Juicy, herby, and absolutely irresistible, this Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe brings Mediterranean sunshine to your table no matter the season! Ground turkey is blended with bright parsley, dill, and a pinch of oregano, then quickly pan-seared until golden. Nestled alongside a tangy homemade tzatziki sauce, these meatballs are perfect for weeknight family dinners, effortless meal prep, or a crowd-pleasing party platter. Every bite delivers pure comfort brimming with aromatic herbs and creamy, fresh flavors—this Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe is one you’ll crave again and again!

Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this dish lies in simple, fresh ingredients coming together to create big, bold flavors. Each item on the list lends something special, from color and texture to real Greek taste. Here’s what you’ll need for the Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe and why you should use the best you can find:

Ground Turkey: Lean yet full of flavor, ground turkey is light but holds juicy moisture when paired with herbs.
Bread Crumbs: These act as a binder and keep the meatballs tender instead of dense.
Red Onion: Finely diced red onion adds a gentle bite and a pop of color.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings pungency and depth—don’t skimp here!
Fresh Parsley: For herby freshness and vibrant green flecks—so essential for authentic flavor.
Fresh Dill: Dill is classic in Greek cooking and infuses both the meatballs and tzatziki with bright, zesty flavor.
Dried Oregano: Just a teaspoon lifts the dish and fills your kitchen with Greek aromas.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and bringing out all the other flavors.
Egg: Binds the meatball mixture so everything holds together when cooked.
Olive Oil: For pan-searing the meatballs, giving them that beautiful golden crust.
Plain Greek Yogurt: The creamy base of the tzatziki—don’t use regular yogurt, as Greek is thicker and tangier.
Cucumber: Grated and squeezed dry, cucumber adds crunch and coolness to the tzatziki.
Lemon Juice: Offers sparkle and acidity for balance in the sauce.

How to Make Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

Start by combining the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, red onion, minced garlic, parsley, dill, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and egg in a large mixing bowl. Gently mix everything just until you can’t see dry spots. Avoid overmixing, which can make the meatballs tough; you want them succulent and tender!

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

Use a tablespoon, small ice cream scoop, or even damp hands to scoop out uniform balls of the mixture. Roll them between your palms into 1 1/2-inch rounds—you’ll get about 18 to 20 meatballs. Keeping them consistent in size means they’ll cook evenly and look gorgeous when serving.

Step 3: Cook on the Stovetop

Heat a skillet over medium heat and swirl in the olive oil. Add the meatballs in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. Sear the meatballs, turning every couple of minutes to brown all sides. They’ll need about 5 to 7 minutes to become beautifully golden and cooked through. The aroma will make it hard to wait!

Step 4: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

While the meatballs cook, whip up the tzatziki sauce. In a small bowl, stir together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure you squeeze out all the liquid), garlic, lemon juice, dill, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust for your perfect tang or saltiness. Chill until ready to use for the most refreshing dip.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange the cooked meatballs on a platter or snuggle them into warm pita bread, then dollop on that dreamy tzatziki. Whether you’re having a homey dinner or a Mediterranean-inspired party, this Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe is bound to steal the show!

How to Serve Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe

Garnishes

Brighten your platter with a flurry of extra fresh dill, a sprinkling of chopped parsley, and a drizzle of good olive oil over the tzatziki. Add lemon wedges or sliced cucumbers for a striking, fresh finish—your guests will adore the pops of color and flavor!

Side Dishes

These meatballs play so well with a variety of sides. Classic options are fluffy pita, lemony rice, quinoa, or a vibrant Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives. Roasted vegetables or crispy potato wedges are delicious too, making this Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe a flexible star for any spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try putting out toothpicks for cocktail-style bites at parties, or tuck the meatballs into pita pockets with crunchy lettuce, tomato, and red onion for a DIY Greek sandwich bar. For meal prep, layer meatballs, tzatziki, and veggies into glass containers for effortless grab-and-go lunches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover meatballs and tzatziki separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The meatballs stay moist for up to 4 days, and the sauce will keep its freshness, although the flavors intensify a bit after a day—which is never a bad thing!

Freezing

The meatballs freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. For the tzatziki, it’s best made fresh, as yogurt-based sauces don’t freeze and thaw gracefully.

Reheating

Reheat meatballs gently in a skillet over low heat or zap them in the microwave until hot through. If frozen, let them thaw overnight in the fridge first. Add a splash of water or broth if they look dry—good as new and ready to soak up that creamy tzatziki!

FAQs

Can I bake these turkey meatballs instead of frying?

Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F, arrange the rolled meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 18 to 20 minutes until golden and cooked through. This is a hands-off, lighter option that still delivers fabulous results.

Is the Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe gluten-free?

It definitely can be. Just use your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatball mixture and double-check labels on all your ingredients, and you’ll have a perfect gluten-free Mediterranean feast.

What can I use instead of ground turkey?

While turkey is lean and light, you can easily swap in ground chicken for a similar taste and texture. For a more classic spin, ground lamb or a lamb-beef blend works beautifully as well, bringing extra richness to the Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe.

How do I make the tzatziki dairy-free?

It’s easy to adapt! Use a plain, thick dairy-free yogurt (like coconut or almond-based Greek-style) and follow the recipe as usual. The results are creamy, tangy, and just as irresistible for anyone avoiding dairy.

Can I make the meatball mixture ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix and roll the meatballs a day in advance, then store them covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready, just cook as directed for super-fast, stress-free dinners or entertaining.

Final Thoughts

If you’re hunting for a fresh, flavor-packed, and supremely easy way to bring Mediterranean magic to your table, give this Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe a try. It’s foolproof, fast, and so satisfying—there’s a good chance it’ll become a regular in your home. Go ahead and dig in—your taste buds will thank you!

Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 10 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delight your taste buds with these flavorful Greek Turkey Meatballs served with a refreshing Tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

1 pound ground turkey
1/3 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup red onion (finely diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 egg
1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

For the Tzatziki:

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/3 cup cucumber (grated and squeezed dry)
1 clove garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, red onion, garlic, parsley, dill, oregano, salt, pepper, and egg. Shape into meatballs.
Cook the Meatballs: Brown meatballs in olive oil until cooked through and golden.
Make the Tzatziki: Mix yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Chill.
Serve: Enjoy meatballs with tzatziki or in pita with veggies.