Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

If you’re looking for a meal bursting with fresh flavor, vibrant colors, and a bit of Mediterranean magic, this Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce recipe belongs at the top of your list. Juicy turkey meatballs are studded with tangy feta and aromatic herbs, then baked until golden and paired with a cool, herby homemade tzatziki. Whether you need a dinner that feels special but is easy enough for a Wednesday, or a shareable appetizer, Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce hits all the right notes: healthy, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This is one of those dishes where simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients do all the work—each element adds its own character, from the creamy Greek yogurt to the bright lemon and aromatic herbs. Here’s everything you’ll need to make Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce shine:

• Ground turkey: Lean yet juicy, it’s the perfect protein base for a lighter meatball.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Adds just the right amount of tenderness and helps keep the meatballs moist.
• Red onion: Finely chopped for a sweet, slightly sharp flavor and a pop of color.
• Feta cheese: Bursty, salty bites of creamy feta in every forkful—don’t skip it!
• Garlic cloves: Three for the meatballs, two for the sauce—because there’s no such thing as too much garlic here.
• Egg: Acts as a binder to give the meatballs their tender structure.
• Dried oregano and dill: Mediterranean classics that infuse the meatballs with unmistakable Greek flavor.
• Cumin: Just a touch for warm, earthy depth.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
• Greek yogurt: The backbone of a good tzatziki; pick one that’s thick and creamy.
• Persian cucumbers: Grated and well-drained, they add crunch and freshness to the sauce.
• Fresh or dried dill: Use fresh if you can for an extra burst of herby flavor in the tzatziki.
• Lemon juice: Adds tanginess to lift both the sauce and the meatballs.
• Olive oil: Just a drizzle, for richness in the tzatziki.
• Cracked black pepper: To taste, rounding out the tzatziki’s flavor.

How to Make Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

Start by wrapping your grated cucumbers tightly in paper towels (or a cheesecloth) to squeeze out as much liquid as possible—this little trick is the secret behind thick, luscious tzatziki. Add the cucumber to a bowl with Greek yogurt, fresh dill, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir it all together until thoroughly combined, then cover and pop the bowl in the fridge. The cool time lets the flavors mingle while you make the rest of your Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce.

Step 2: Mix and Shape the Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees and get your baking sheet ready (either line it with parchment paper or spritz a baking dish with cooking spray). In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, panko, chopped onion, crumbled feta, garlic, egg, oregano, dill, cumin, salt, and pepper. Dive in with your hands and mix just until everything is blended—don’t overwork it or the meatballs can get tough. Form the mixture into 1-inch balls and line them up on your baking sheet.

Step 3: Bake (or Brown) the Meatballs

Slide the tray of meatballs into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until they’re nicely golden and cooked through. For a slightly deeper flavor and crispier exterior, you can brown the meatballs in a sauté pan before finishing them in the oven—if you go this route, check them at 13 minutes as they may cook a bit quicker. Either way, your kitchen will smell irresistible!

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once the meatballs are done, arrange them on a platter and serve immediately with generous scoops of your homemade tzatziki and a few lemon wedges on the side. This is where Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce truly comes alive: every bite is juicy, tangy, and utterly satisfying.

How to Serve Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce

Garnishes

Finish these beauties off with a sprinkle of fresh dill, extra crumbled feta, or a dusting of sumac if you have it. A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving really brightens up the plate—don’t forget to add a few lemon wedges for folks who love a zesty kick!

Side Dishes

Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce pairs wonderfully with warm pita, a Greek village salad, or a big bowl of orzo tossed with olives and cherry tomatoes. For something lighter, serve the meatballs over a crisp bed of greens and let the juicy tzatziki do double duty as both dip and dressing.

Creative Ways to Present

Build a DIY mezze board and let guests skewer their own meatballs, scoop up tzatziki, and pile on veggies and pita—perfect for entertaining! Or, stuff the meatballs and tzatziki into pita pockets with shredded lettuce and sliced cucumbers for an on-the-go Greek-inspired sandwich. You can also thread them onto small bamboo skewers for party appetizers that everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pack any leftover Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce in an airtight container—store the meatballs and sauce separately in the fridge. The meatballs should stay fresh for up to four days, and the tzatziki sauce is usually at its best within two to three days for optimal freshness and flavor.

Freezing

Want to meal prep ahead of time? Cooked meatballs freeze beautifully! Let them cool completely, then arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months. For best results, make the tzatziki fresh when ready to serve—yogurt-based sauces don’t freeze as well.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the meatballs on a baking dish and warm in a 350 degree oven until heated through (about 10 minutes) or microwave for a couple of minutes if you’re short on time. Pair with a fresh batch of tzatziki and you’re set for another round of Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce deliciousness.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken makes a great substitute for turkey in this recipe; it’s just as lean and takes on those Mediterranean flavors beautifully. Just be sure to use ground chicken that isn’t too lean to keep the meatballs juicy.

Is it okay to make the meatballs ahead of time?

Definitely! You can mix and shape the meatballs up to a day in advance and keep them covered in the fridge. Bake them off just before serving for the freshest texture and flavor.

What’s the best way to keep tzatziki thick and creamy?

After grating the cucumber, be sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible—this is the trick for avoiding runny tzatziki. Using full-fat Greek yogurt also gives the sauce a rich, luxurious texture.

Can I make Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the panko breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs or even finely ground oats. This way, anyone can enjoy these irresistible Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce regardless of dietary restrictions.

How spicy are these meatballs?

These Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce aren’t spicy at all—they’re full of herby, savory goodness with a touch of brightness from the lemon and feta. If you do want some heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mix!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a cozy, flavor-packed meal that transports you straight to the Aegean coast, you’ll want to give these Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce a try. With minimal prep and tons of fresh ingredients, it’s a dish that feels both special and approachable—perfect for both easy weeknights and impromptu get-togethers.

Print