Description
Juicy turkey meatballs infused with Mediterranean flavors paired with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce, perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb Ground turkey (93% lean) (Provides a juicy texture.)
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced (Fresh minced tastes best.)
- 1 medium Onion, grated (Grated or finely chopped to melt into meat.)
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley, chopped (Provides a fresh flavor.)
- 1 tbsp Dill, chopped (Adds a distinctive Greek vibe.)
- 1 tsp Oregano, dried (Dried works well.)
- 1 tbsp Lemon zest (Enhances flavor.)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1 large Egg (Helps bind the mixture.)
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs (Can substitute with almond flour.)
- 1/4 tsp Cumin, ground (Optional for added flavor.)
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (Use thick plain yogurt.)
- 1/2 medium Cucumber, grated and squeezed dry (Squeeze to remove excess water.)
- 1 clove Garlic, minced (Add extra if you love garlic.)
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice (Freshly squeezed for best flavor.)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tbsp Dill, chopped
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
Preparation of Meatballs
- In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, grated onion, garlic, herbs, oregano, lemon zest, salt, pepper, egg, and breadcrumbs until just combined.
- Lightly wet your hands and roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches wide.
- Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow breadcrumbs to soak up moisture.
Cooking Methods
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange meatballs with some space between them. Bake for 15-18 minutes until cooked through.
- Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Lightly spray the basket and cook meatballs in a single layer for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Pan-Fried: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs for 4-5 minutes per side, turning gently to brown evenly.
Making Tzatziki Sauce
- In a bowl, stir together Greek yogurt, squeezed cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, chopped dill, salt, and pepper.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Chill for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For added freshness, serve with warm pita, sliced vegetables, or over a Greek salad. This dish is flexible with serving options.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean