Description
Craving a flavorful, healthy meal? These Healthy Greek Turkey Meatballs are the answer! Made with lean turkey, Mediterranean spices, and creamy feta, these meatballs are both nutritious and satisfying. Paired with a refreshing tzatziki sauce, they offer the perfect balance of bold flavors and guilt-free comfort. Enjoy them as part of a meal, in wraps, or as a savory appetizer for your next gathering!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup red onion, chopped
- ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried dill
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 Persian cucumbers, grated
- 1 Tbsp fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, crumbled feta, minced garlic, and egg. Add oregano, dill, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined—do not overmix to ensure tender meatballs. - Shape the Meatballs:
Take about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used (this makes around 16-18 meatballs). - Cook the Meatballs:
Baking Method: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange meatballs. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Pan-Frying Method: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs in batches for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. - Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
Grate cucumbers and squeeze out excess moisture. Combine yogurt, cucumbers, dill, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Stir well and refrigerate until serving.
Notes
- Don’t Overmix: To keep the meatballs light and fluffy, mix gently. Overmixing can make them dense.
- Feta for Moisture: The feta adds both flavor and moisture. If you’re dairy-free, substitute with vegan feta.
- Avoid Overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes (for baking) or 12 minutes (for pan-frying)
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baking or Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean