Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki

Light, juicy, and bursting with fresh herbs, Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki are the perfect balance between healthy and hearty. Whether you’re prepping a wholesome weeknight dinner, building Mediterranean-style lunch bowls, or serving an appetizer for guests, these meatballs deliver flavor and nutrition in every bite.

Inspired by the sun-drenched flavors of Greece, this dish combines lean ground turkey with garlic, oregano, and parsley to create meatballs that are anything but bland. Paired with a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, and lemon, it’s a refreshing combination that feels indulgent but is actually incredibly nourishing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy and Lean: High in protein and lower in fat compared to traditional beef meatballs.

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes.

• Mediterranean Flavor: Herbaceous and vibrant with a creamy, tangy dip.

• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make ahead and store for quick meals.

• Versatile: Serve as a main course, in wraps, or as a party appetizer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Turkey Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450g) ground turkey (thigh or breast meat)

• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (plain or whole wheat)

• 1 egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup grated onion (or finely chopped)

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh dill or 1/2 tsp dried dill

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing or brushing if baking)

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat for best flavor)

• 1/2 small cucumber, grated and squeezed dry

• 1 clove garlic, finely minced

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon fresh dill (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

• In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs and egg. Let them soak briefly while you prepare other ingredients.

• Add ground turkey, garlic, onion, herbs, salt, and pepper.

• Mix gently just until combined—do not overmix or the meatballs may turn out tough.

• Use damp hands to roll into 1.5-inch meatballs (about 18–20 pieces).

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

You can cook them in the oven or a skillet, depending on preference.

Option 1: Bake

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.

• Brush or spray meatballs with olive oil.

• Bake for 18–20 minutes or until golden and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C).

Option 2: Pan-Fry

• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

• Cook meatballs in batches for 8–10 minutes, turning to brown all sides.

• Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

• In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeeze excess moisture), garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper.

• Stir well and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Serving Suggestions

These Greek turkey meatballs are incredibly versatile. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy them:

1. In a Bowl

Serve over rice, quinoa, or couscous with chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, and a generous dollop of tzatziki.

2. In a Pita Wrap

Tuck meatballs into warm pita bread with lettuce, tomato, onion, and tzatziki for a healthy Greek-style gyro.

3. As a Party Appetizer

Serve on skewers with tzatziki as a dipping sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or crumbled feta.

4. Over Salad

Top a Greek salad with warm meatballs and drizzle with tzatziki or olive oil vinaigrette.

Tips for the Best Turkey Meatballs

1. Use Ground Turkey Thigh for Juiciness
Breast meat can be a bit dry, so using thigh meat or a mix will keep the meatballs moist.

2. Don’t Overmix
Mix just until combined to maintain tenderness.

3. Grate and Squeeze the Onion and Cucumber
Extra liquid in either can make the meatballs soggy or water down your sauce. Always squeeze out the excess moisture.

4. Let the Tzatziki Rest
Refrigerating the sauce for 10–15 minutes before serving allows the flavors to develop beautifully.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing

Make-Ahead

• Mix and shape meatballs up to 24 hours in advance and store in the fridge.

• Prepare the tzatziki sauce ahead of time—it’s even better the next day.

Storage

• Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Tzatziki can be stored separately for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Freeze cooked or uncooked meatballs on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.

• Defrost overnight and reheat in the oven or skillet.

Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving Approximate – 4 meatballs with 2 tbsp tzatziki)

• Calories: 280

• Protein: 25g

• Carbs: 8g

• Fat: 16g

• Sugar: 2g

• Sodium: 480mg

These values can vary based on portion size and whether you use full-fat or low-fat yogurt.

Customization Ideas

Make It Spicy

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped chili to the meatball mix.

Dairy-Free Version

Use a dairy-free yogurt for the tzatziki and skip any cheese toppings.

Low-Carb / Keto Option

Skip the breadcrumbs and use almond flour instead.

Add More Veggies

Finely grate zucchini or carrots into the meatball mix for added nutrition (just be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture).

Reader Reviews

“So fresh and flavorful! I served them in pita wraps with lots of veggies and tzatziki—my family loved it.”
— Emma W.

“I made a double batch and froze half. They reheated perfectly and made meal prep a breeze.”
— Daniel T.

“Loved the herbs in the meatballs and how well the creamy tzatziki balanced the flavors. Super satisfying!”
— Lara S.

More Mediterranean-Inspired Recipes

Looking to explore more healthy and bold-flavored dishes like this one? Try:

• Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken with Couscous

• Greek Chickpea Salad with Feta

• Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers

• Spiced Lamb Kofta with Tzatziki

• Homemade Falafel with Pickled Onions

Each recipe brings the fresh, vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean right to your table.

Bringing the Taste of Greece to Your Kitchen

One of the most rewarding aspects of cooking at home is the ability to travel the world through flavor—and this dish does exactly that. These Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki bring the rustic charm of Mediterranean cuisine right to your dinner table. They’re light yet satisfying, bold yet balanced, and incredibly easy to fall in love with.

Don’t forget to double the batch—these meatballs are freezer-friendly and make amazing leftovers. Whether you’re new to Mediterranean cooking or already a fan of Greek flavors, this recipe is a must-try.

Have you made this dish? Share your experience in the comments below or tag your creation online—your version might just inspire someone else’s next meal!

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