Easy Greek Turkey Meatballs
Tender Greek-inspired turkey meatballs made with herbs, garlic, and breadcrumbs, served with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce. A flavorful, protein-rich dish perfect for weeknight meals or Mediterranean-style platters.
4 Servings
Ingredients
For the Greek Turkey Meatballs
- 1 lb 450g ground turkey, preferably lean
- ⅓ cup breadcrumbs regular or gluten-free
- 1 large egg
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil for cooking if pan-frying
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt full-fat or low-fat
- ½ cucumber grated and drained
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Avoid over-mixing to maintain a tender texture.
- Form the mixture into meatballs approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This will yield 16–20 meatballs depending on size.
Cook the Meatballs
Oven-Baked Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and lightly golden.
Pan-Fried Method
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly coat the surface with olive oil.
- Cook the meatballs in batches for 4–5 minutes per side, or until they are browned and thoroughly cooked.
Air Fryer Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
- Place the meatballs in the basket and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through.
Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
- Grate the cucumber and remove any excess moisture using a paper towel or cheesecloth.
- In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill, and olive oil.
- Mix until smooth and season with salt and pepper to taste. For the best results, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Serve
- Arrange the cooked meatballs on a serving platter.
- Serve with a generous portion of tzatziki sauce on the side.
- Complement with pita bread, rice, salads, or roasted vegetables as desired.
Notes
To prepare this dish gluten-free:
- Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs for standard breadcrumbs in the meatball mixture.
- Ensure the Greek yogurt and all dried herbs and spices are certified gluten-free.
- Serve with gluten-free sides such as rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or gluten-free pita.