Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki

Name: Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki – Delicious & Quick
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean, 7% fat); ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs); ¼ cup red onion, chopped finely; ¼ cup feta cheese (block, crumbled); 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 tsp dried dill); 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 Tbsp lemon juice; 1 Tbsp olive oil; ½ tsp salt; Cracked black pepper to taste

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Some nights call for something bright, fresh, and full of flavor. That’s exactly how these Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki feel like sunshine on a plate. Juicy, herby meatballs meet cool, creamy sauce, and the whole thing comes together fast enough for a weeknight but special enough for guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You can make it in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
It’s light yet loaded with flavor from herbs, garlic, and feta.
You can serve it as an appetizer, a main dish, or pack it for meal prep.
It’s family-friendly and full of lean protein, so it’s as nutritious as it is tasty.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground turkey (93% lean, 7% fat) – tender base for juicy meatballs
¼ cup panko breadcrumbs – keeps them light
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped – adds mild sweetness
¼ cup feta cheese (block, crumbled) – salty, tangy pop
3 garlic cloves, minced – deep savory flavor
1 egg – binds the mixture
2 tsp dried oregano – Mediterranean classic
1 tsp dried dill – fresh herbal note
½ tsp cumin – warm earthiness
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

1 cup plain Greek yogurt – creamy and tangy
2 Persian cucumbers, grated – cool crunch
1 Tbsp fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried) – bright and fragrant
2 garlic cloves, minced – a little bite
2 Tbsp lemon juice – citrus lift
1 Tbsp olive oil – smooth finish
½ tsp salt
Cracked black pepper to taste

Substitutions:
Use ground chicken instead of turkey if you like.
Fresh herbs bring more aroma, but dried works fine.

Greek turkey meatballs with tzatziki, rice, Greek salad, and pita bread

How to Make Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki

Step 1 – Make the Tzatziki

Wrap grated cucumber in paper towels or cheesecloth and squeeze out excess liquid.
Add cucumber, yogurt, dill, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to a bowl.
Mix well, adjust seasoning, cover, and refrigerate while you prepare the meatballs.

Bowl of creamy dill tzatziki sauce with cucumber and black pepper

Step 2 – Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, onion, feta, garlic, egg, oregano, dill, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Mix with your hands until just combined—don’t overmix.

Step 3 – Shape and Bake (or Brown First)

Form into 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet.
Bake for 15–20 minutes until cooked through.
For extra flavor, brown meatballs in a skillet first, then bake for 13–15 minutes.

Step 4 – Serve and Enjoy

Serve meatballs warm with chilled tzatziki and lemon wedges on the side.
Add rice, salad, or pita for a full meal.

Tips for the Best Results

Always drain cucumber well for a thick, creamy sauce.
Use block feta for richer taste and better texture.
Browning before baking adds a golden crust and deeper flavor.
Adjust herbs and spices to suit your preference.

Serving Ideas

Main dish: Serve with rice or pilaf, roasted vegetables, salad, and warm pita.
Appetizer: Arrange with tzatziki, hummus, and lemon wedges.
Meal prep: Pack meatballs with grains, fresh veggies, and sauce in individual containers.

Greek turkey meatballs with rice, tzatziki, and Greek salad on a plate

FAQ

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken works well and will still be flavorful with the same seasoning.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Absolutely. Shape the meatballs, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day before cooking.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store cooked meatballs and tzatziki separately in airtight containers. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat meatballs in the oven or microwave until warmed through.