Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki are a fresh and tasty dish that brings together lean turkey, fragrant herbs like oregano and mint, and a cool, creamy cucumber yogurt sauce. The meatballs are juicy and packed with flavor, while the tzatziki adds a refreshing touch that balances everything perfectly.
I love making these meatballs because they’re lighter than traditional ones but still so satisfying. Mixing in garlic and lemon zest gives them a little zing that makes every bite exciting. And the tzatziki? It’s my favorite part—it feels like a little burst of summer every time I scoop it up with a meatball.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy this dish is to serve the meatballs on warm pita bread with extra tzatziki and a side of fresh salad. It’s simple, quick, and always a hit whether for a family dinner or when friends come over. Plus, it’s an easy way to add some Mediterranean vibes to your weeknight meals!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This is a lean option that keeps the meatballs light and tender. If you prefer, ground chicken or even lean ground beef can be used. Just watch cooking times as fat content changes.
Fresh Herbs: Dill and parsley bring classic Greek flavors. If fresh dill is hard to find, dried dill works but add less since it’s stronger. Mint also pairs nicely as a substitute for parsley.
Breadcrumbs & Egg: These bind the meatballs and keep them from falling apart. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed, or crushed crackers. For an egg-free version, a flax egg or chia egg can work.
Greek Yogurt: Full-fat Greek yogurt makes the tzatziki creamy and rich. You can swap for a dairy-free yogurt if needed, but the texture will be different. Strain regular yogurt if thicker texture is desired.
Cucumber: Grated and drained cucumber keeps the tzatziki fresh without watering it down. English cucumber is best since it has fewer seeds and less water.
How Do You Keep Turkey Meatballs Juicy and Tender?
Turkey can dry out quickly, so these tips help keep your meatballs moist:
- Don’t overmix: Combine ingredients gently—overworking the mixture makes meatballs dense.
- Add moisture: The onion, lemon juice, and egg add flavor and moisture.
- Cook carefully: Cook meatballs over medium heat and avoid high temperatures, which dry them out or burn the outside before they’re done inside.
- Rest after cooking: Let meatballs sit a few minutes off the heat to let juices redistribute.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – perfect for combining all your ingredients without spills.
- Non-stick skillet or frying pan – helps brown the meatballs evenly with less sticking.
- Measuring cups and spoons – keep your spices and herbs balanced for great flavor.
- Grater or box grater – handy for grating cucumber finely for the tzatziki sauce.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – ideal for gently turning meatballs without breaking them.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use ground chicken instead of turkey for a milder taste that’s just as juicy.
- Add crumbled feta cheese inside the meatballs for a salty, creamy surprise.
- Mix in finely chopped spinach or kale to boost nutrition and add color.
- Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes for a subtle smoky or spicy kick.
Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Turkey Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground turkey
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin (optional)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (full fat preferred)
- 1/2 cucumber, finely diced or grated and drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving & Garnish:
- Sliced cucumber
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Kalamata olives, whole or sliced
- Lemon wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, totaling around 30 minutes. Plus, you can chill the tzatziki sauce ahead of time to let the flavors blend for the freshest taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt with the finely diced or grated cucumber (make sure to squeeze out any extra water), minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, and olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cover the bowl and refrigerate while you get the meatballs ready, so the flavors meld together nicely.
2. Make the Meatball Mixture:
In a large bowl, gently combine the ground turkey, onion, garlic, parsley, dill, oregano, optional cumin, breadcrumbs, egg, lemon zest and juice, plus salt and pepper. Mix everything just until combined to keep the meatballs tender and moist.
3. Form the Meatballs:
Roll the mixture into small balls about 1.5 inches wide. You should have around 12 to 15 meatballs, perfect for a serving size.
4. Cook the Meatballs:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the meatballs in the pan without crowding them and cook, turning gently, for about 4-5 minutes per side. The meatballs should be golden brown outside and fully cooked inside (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
5. Serve:
Arrange the meatballs on a serving platter or individual bowls. Add dollops of the chilled tzatziki sauce alongside. Garnish with extra chopped dill and serve with sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
6. Enjoy!
These Greek turkey meatballs with tzatziki are delicious on their own or served with warm pita bread, a green salad, rice, or roasted vegetables for a wholesome meal full of fresh, bright flavors.
Can I Use Frozen Ground Turkey for the Meatballs?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw the turkey in the refrigerator overnight before making the meatballs. This helps ensure even cooking and a better texture.
Can I Make the Tzatziki Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the tzatziki a few hours or even a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. This allows the flavors to develop and makes your prep easier on the day you cook.
How Should I Store Leftover Meatballs and Tzatziki?
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep tzatziki separately in its own container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness. Reheat meatballs gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.
What Can I Serve Instead of Pita Bread?
If you want a low-carb option, serve the meatballs with a fresh salad or cauliflower rice. They’re also great over cooked quinoa, couscous, or alongside roasted vegetables for a hearty meal.
