If you’re craving a dish that’s vibrant, flavorful, and satisfying without weighing you down, this Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe is your perfect match. These juicy, tender meatballs, infused with warming spices and fresh herbs, pair beautifully with the cool, creamy tzatziki sauce for an irresistible taste of the Mediterranean. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe brings both comfort and a touch of elegance to your table with ingredients that are straightforward but never boring.

The image shows a white plate filled with seven golden-brown, grilled meatballs arranged closely together, each topped with small green herb pieces. On the left side of the plate is a creamy white sauce mixed with chopped green herbs, and behind the meatballs are slices of red tomatoes. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with some scattered green herbs around it, adding freshness. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the key here. Each plays an essential role in creating the authentic flavors and delightful textures that make this dish so memorable. The turkey stays lean and juicy, herbs add brightness, and the tzatziki sauce brings that iconic tangy freshness you can’t get enough of.

Ground turkey (1 lb 450g): Lean and healthy, it makes these meatballs light yet satisfying.
Breadcrumbs (1/3 cup): Help bind the meatballs and keep them tender, choose gluten-free if preferred.
Egg (1 large): Binds everything together and adds moisture.
Garlic cloves (4 total): Minced for a punch of aromatic flavor both in meatballs and sauce.
Finely chopped onion (1/4 cup): Adds subtle sweetness and moisture.
Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Brings a bright, herbaceous note.
Dried oregano (1 tsp): Classic Greek herb to deepen the flavor.
Ground cumin (1/2 tsp): Lends a warm, earthy undertone.
Salt (1/2 tsp) and black pepper (1/4 tsp): Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
Olive oil: For cooking if pan-frying; adds richness and helps with browning.
Greek yogurt (1 cup): The creamy base for the tzatziki, packed with tang and probiotics.
Cucumber (1/2, grated and drained): Adds crunch and refreshing moisture to the tzatziki.
Lemon juice (1 tbsp, freshly squeezed): Brightens the sauce with a citrusy zing.
Fresh dill (1 tbsp, chopped): Classic herb that makes the tzatziki unmistakably Greek.

How to Make Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Start by combining all the meatball ingredients in a large bowl—ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently until well incorporated. The key here is to avoid over-mixing, which keeps your meatballs tender and juicy rather than tough and dense.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Using clean hands, roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs roughly 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get about 16 to 20 meatballs. This size cooks evenly and makes for perfect little flavor bombs that are nice to eat in a few bites.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

You have options here depending on your preferred method and texture. For oven-baked meatballs, preheat to 400°F (200°C) and arrange them on a lined baking sheet, cooking for 15-20 minutes until golden and cooked through. Prefer pan-frying? Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown meatballs for 4-5 minutes on each side. Or try using an air fryer at 380°F (193°C) for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway for a lovely crispy exterior.

Step 4: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

While the meatballs cook, prepare the tzatziki by grating the cucumber and pressing out excess water with a towel. Then mix together Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, dill, and olive oil. Season it with salt and pepper and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to marry all the flavors beautifully.

Step 5: Serve It Up

Plate your perfectly cooked Greek turkey meatballs alongside a generous spoonful of the chilled tzatziki sauce. The cool yogurt sauce is just divine against the warm spiced meatballs, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that will have you coming back for more.

How to Serve Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe

Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A scatter of fresh parsley or dill on top adds a pop of green and herbaceous brightness. A wedge of lemon on the side invites guests to add a fresh squeeze of citrus for extra zing.

Side Dishes

These meatballs pair wonderfully with warm pita bread for dipping, fluffy rice pilaf, or even a crisp Greek salad featuring tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta. Each side complements the main dish and brings a fresh balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Try skewering the meatballs for a fun party appetizer or turning them into a hearty sandwich with pita, tzatziki, and fresh veggies. You can even toss the meatballs and sauce over a bed of cooked orzo for a one-bowl Mediterranean feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled meatballs and tzatziki in airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate to maintain its fresh texture.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight before reheating, and prepare fresh tzatziki to keep the sauce creamy and vibrant.

Reheating

Warm meatballs gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat. Avoid microwaving tzatziki; instead, just stir and serve it cold alongside your reheated meatballs.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works well as a substitute but might be a tad more delicate, so handle gently and consider a slightly longer cooking time to ensure they’re cooked through.

Is there a way to make the tzatziki sauce dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt alternative that is thick and tangy, such as coconut or almond yogurt, to keep the sauce creamy and tasty.

How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute with ground oats, almond flour, or crushed gluten-free crackers. This makes the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diets without compromising texture.

What’s the best cooking method for juicy meatballs?

Baking or air frying is excellent for an even cook and lowers added fat, but pan-frying adds a luscious crust and rich flavor from browning. Choose based on your texture preference!

Can I prepare the meatballs mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix and shape the meatballs a day in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator. This helps the flavors develop and saves time on the day you plan to cook.

Final Thoughts

This Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe truly feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for sharing with loved ones on any occasion. Its blend of fresh herbs, fragrant spices, and a creamy, cooling sauce brings such joy to every bite. I encourage you to make this recipe soon—it might just become a new favorite in your weekly meal rotation!

Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe