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Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki

Irresistible Greek turkey meatballs infused with Mediterranean herbs, served with a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce. A healthy and satisfying meal.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs:
  • 1 lb. ground turkey (or ground chicken)
  • 1/4 cup white onion chopped
  • 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/3 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 1/2 tsp dried dill (or 1 Tbsp chopped fresh dill)
  • 1 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
  • 1 cup plain greek yogurt
  • 2 Persian cucumbers grated
  • 1 Tbsp chopped fresh dill
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • Cracked black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • paper towels
  • cheesecloth
  • Skillet

Method
 

Prepare the Creamy Tzatziki Sauce:
  1. Grate the cucumbers. Place the grated cucumber in a few layers of paper towels or a clean cheesecloth. Wrap it up tightly and wring out as much liquid as possible. Transfer the squeezed cucumber to a large mixing bowl. Add the plain Greek yogurt, chopped fresh dill, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Stir everything together until well combined. Taste the tzatziki and adjust seasoning with cracked black pepper or more salt if needed. Cover the bowl and refrigerate.
Preheat and Prepare for Baking:
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, or lightly spray a baking dish with cooking spray.
Mix and Form the Meatballs:
  1. In a separate large bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped white onion, panko breadcrumbs, crumbled feta cheese, minced garlic, egg, dried oregano, dried dill, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix the ingredients with your hands or a spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Lightly coat your hands with olive oil to prevent sticking, then form the mixture into approximately 1-inch balls. Place the formed meatballs onto your prepared baking sheet, ensuring they aren't overcrowding the pan.
Bake to Perfection:
  1. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, for an extra depth of flavor and a delightful crust, you can brown the meatballs in a skillet with a little olive oil over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side before transferring them to the oven to finish cooking. If using this method, check for doneness around the 13-minute mark in the oven.
Serve and Enjoy:
  1. Once baked through, serve the Greek turkey meatballs warm. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and offer a generous spoonful of the chilled tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

For juicier meatballs, lightly coat your hands with olive oil when rolling them. Wring out as much liquid as possible from the grated cucumber for the tzatziki; this is the most important step for a non-watery sauce. Consider browning the meatballs in a skillet before baking for enhanced flavor and texture. Taste and adjust seasoning in the tzatziki to your preference. Chill the tzatziki while preparing the meatballs to allow flavors to meld. Don't overcrowd the baking sheet for even cooking.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.