Ingredients
Scale
For the Turkey Meatballs
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for a gluten-free option)
- 1 large egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and excess liquid squeezed out
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley or dill
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, cumin, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatballs dense.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
- Scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball between your palms. Repeat until all the mixture is used, forming approximately 20 meatballs.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Cook the meatballs for 3-4 minutes per side, turning occasionally to ensure they brown evenly. They should be golden brown on the outside and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the cooked meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 4: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
- While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, dill, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined. Adjust the seasoning to taste. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Step 5: Serve
- Plate the meatballs with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill and serve with your choice of sides, such as warm pita bread, rice, or a Greek salad.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 4-5 meatballs with 2 tablespoons of tzatziki
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g