The Best Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe

If you’re searching for a dish that’s both comfortingly familiar and a little bit exotic, The Best Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki are destined to be your next kitchen favorite. These juicy, flavor-packed turkey meatballs are laced with Mediterranean herbs and spices, then paired with a creamy homemade yogurt sauce that brightens every bite. Whether you need a healthy meal prep option, a balanced weeknight dinner, or an impressive appetizer, this recipe brings all the sunny flavors of Greece straight to your table in less than 40 minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind The Best Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki is in how a few simple ingredients come together in the most delicious way. Each component has a role to play, from boosting flavor to creating the perfect juicy texture or lending a burst of color.

• Ground Turkey (1 lb): Lean turkey keeps the meatballs lighter, juicy, and absorbs all the herbs beautifully.
• Breadcrumbs (⅓ cup): These bind everything together, and help keep the meatballs tender and moist rather than dry.
• Egg (1 large): Adds richness and acts as the main binding agent—you won’t want your meatballs falling apart!
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): For that classic Mediterranean punch that works its way into every bite.
• Onion (¼ cup, finely chopped): Adds a savory sweetness and keeps things super juicy.
• Fresh Parsley (¼ cup, chopped): Brings bright, fresh herbiness that pairs perfectly with turkey.
• Dried Oregano (1 tsp): Essential for that distinctly Greek flavor—don’t skip this!
• Ground Cumin (½ tsp): A subtle touch of earthiness and warmth that makes the flavor profile more complex.
• Salt (½ tsp): Balances and brings out all the other flavors.
• Black Pepper (¼ tsp): Adds slight heat and rounds everything out.
• Olive Oil (for cooking): Use if pan-frying; it gives a flavorful, golden crust.
• Greek Yogurt (1 cup): The base for creamy, tangy Tzatziki sauce—full-fat makes it extra rich, but low-fat works too.
• Cucumber (½, grated and drained): Infuses the Tzatziki with cool, refreshing crunch.
• Garlic (1 clove, minced for the sauce): Adds another layer to the Tzatziki’s bright flavor.
• Lemon Juice (1 tbsp): Gives both the meatballs and sauce that lively acidity and freshness.
• Fresh Dill (1 tbsp, chopped): Classic in Greek sauces, its fragrance makes the Tzatziki sing.
• Olive Oil (1 tbsp for the sauce): Adds a luscious finish to the Tzatziki, tying all the ingredients together.
• Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential in the Tzatziki for a perfectly seasoned sauce.

How to Make The Best Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki

Step 1: Mix Up the Meatball Mixture

Grab a large bowl and add your ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together—your hands do the best job here, gently combining until all ingredients are incorporated. Just be careful not to over-mix, as that can make the meatballs tough instead of tender and juicy.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

With clean hands, scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture at a time and roll into balls about 1 to 1.5 inches across. You should end up with roughly 16 to 20 meatballs—just the right size for snacking, serving atop salads, or layering in a pita. Spacing them evenly on a tray, get ready for whichever cooking method fits your mood!

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs (Oven, Pan, or Air Fryer!)

For the oven, preheat to 400°F (200°C), line a baking sheet, and arrange the meatballs evenly. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until they’re golden and cooked through. Prefer pan-frying? Heat a skillet with olive oil on medium, then cook the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally until every side is golden and the centers are set—about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Or, for an easy air fryer method, preheat to 380°F (193°C) and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking halfway.

Step 4: Make the Dreamy Tzatziki Sauce

While the meatballs cook, grate your cucumber and thoroughly squeeze out the moisture—this keeps your sauce from getting watery. Mix together Greek yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, lemon juice, dill, olive oil, plus a bit of salt and pepper. Stir until creamy, and for the best flavor, chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let everything meld. This cooling sauce is what makes The Best Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki truly irresistible.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Plate up those warm turkey meatballs and top or dip with generous amounts of the homemade Tzatziki. Serve them as a hearty main or as part of a larger Mediterranean spread—the possibilities are endless! Whether accompanied by fresh pita or served over a salad, you’re about to taste why this is called The Best Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki.

How to Serve The Best Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra chopped parsley or dill goes a long way, both for looks and fresh flavor. You can add a squeeze of lemon zest, a few thin cucumber slices, or even a dusting of smoked paprika for color. These little flourishes make the presentation pop, and every bite taste even more vibrant!

Side Dishes

These meatballs are dreamy with warm pita bread, fluffy rice, or a crisp Greek salad tossed with olives and tomatoes. For a full mezze experience, add roasted veggies or a bowl of lemony potatoes. The Best Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki are versatile enough to accompany nearly any Mediterranean-inspired side.

Creative Ways to Present

Try threading the cooked meatballs on skewers for a party platter, or stuff them into mini pitas for the cutest sliders. Toss with tangy arugula and drizzle with Tzatziki for a light lunch, or even layer in a rice bowl with roasted veggies. With a little imagination, The Best Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki can be the star of any table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover meatballs and Tzatziki can be kept refrigerated in separate airtight containers. The meatballs will stay fresh for up to 4 days, and the Tzatziki sauce keeps well for about 3 days—if it lasts that long! Just keep the sauce covered to prevent it from absorbing other fridge flavors.

Freezing

The meatballs freeze beautifully! After cooking and cooling them, arrange on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container for up to 2 months. While Tzatziki doesn’t freeze well due to its high dairy and cucumber content, the meatballs themselves are meal-prep gold.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop the meatballs in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or microwave them until piping hot. You can also warm them in a skillet with a splash of water and cover for a few minutes. Always serve with freshly stirred Tzatziki for that just-made taste.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute and will yield a similarly juicy and flavorful meatball. Just follow the same instructions and cooking times.

How do I keep the meatballs from drying out?

Be careful not to over-mix the meatball mixture and avoid overcooking. Using lean but not ultra-lean turkey, plus the combination of egg and breadcrumbs, helps lock in moisture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It absolutely can be! Use your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs or even almond flour to keep the texture perfect while making the dish gluten-free.

Can I make The Best Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki ahead of time for meal prep?

Yes, both the meatballs and the Tzatziki can be made in advance. Store separately in the fridge, then combine just before serving for a fresh, Mediterranean-inspired meal anytime.

What can I do if I don’t have fresh dill for the Tzatziki?

Dried dill will work in a pinch—use about one-third as much as you would fresh. You can also experiment with fresh mint or parsley for a different herbal note.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to bring sunshine and Mediterranean flavor to your kitchen, you have to give The Best Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki a try. This recipe checks every box for taste, ease, and versatility—once you try it, it might just become your go-to favorite. Happy cooking!

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