Hello, welcome to my beautiful world! My name is Prisca Bush. I am a food lover; I enjoy writing about my favorite recipes.
Introduction
Some recipes just feel like sunshine—fresh, bright, vibrant, and full of flavor that wakes up your senses. That’s exactly how I’d describe this Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe. The first time I made it, I wasn’t planning anything fancy—I just wanted something quick, healthy, and satisfying for dinner. But as soon as I opened the container of fresh dill, zested a lemon, and smelled the aromatics, I knew I was making something special.
There’s something magical about Mediterranean flavors. They’re simple yet bold—herbs like oregano and dill, garlic, lemon, and tangy yogurt. These turkey meatballs capture all of that. They’re juicy, well-seasoned, tender, and incredibly versatile. Paired with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce, they become a complete meal that feels both cozy and fresh.
This Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe is the kind of recipe I now make almost every week. It’s easy enough for busy nights but impressive enough for guests. And whether you’re meal prepping, looking for a lighter dinner, or planning a Mediterranean-style feast, this Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe will never disappoint.
Let’s get into it!
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Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe (2026)
Ingredients for Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe
This Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe makes 18–20 medium meatballs.
For the Greek Turkey Meatballs
- 1 ½ pounds ground turkey (preferably 93% lean)
- 1 small onion, grated
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup breadcrumbs (or oat flour for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for mixing and coating hands)
For the Homemade Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
- ½ English cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe
This Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe cooks in just 15–20 minutes.
Step 1: Make the Tzatziki
It’s best to make the tzatziki first so the flavors can meld.
- Grate the cucumber using the large side of a grater.
- Use your hands or a clean towel to squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
- Add cucumber to a bowl with yogurt, garlic, dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well and refrigerate.
The flavors deepen beautifully as it chills.
Step 2: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, add ground turkey, grated onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, herbs, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and lemon zest.
- Drizzle in olive oil.
- Mix gently using your hands until everything is combined. Do not overmix.
The mixture should be soft but scoopable.
Step 3: Form the Meatballs
- Lightly coat your hands with olive oil so the meat doesn’t stick.
- Scoop about 1 ½ tablespoons of mixture and shape into balls.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
You should get about 18–20 meatballs.
Step 4: Choose Your Cooking Method
These meatballs cook well using baking, air frying, or pan searing.
Option 1: Bake (recommended for juiciness)
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place meatballs on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly golden.
Option 2: Air Fry
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F.
- Air fry meatballs for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway.
Option 3: Pan Sear
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add meatballs and cook 8–10 minutes, turning often to brown all sides.
This method gives the best golden crust.
Step 5: Serve with Tzatziki
Once the meatballs are cooked, serve warm with chilled tzatziki on the side.
Fresh dill or parsley makes a great garnish.
How to Serve Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe
This Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy it:
1. Greek Bowls
Build a bowl using:
- Basmati rice or lemon rice
- Cucumber
- Cherry tomatoes
- Red onion
- Kalamata olives
- Feta
- Tzatziki
- Meatballs on top
A complete and refreshing meal.
2. Pita Wraps
Stuff into warm pita bread with:
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Onion
- Tzatziki
- A squeeze of lemon
Like a homemade gyro—so good.
3. With Roasted Vegetables
Serve alongside:
- Roasted zucchini
- Bell peppers
- Cauliflower
- Potatoes
Tzatziki drizzled on top makes it extra delicious.
4. On a Greek Mezze Platter
Combine with:
- Hummus
- Olives
- Feta
- Pita
- Tzatziki
- Grape leaves
Perfect for gatherings or snacking.
5. Over a Greek Salad
A great low-carb option.
6. Meal Prep Bowls
They reheat beautifully and stay juicy.
Tips for the Best Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe
These tips ensure tender, juicy, and flavorful results.
1. Don’t use extra lean turkey
Use 93% lean for best texture.
The 99% lean version often turns out dry.
2. Don’t skip the grated onion
This adds moisture and tons of flavor.
3. Fresh herbs make a big difference
Dill, parsley, and lemon zest brighten the entire dish.
4. Chill the tzatziki
The longer it sits, the better it tastes.
5. Squeeze the cucumber well
If it’s watery, the tzatziki becomes thin.
6. Don’t overmix the meat
Mix until just combined for light, tender meatballs.
7. Add a drizzle of olive oil before baking
Keeps the meatballs juicy and golden.
8. Let them rest for 2 minutes after cooking
This helps the juices settle.
Variations
Here are fun twists that keep this Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe fresh and exciting:
1. Greek Chicken Meatballs
Swap turkey for ground chicken.
2. Spicy Greek Meatballs
Add:
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Extra red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon cayenne
For a Mediterranean-meets-spicy fusion.
3. Feta-Stuffed Meatballs
Place a cube of feta in the center of each meatball.
They become decadent and extra flavorful.
4. Gluten-Free Meatballs
Use:
- Ground oats
- Almond flour
- Gluten-free breadcrumbs
All work beautifully.
5. Greek Lamb and Turkey Meatballs
Mix ground turkey and lamb for richer flavor.
6. Greek Turkey Mini Patties
Shape into patties and make Greek sliders or gyros.
7. Lemon-Herb Meatballs
Add more lemon zest and fresh dill for a brighter flavor profile.
8. Baked Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Bake in Greek-style tomato sauce with oregano and cinnamon.
Serve over orzo.
9. High-Protein Meal Prep Version
Serve with quinoa and extra veggies.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes! Ground chicken substitutes perfectly.
2. Can I freeze these meatballs?
Absolutely. Freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months.
Freeze raw meatballs on a tray, then store in bags.
3. How do I reheat them?
Reheat in:
- Microwave: 1–2 minutes
- Air fryer: 350°F for 3–4 minutes
- Oven: 350°F for 10 minutes
4. Can I make this Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe dairy-free?
Yes—just skip the tzatziki or use a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
5. Can I make the meatballs without eggs?
Use:
- 1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water
or - 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
6. Why are my turkey meatballs dry?
Possible reasons:
- Too lean turkey
- Overbaking
- Not enough moisture (skip the grated onion and you’ll notice it!)
7. Can I add vegetables?
Yes—finely grated zucchini or spinach works great.
8. How do I make them low-carb?
Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.
9. Is tzatziki healthy?
Yes! It’s made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, herbs, and lemon—low calorie and high protein.
10. Can I serve these cold?
Yes—they taste great chilled in wraps or bowls.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe is more than just a recipe—it’s a celebration of Mediterranean flavors that are fresh, clean, and incredibly comforting. What I love most is how approachable the dish is: everyday ingredients come together to create something zesty, aromatic, and absolutely delicious.
Whether you’re serving these meatballs for a family dinner, prepping lunches for the week, or hosting a Mediterranean-themed night, they shine every time. They’re juicy, protein-packed, and full of herbs that brighten the entire meal. And the homemade tzatziki? That’s the cooling, creamy finishing touch that ties everything together.
If you’re looking for a healthy, flavorful recipe that’s just as satisfying as it is simple, this Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe deserve a permanent spot in your rotation.