Name: Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup red onion, grated; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1/3 cup breadcrumbs; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional); 3/4 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%); 1/2 cup cucumber, grated and strained; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar or lemon juice; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste

Golden on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavor—these Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce are a delicious way to level up your weeknight dinner or impress guests at your next gathering. Made with lean ground turkey, fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon zest, these meatballs are both healthy and satisfying.

Pair them with a creamy, garlicky homemade tzatziki sauce and you’ve got yourself a refreshing, protein-packed dish that’s perfect for dipping, stacking in pitas, or serving over rice or salad. Whether you’re meal prepping, entertaining, or just craving something fresh and flavorful, this dish delivers every time.

Why You’ll Love This Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce

These meatballs are flavorful, moist, and packed with good-for-you ingredients like fresh herbs and lean turkey. The addition of tzatziki sauce adds a tangy, creamy element that makes every bite unforgettable. It’s low in carbs, high in protein, and ideal for lunch, dinner, or even as an appetizer. Plus, they reheat beautifully, making leftovers something to look forward to.

What Kind of Ground Turkey Should I Use?

For the juiciest meatballs, use ground turkey that’s not too lean—93% lean is ideal. Ultra-lean turkey (like 99%) can result in dry meatballs unless extra moisture is added through eggs, yogurt, or veggies. The 93% option provides enough fat to keep everything flavorful and tender without going overboard.

Ingredients for the Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a unique role in building both flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need to make these Greek-inspired meatballs:

Ground turkey (93% lean): The base of the meatballs. It keeps them moist and full of protein.
Garlic: Adds a bold Mediterranean punch to both the meatballs and the sauce.
Red onion: Finely grated for moisture and a touch of sweetness.
Fresh parsley and dill: Essential herbs that add brightness and depth.
Lemon zest: Provides a fresh citrus aroma that balances the richness of the meat.
Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the mixture together while adding structure.
Egg: Acts as the main binder to hold everything in shape.
Feta cheese (optional): Adds creamy, tangy pockets of flavor inside the meatballs.
Greek yogurt: The base of the tzatziki sauce—creamy, tangy, and protein-rich.
Cucumber: Grated and strained to mix into the tzatziki for freshness and texture.
Olive oil: Adds richness to the sauce and helps with cooking.
White wine vinegar or lemon juice: Provides acidity to brighten up the tzatziki.
Salt and pepper: To season everything just right.

How To Make the Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce

Follow these simple steps to bring this fresh, flavorful dish to life:

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, grated red onion, garlic, parsley, dill, lemon zest, breadcrumbs, egg, and crumbled feta (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork it, or the meatballs can become tough.

Step 2: Shape and Chill

Form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs using your hands or a cookie scoop. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes. This helps them firm up and hold their shape while cooking.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

Heat a bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the meatballs in batches, turning them to brown on all sides (about 6–8 minutes total). Transfer to a baking sheet and finish cooking in a 375°F oven for 10 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 4: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

While the meatballs bake, prepare the tzatziki. Mix the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeeze out excess water), garlic, dill, olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Let it chill in the fridge while you finish the meatballs.

Step 5: Serve

Arrange the cooked meatballs on a platter with fresh cucumber slices and a generous scoop of tzatziki. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh dill for extra flair.

How to Serve and Store Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce

This dish is perfect for both casual meals and elegant spreads. The recipe serves 4 to 5 people generously, making it ideal for a family dinner or a small gathering.

Serve the meatballs warm, either over a bed of rice, tucked into pita bread, or on top of a Mediterranean-style salad. For storage, let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.

The tzatziki sauce can be kept in the fridge in a sealed jar or container for up to 3 days. Stir before serving.

What to Serve With Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce

These meatballs pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some tasty ideas to round out your meal:

Hummus and Pita Bread

Creamy hummus and warm pita are a classic pairing that enhances the Mediterranean flavors of the meatballs.

Greek Salad

Crisp cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta with a light vinaigrette make a refreshing side.

Lemon Herb Rice

Bright and fluffy rice with lemon zest and chopped parsley adds a zesty contrast to the savory meatballs.

Roasted Veggies

Oven-roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant tossed in olive oil and herbs complement the dish perfectly.

Couscous or Quinoa

These quick-cooking grains are ideal for soaking up the tzatziki and meatball juices.

Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas)

A traditional side that brings another layer of Mediterranean flavor to your plate.

Tabouli Salad

Made with bulgur, parsley, mint, tomatoes, and lemon, tabouli adds a refreshing, tangy balance.

Garlic Roasted Potatoes

Crispy potatoes with garlic and rosemary are a hearty and comforting addition.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatball mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Just shape and refrigerate them on a tray until you’re ready to cook. They can also be frozen raw or cooked for meal prep.

2. What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Dried herbs can work in a pinch. Use about one-third the amount of dried dill or parsley as you would fresh. Just keep in mind that fresh herbs give the best flavor and visual appeal.

3. Can I use another type of meat?
Absolutely. Ground chicken, lamb, or beef can be substituted for turkey. Each brings a slightly different flavor profile, so feel free to experiment based on your taste preference.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatballs and double-check that your yogurt and vinegar are certified gluten-free.

5. How do I keep my meatballs from falling apart?
Make sure your mixture isn’t too wet and that you let the formed meatballs chill before cooking. The egg and breadcrumbs help bind everything together, so don’t skip them.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go with turkey or try another protein? Did you serve them with rice, salad, or stuffed them into a pita?

I love seeing your versions and tips—we’re all about making healthy meals fun and flavorful together.

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Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce

Author: Tanya Rivers
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 20 meatballs

Print Recipe

Description

Craving something light, healthy, and full of bold flavor? These Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce deliver just that! Juicy, protein-packed meatballs are made with lean turkey, fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon zest, then paired with a creamy cucumber-yogurt sauce for dipping. Perfect for meal prep, easy dinners, or even as a party appetizer. Great for anyone looking for quick dinner recipes, Mediterranean food ideas, or healthy meal prep options. It’s a refreshing take on meatballs that you’ll want to make again and again!

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, garlic, red onion, parsley, dill, lemon zest, breadcrumbs, egg, and feta (if using). Season with salt and pepper.

2. Form mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place on a parchment-lined tray. Chill for 20–30 minutes.

3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear meatballs until browned on all sides (about 6–8 minutes), then transfer to oven at 375°F for 10 minutes, or until internal temp hits 165°F.

4. In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, cucumber (squeeze out excess water), garlic, dill, olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make tzatziki.

5. Serve meatballs warm with tzatziki, cucumber slices, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of fresh dill.