Name: Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 lb. ground turkey; ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs; ¼ cup red onion, chopped; ¼ cup feta cheese; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 egg; 2 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried dill; ½ tsp cumin; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 2 Persian cucumbers, grated; 1 Tbsp fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon of dried dill); 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 Tbsp lemon juice; 1 Tbsp olive oil; ½ tsp salt; Cracked black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe

If you’re ready to shake up your dinner routine with a burst of Mediterranean flavor, this Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce recipe is about to become your new go-to! Juicy turkey meatballs filled with feta, fresh herbs, and a hint of cumin are perfectly paired with a creamy, zesty homemade tzatziki. It’s a protein-packed, crowd-pleasing dish that’s light yet satisfying—ideal for meal prep, feeding the family, or impressing friends at a casual gathering.

Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce are proof that you don’t need an overflowing ingredient list to achieve something deliciously complex. Every single component adds its own character, from the creamy yogurt in the sauce to the punchy herbs in the meatballs. Here’s what you’ll need—and why:

Ground turkey: Lean and subtle in flavor, turkey is the perfect base for soaking up all those Greek-inspired seasonings.
Panko breadcrumbs: These keep the meatballs delightfully tender and help them hold their shape.
Red onion, chopped: Brings a sweet, mild bite and a pop of color to every meatball.
Feta cheese: Salty, creamy, and unmistakably Greek, feta adds irresistible richness inside the meatballs.
Garlic cloves, minced: You can’t have Greek meatballs without garlicky goodness in both the meatballs and the sauce!
Egg: Acts as a binder to keep the meatball mixture together as it bakes.
Dried oregano: Contributes classic Mediterranean herbiness that rounds out the flavor.
Dried dill: Brings a fresh, grassy punch that complements both the meatballs and the tzatziki.
Cumin: Adds just a touch of earthly warmth, highlighting all the other flavors.
Salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the ingredients.
Black pepper: Lends a gentle heat and deeper flavor in every bite.
Plain greek yogurt: The star of the tzatziki, giving it that signature tang and creamy consistency.
Persian cucumbers, grated: These are extra crisp and seedless, making the sauce fresh and light.
Fresh dill (or dried dill): For the sauce, dill is a must—don’t skimp!
Garlic cloves, minced: More garlic for maximum flavor in the tzatziki.
Lemon juice: Brightens up the sauce for zingy, irresistible freshness.
Olive oil: Adds silkiness and a little richness to the tzatziki.
Salt (for sauce): Balances the flavors in the creamy sauce as well.
Cracked black pepper, to taste: Freshly cracked is best for a peppery finish.

How to Make Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumber for Tzatziki

Begin your Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce by focusing on your cucumbers. Wrap the grated cucumber in several layers of paper towels or a cheesecloth, then give it a good squeeze to remove as much moisture as you can. This ensures your tzatziki turns out thick, creamy, and never watery—trust me, this step is worth it!

Step 2: Mix Up That Dreamy Tzatziki

In a large mixing bowl, combine your grated cucumber with Greek yogurt, fresh or dried dill, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and some cracked black pepper. Stir everything together until fully blended. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Cover and refrigerate your fresh tzatziki—the flavors will mingle and become even more delicious while you prep the meatballs.

Step 3: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. If you’d rather, a light spritz of cooking spray on a baking dish works too. This makes for fuss-free meatballs with golden bottoms and no sticking drama.

Step 4: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

Now, in a roomy bowl, combine ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, finely chopped red onion, crumbled feta, minced garlic, egg, dried oregano, dried dill, cumin, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently mix just until everything comes together—no need to overwork it, or you’ll lose some of the lightness that makes these meatballs so good!

Step 5: Shape and Bake the Meatballs

With damp hands, scoop and roll the turkey mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them evenly on your baking sheet. Pop them in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden and just cooked through. For deeper flavor and a beautiful sear, feel free to brown them quickly in a skillet before finishing in the oven (and check a few minutes early, as they’ll cook even faster this way).

Step 6: Serve Fresh with Tzatziki

Once your Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce are golden and sizzling, serve immediately alongside a generous dollop of your homemade sauce and lemon wedges for an added burst of citrusy brightness. Every bite is a flavorful trip to Greece!

How to Serve Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce

Garnishes

To make these Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce look (and taste) extra special, go big with fresh garnishes. Sprinkle plenty of chopped dill or parsley, add a sprinkle of extra feta, and don’t forget a handful of lemon wedges for squeezing over the top—each adds color, fragrance, and a pop of flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair your Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce with a side of lightly toasted pita bread, a fresh Greek salad, or a bowl of lemony rice pilaf. These sides help round out the meal, soaking up any extra tzatziki and adding more texture to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the meatballs as part of a mezze platter with olives, hummus, and veggies for an effortless party appetizer. You can also tuck them into warm pitas with lettuce, tomatoes, and lots of tzatziki for homemade Greek meatball gyros—so fun and flavorful!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce can be stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The meatballs actually taste even better the next day as the flavors meld, and the tzatziki keeps its cool, creamy freshness.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange fully cooked and cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag once frozen solid. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Tzatziki doesn’t freeze as well due to the yogurt base, so plan to whip up a fresh batch when you’re ready to enjoy more meatballs later.

Reheating

Reheat meatballs in a 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes, or warm them gently in a covered skillet with a splash of water to keep them moist. Add a fresh spoonful of tzatziki after reheating for that just-made freshness!

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?

Absolutely! While ground turkey keeps the dish lean and light, either ground chicken or a lean ground beef will add their own unique flavors. Just watch the cooking time as fattier meats may cook a little faster or slower.

What’s the best way to grate cucumbers for tzatziki?

I recommend using the coarse side of a box grater for Persian cucumbers. It gives a great balance of texture—fine enough to blend in, but substantial enough to add crunch. Don’t forget to wring out those grated cucumbers thoroughly for the thickest sauce!

Can I make the meatballs ahead?

You sure can! Shape and bake the meatballs, then refrigerate them for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat gently in the oven or a skillet. The tzatziki can also be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

It’s easy! Just substitute the panko breadcrumbs with your favorite gluten-free panko or finely ground gluten-free oats. Be sure to check your feta and other seasonings are gluten-free as well.

What if I don’t have fresh dill?

No worries—dried dill works beautifully in both the meatballs and the tzatziki. Just use a little less, since dried herbs are more potent than fresh (1 teaspoon of dried for 1 tablespoon of fresh is a good rule of thumb).

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something simple, Mediterranean, and downright crave-worthy, you can’t go wrong with Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce. Give them a try—you’ll love the flavors, and this might just become one of your favorite ways to bring a little sunshine to your table!

Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 21 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Calorie

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Description

These Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce are a flavorful twist on traditional meatballs, featuring a blend of ground turkey, feta cheese, and aromatic spices. Served with a refreshing and creamy tzatziki sauce, this dish is a perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors.

Instructions

To make the tzatziki sauce: Wrap your grated cucumber in a few paper towels or place it in a cheese cloth and wring out as much liquid as possible.
Then add your grated cucumber to a large mixing bowl along with the rest of your ingredients and stir until fully combined. (Taste and adjust your salt and pepper if needed.)
Cover the bowl and keep your tzatziki in the refrigerator while you prepare the meatballs.
To make the meatballs: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper (or spray a baking dish with cooking spray).
Then add your meatball ingredients to a large bowl and mix them together with your hands.
Form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place the balls on your prepared baking sheet.
Place the meatballs in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. (Alternatively, you can brown the meatballs in a sauté pan before baking them.)
Once done, serve immediately with your tzatziki and lemon wedges on the side.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Greek