Name: Greek Turkey Meatballs With Tzatziki Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487286H52M23S
Total time: PT-487286H52M23S
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; ½ cup whole-wheat breadcrumbs; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 egg, beaten; Olive oil, for cooking; 1 cup Greek yogurt; 1 small cucumber, grated and excess moisture squeezed out; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper, to taste

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Short Description

Savory turkey meatballs seasoned with garlic, oregano, parsley, and Parmesan, cooked in olive oil until golden, and served with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce made from yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill or mint, and lemon.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lean and protein‑packed from ground turkey (~30 g of protein per serving, ~215 kcal)
Mediterranean herbs deliver bright, herby flavor with minimal effort
Quick to mix, form, and pan‑fry or bake in under 30 minutes
Paired with creamy, cool tzatziki for a perfect balance of textures

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground turkey
½ cup whole‑wheat breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 egg, beaten
Olive oil, for cooking
1 cup Greek yogurt
1 small cucumber, grated and excess moisture squeezed out
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (well drained), minced garlic, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate to let flavors meld.
Make the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, minced garlic, oregano, onion powder, salt, pepper, and beaten egg until just combined.
Form and Cook Meatballs
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Roll the turkey mixture into meatballs about 1–2 inches in diameter. Cook in batches, turning occasionally, about 6–8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature ~165 °F)
Serve
Arrange cooked meatballs on a platter alongside chilled tzatziki sauce for dipping. Serve with warm pita or pita bread and fresh salad.

Servings And Timing

Serves: 4
Prep Time: ~15 minutes
Cook Time: ~6–8 minutes per side (~12–16 minutes total) for skillet method; or bake at 375–400 °F for 20–25 minutes flipping halfway through
Total Time: ~30–40 minutes depending on method

Variations

Add ¼ cup crumbled feta to the meatball mix for creamy richness
Stir in chopped red onion or fresh mint for extra flavor
Spice it up with ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or jalapeño bits
Bake instead of pan‑frying for lighter option; expect less browning but easier prep

Storage/Reheating

To Store: Keep cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days; store tzatziki separately for up to 3 days
To Reheat: Warm meatballs gently in a skillet with a little oil, or in a 350 °F oven for 5–7 minutes
To Freeze: Freeze uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag; freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before cooking and add a few minutes to cooking time

FAQs

What Size Meatballs Should I Make?

About 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter (golf‑ball size) yields evenly cooking bites.

Can I Bake Instead of Frying?

Yes—bake on a greased or parchment‑lined sheet at 375–400 °F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. Browning may be less pronounced

How Do I Know When They’re Done?

Meatballs are safe at 165 °F inside and should be golden brown outside.

Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Turkey?

Yes, it works well and yields a similar texture and flavor profile

How Do I Keep Meatballs From Drying Out?

Use lean turkey but don’t overcook. A little olive oil and parmesan help keep them moist.

Can I Add Feta To The Meatballs?

Yes—adding up to ¼ cup crumbled feta brings flavor and moisture inside each meatball .

What If I Don’t Have Fresh Dill?

Use dried dill—1 teaspoon will work fine in the tzatziki.

Can I Make These Ahead Of Time?

You can prep the meatball mixture a day ahead; store refrigerated, then shape and cook when ready.

Is Tzatziki Sauce Mandatory?

It pairs beautifully with the meatballs but you can substitute plain yogurt with lemon, herbs and garlic.

How Many Calories per Serving?

Approximately 215–450 calories per serving depending on portion size, amount of sauce, and sides.

Conclusion

These Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki sauce make a flavorful, protein-packed meal that comes together quickly. Lean turkey mixed with herbs, Parmesan, and garlic forms tender meatballs with herby depth. The cool cucumber-yogurt tzatziki perfectly balances each bite. Whether pan-fried or baked, served with pita, salad, or rice bowls, this simple Mediterranean dish is sure to become a favorite.

Ezabella