Greek-Style Turkey Meatballs with Creamy Tzatziki

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines the best of Mediterranean flavors into a light and satisfying meal. The turkey meatballs are tender and packed with savory herbs and spices like oregano, cumin, and parsley, while the tzatziki sauce adds a cool, refreshing contrast with its creamy texture and tangy flavor. The addition of dry-roasted almonds in the meatballs provides an extra crunch and richness, making these meatballs both satisfying and flavorful. It’s a perfect recipe for weeknights, meal prep, or entertaining guests with a delicious, healthy twist.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:
1 lb ground turkey
½ cup dry-roasted ground almonds
2 tbsp olive oil (1 for scallions, 1 for cooking meatballs)
3 scallions, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp ground cumin
1 tsp lemon zest
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper

For the Tzatziki:
1 cup Greek yogurt
½ cup cucumber, grated & squeezed dry
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

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

Directions

For the Meatballs:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or heat a skillet over medium heat if cooking on the stovetop.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, dry-roasted ground almonds, diced scallions, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, ground cumin, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle in the olive oil (1 tbsp) and mix everything together until well combined.
3. Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1½ inches in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, or if cooking in a skillet, arrange them in the pan.
4. If baking, cook the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and golden brown on the outside. If cooking in a skillet, heat the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat, then cook the meatballs for 6-7 minutes on each side, turning them gently until they are fully cooked and golden brown.
5. Remove from the oven or skillet and set aside.

For the Tzatziki:

1. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeezed dry), minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
2. Stir well until everything is fully incorporated and creamy.
3. Refrigerate the tzatziki sauce until ready to serve.

To Serve:

Serve the Greek-style turkey meatballs warm with a generous dollop of creamy tzatziki sauce on top or on the side for dipping. You can also serve them with a side of pita bread, a fresh salad, or even over rice for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Total Time: 35 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add Spices: Feel free to customize the flavor of the meatballs by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or cinnamon for a sweet, earthy flavor.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free thanks to the ground almonds. Just be sure your almonds are processed in a gluten-free facility if needed.
• Make it Dairy-Free: If you’re dairy-free, substitute the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt, and use a non-dairy option for the tzatziki.
• Add Veggies: For extra nutrition, add finely grated carrots or zucchini to the meatball mixture for added moisture and a veggie boost.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover meatballs and tzatziki sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat meatballs in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. The tzatziki can be served cold, or you can gently warm it by placing it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds (though it’s best enjoyed chilled).

FAQs

1. Can I use ground beef or chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, you can use ground beef or chicken in place of ground turkey for a different flavor profile. Ground chicken is a good alternative if you prefer a lighter meatball.

2. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the meatballs in advance. Shape them and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Alternatively, you can freeze uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months and bake or cook them from frozen.

3. Can I use store-bought tzatziki sauce?

While homemade tzatziki is easy to prepare and much fresher, you can use store-bought tzatziki if you’re in a pinch. Just make sure to choose a good-quality, creamy version.

4. Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?

Yes, baking the meatballs is a great option for a healthier version. Bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes until they are golden and cooked through.

5. Can I make this recipe without almonds?

Yes, if you don’t have ground almonds, you can substitute with breadcrumbs or another nut flour like cashew flour. The almonds add moisture and texture, but other options will work too.

6. Can I make the tzatziki without fresh dill?

If you don’t have fresh dill, you can substitute with dried dill (use about 1 tsp), or you can use fresh mint or oregano for a different flavor profile.

7. Can I serve these meatballs in a pita?

Yes, serving these meatballs in pita bread with tzatziki and some fresh veggies (like cucumber, tomatoes, and onions) makes a delicious and portable meal.

8. How can I make the tzatziki thicker?

If you prefer a thicker tzatziki, use a thicker Greek yogurt or strain the yogurt to remove some of the excess liquid before mixing.

9. Can I make these meatballs spicy?

Yes, you can add some crushed red pepper flakes, chili powder, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture to add some heat.

10. Can I serve these meatballs with a side dish?

Absolutely! These meatballs pair beautifully with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a Greek salad with olives, cucumbers, and feta cheese.

Conclusion

Greek-Style Turkey Meatballs with Creamy Tzatziki is a flavorful and healthy Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s easy to make and full of fresh, vibrant ingredients. The turkey meatballs are perfectly seasoned with herbs and spices, and the creamy tzatziki adds a refreshing contrast. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, meal prepping for the week, or bringing it to a gathering, this dish is sure to impress with its rich flavors and satisfying texture. Enjoy!

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