Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Versatile: The meatballs are loaded with feta, garlic, onion, and aromatic herbs for an authentic Mediterranean taste.
• High in Protein: Ground turkey and Greek yogurt pack a protein punch, making this a nutritious choice.
• Meal Prep Friendly: These meatballs and tzatziki can be prepared in advance, perfect for quick lunches or dinners.
• Customizable: Serve with rice, pita bread, or a fresh salad to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meatballs:

• Ground turkey
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Red onion, finely chopped
• Feta cheese, crumbled
• Garlic, minced
• Egg
• Dried oregano
• Dried dill
• Ground cumin
• Salt and pepper

For the Tzatziki:

• Plain Greek yogurt
• Persian cucumbers, grated
• Fresh dill, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Directions

1. Prepare the Tzatziki:
   • Grate the cucumbers and squeeze out excess moisture.
   • In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, fresh dill, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined. Cover and refrigerate.
2. Make the Meatballs:
   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, red onion, feta cheese, garlic, egg, oregano, dill, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
   • Roll the mixture into small meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
   • Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden.
3. Serve:
   • Serve the meatballs with tzatziki sauce on the side. Add rice, pita, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: About 4 servings
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Protein Swap: Substitute ground chicken or beef for turkey.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Dairy-Free Version: Skip the feta in the meatballs and use a dairy-free yogurt for the tzatziki.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store meatballs and tzatziki separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm meatballs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Thaw tzatziki overnight in the fridge and stir before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, both the meatballs and tzatziki can be prepared in advance and stored for easy meal prep.

2. Can I grill the meatballs instead of baking them?

Absolutely! Use skewers or a grill pan to cook the meatballs over medium heat until browned and cooked through.

3. What’s the best way to squeeze moisture out of the cucumbers?

Use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to wring out the grated cucumbers thoroughly.

4. Can I use regular cucumbers for the tzatziki?

Yes, but remove the seeds and peel before grating for a smoother texture.

5. How can I make the meatballs extra tender?

Avoid overmixing the meat mixture, as it can make the meatballs dense.

6. What other dips go well with these meatballs?

Hummus or baba ganoush are great alternatives to tzatziki.

7. Can I freeze uncooked meatballs?

Yes, freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.

8. Is there a vegan version of tzatziki?

Yes, use dairy-free yogurt and skip the meatballs or make plant-based ones.

9. What’s a good side dish for this recipe?

Try lemon rice, Greek salad, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

10. Can I use store-bought tzatziki?

Certainly, but homemade tzatziki has a fresher taste and is easy to make.

Conclusion

Greek Turkey Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki is a must-try recipe for fans of Mediterranean flavors. It’s easy to make, versatile, and packed with wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the vibrant taste of the Mediterranean from the comfort of your home!