If you’re craving the fresh and wholesome flavors of the Mediterranean, these Healthy Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki are exactly what you need! Juicy, herby, and full of protein, these turkey meatballs are paired with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce that makes every bite irresistible.
This recipe is simple, balanced, and perfect for meal prep. Whether you serve it in bowls, wraps, or salads, it brings a burst of sunshine and flavor to your weekly meals.
Why You’ll Love These Mediterranean Meatballs
I’m always looking for flavorful yet healthy recipes that make meal prep easy — and these Greek-inspired turkey meatballs have become one of my favorites. They’re quick to prepare, easy to cook, and use ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
The secret? Lean ground turkey! It’s a lighter, high-protein alternative to beef or pork and stays tender when mixed with herbs, garlic, and red onion. Then, a drizzle (or a big spoonful!) of homemade tzatziki takes the dish to another level — creamy, cool, and bursting with flavor.
What You’ll Need
You only need a handful of everyday ingredients to make these delicious Healthy Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki. Each one plays a role in creating the perfect Mediterranean flavor balance.
Ingredients for the Meatballs:
- Ground Turkey (1 lb): Choose 93/7 lean ground turkey for juicy, flavorful meatballs that don’t dry out.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Brings that classic Mediterranean aroma and depth.
- Red Onion (¼, grated or finely chopped): Adds moisture and a subtle tang.
- Breadcrumbs (½ cup): Helps hold everything together. You can use almond flour instead for a gluten-free version.
- Egg (1 large): Acts as a binder for perfectly shaped meatballs.
- Fresh Dill (¼ cup, chopped): Gives the meatballs their fresh, herby Greek flavor.
- Dried Oregano (½ tablespoon): Adds that earthy, aromatic touch.
- Salt (1 teaspoon) & Pepper (½ teaspoon): Essential for seasoning.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): For frying — you can substitute with avocado or coconut oil if you prefer.
For the Tzatziki Sauce (Half Batch):
You can follow your favorite homemade tzatziki recipe — but here’s a quick version:
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cucumber, grated and squeezed
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix everything together and chill while you cook the meatballs.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll want to have ready before you start cooking:
- Large mixing bowl
- Grater or fine knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Nonstick skillet or sauté pan
- Meat thermometer (optional but helpful!)
How to Make Greek Turkey Meatballs
Making these Mediterranean meatballs is quick, easy, and rewarding!
- Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, garlic, grated red onion, egg, breadcrumbs (or almond flour), dill, oregano, salt, and pepper. Gently mix with your hands or a spoon — don’t overmix or the meatballs will turn dense. - Form the Meatballs:
Divide the mixture into 14 evenly sized portions. Roll them into balls using slightly oiled hands or a small ice cream scoop. - Cook the Meatballs:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs and cook for 7–8 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides. Tip: If you have a meat thermometer, check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe and juicy results. - Prepare the Tzatziki:
While the meatballs cook, whip up the quick tzatziki sauce by mixing all the ingredients together. Let it chill in the fridge for about 10 minutes so the flavors blend beautifully. - Serve and Enjoy:
Arrange your cooked meatballs on a plate, drizzle generously with tzatziki, and enjoy!
These meatballs are incredible with a side of rice, roasted veggies, or a Greek tomato cucumber salad.
Recipe Tips
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well — it’ll give you a lighter flavor but still pair beautifully with tzatziki.
How do I make the meatballs gluten-free?
Just swap the breadcrumbs for almond flour or your favorite gluten-free alternative. The texture stays perfect!
Why are my meatballs tough?
That usually means they were overmixed or overcooked. Mix only until combined and cook just until they hit 165°F — no more!
What goes well with these Greek turkey meatballs?
They’re super versatile. Serve with roasted veggies, basmati or brown rice, or stuff them into pita bread with lettuce, tomato, and extra tzatziki for a handheld meal.
Healthy Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki
- Total Time: 40 min
Description
These Healthy Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki are a fresh and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired meal. They’re made with lean ground turkey, herbs, and garlic — then paired with creamy homemade tzatziki. Perfect for healthy meal prep bowls, wraps, or salads!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
1 lb (450g) lean ground turkey (93/7)
2 garlic cloves, minced
¼ red onion, grated or finely chopped
1 egg, lightly beaten
½ cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free)
¼ cup fresh dill, chopped
½ tbsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Tzatziki (half batch):
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
¼ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
1 small garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp fresh dill, chopped
Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Mix the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, garlic, red onion, egg, breadcrumbs, dill, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until everything is evenly incorporated. -
Form the Meatballs
Divide the mixture into 14 portions and roll into evenly sized balls. Lightly oil your hands to prevent sticking. -
Cook the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 7–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). -
Make the Tzatziki
In a small bowl, stir together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Chill for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld. -
Serve and Enjoy
Serve the meatballs warm, drizzled with tzatziki sauce. Delicious over rice, couscous, or alongside a tomato cucumber feta salad!
Notes
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture — this keeps them juicy and tender.
- You can bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes if you prefer an oven method.
- Fresh dill gives the most authentic Greek flavor, but dried dill works in a pinch.
- Double the tzatziki recipe if you love extra sauce (you probably will!).
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Meal Prep
- Method: Stovetop / Skillet
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
