These Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce are juicy, tender, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors. Made with lean ground turkey, creamy feta cheese, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices, they’re paired with a cool homemade tzatziki sauce for a fresh, satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or entertaining.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy and flavorful with classic Greek-inspired ingredients.
- Easy to prepare using simple pantry staples.
- High in protein and family-friendly.
- Homemade tzatziki adds a cool, creamy finish.
- Great for meal prep and healthy lunches.
- Delicious served with pita, rice, salads, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
For the Greek Turkey Meatballs
- 1 pound ground turkey
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large 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 fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Make the Tzatziki Sauce
- Wrap the grated cucumber in paper towels or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
- Add the cucumber to a medium bowl with the Greek yogurt, dill, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Cover and refrigerate while preparing the meatballs.
Make the Meatballs
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, feta, garlic, egg, oregano, dill, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce for 15–20 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For extra color, you may brown the meatballs in a skillet for 2–3 minutes before baking.
- Serve immediately with chilled tzatziki sauce and fresh lemon wedges.
Tips & Tricks
- Use freshly crumbled feta for the best texture and flavor.
- Remove as much moisture as possible from the cucumber to keep the tzatziki thick and creamy.
- Mix the turkey gently to keep the meatballs tender.
- Fresh herbs provide even brighter flavor if available.
- These meatballs are excellent for meal prep and freeze well.
Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: High-Protein
Notes
- Ground chicken works well as a substitute for turkey.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Serve with warm pita bread, cucumber salad, rice pilaf, roasted potatoes, or quinoa.
- Garnish with fresh dill, parsley, or extra crumbled feta.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 395
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 23g
FAQ
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes. Shape the meatballs up to one day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I freeze Greek turkey meatballs?
Absolutely. Freeze cooked or uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
How do I keep turkey meatballs from drying out?
Avoid overmixing the meat and cook just until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I cook these in an air fryer?
Yes. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 12–15 minutes, turning halfway through.
What should I serve with tzatziki meatballs?
They’re delicious with pita bread, Greek salad, rice, roasted vegetables, couscous, or quinoa.
Storage
Store leftover meatballs and tzatziki separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheat the meatballs in a 325°F oven, skillet, or microwave until heated through. Serve the tzatziki chilled.
Similar Recipes
Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce
Ingredients
For the Greek Turkey Meatballs
- 1 pound ground turkey
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 large 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 fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
Make the Tzatziki Sauce
- Wrap the grated cucumber in paper towels or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
- Add the cucumber to a medium bowl with the Greek yogurt, dill, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Cover and refrigerate while preparing the meatballs.
Make the Meatballs
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, feta, garlic, egg, oregano, dill, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce for 15–20 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For extra color, you may brown the meatballs in a skillet for 2–3 minutes before baking.
- Serve immediately with chilled tzatziki sauce and fresh lemon wedges.
Notes
- Ground chicken works well as a substitute for turkey.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Serve with warm pita bread, cucumber salad, rice pilaf, roasted potatoes, or quinoa.
- Garnish with fresh dill, parsley, or extra crumbled feta.
Conclusion
These Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce bring together juicy turkey, savory feta, fragrant herbs, and a refreshing homemade yogurt sauce for an easy Mediterranean-inspired meal. Whether you’re preparing dinner for the family or planning healthy lunches for the week, this recipe is flavorful, wholesome, and sure to become a favorite.