill

• ½ teaspoon ground cumin

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

• 2 Persian cucumbers, grated and drained

• 1 tablespoon fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ½ teaspoon salt

• Fresh ground black pepper to taste

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Make the Tzatziki Sauce
   Grate the cucumbers and squeeze out as much moisture as possible using a clean cloth or paper towel.
   In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate while preparing the meatballs.

2. Prepare the Meatballs
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, red onion, feta cheese, garlic, egg, and seasonings. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
   Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them evenly spaced on the baking sheet.

3. Bake the Meatballs
   Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

4. Serve
   Serve the warm meatballs with the chilled tzatziki sauce on the side or drizzled on top. Garnish with fresh herbs or lemon wedges if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes about 14–16 meatballs

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add Fresh Herbs: Try mixing in fresh parsley or mint for added brightness.

• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for some heat.

• Low-Carb Option: Replace panko with almond flour to make the recipe keto-friendly.

• Dairy-Free: Omit the feta cheese and use a dairy-free yogurt alternative for the sauce.

• Pan-Fried Option: For a crispier exterior, pan-fry the meatballs in a bit of olive oil instead of baking.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover meatballs and tzatziki separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: Cooked meatballs can be frozen in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

• Reheating: Reheat meatballs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes or microwave until warmed through.

• Tzatziki Storage: Store tzatziki in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving.

FAQs

What is tzatziki sauce made of?

Tzatziki is a Greek yogurt-based sauce made with cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and dill. It’s cool, creamy, and flavorful.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, the meatballs can be made a day ahead and stored uncooked in the refrigerator or cooked and reheated before serving.

How do I keep the turkey meatballs moist?

Avoid overmixing the meat mixture and do not overbake. Adding feta cheese and egg helps retain moisture.

Can I use another type of ground meat?

Yes, ground chicken, lamb, or beef can be used as alternatives to turkey.

What can I serve with these meatballs?

Serve with rice, couscous, roasted vegetables, salad, or in pita bread for a sandwich-style meal.

How long does homemade tzatziki last?

Tzatziki stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it covered and stir before using.

Can I grill the meatballs instead of baking?

Yes, these meatballs can be grilled on a skewer or in a grill basket over medium heat for about 10–12 minutes.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the meatballs completely gluten-free.

Do I need to peel the cucumbers for tzatziki?

Peeling is optional. Leaving the peel on adds texture and nutrients, but you can peel them for a smoother sauce.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. This recipe scales well for meal prep or feeding a larger group.

Conclusion

Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce is a delicious and nutritious meal that’s easy to prepare and full of Mediterranean flair. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or prepping meals for the week, these tender, herbed meatballs with cooling tzatziki are sure to satisfy. Enjoy them with your favorite sides or tucked into warm pita for a delightful, healthy meal.