Best Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce
These juicy turkey meatballs paired with a creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce are a healthy and flavorful alternative to traditional meatballs. The turkey provides a leaner option while still delivering on flavor, and the homemade tzatziki sauce adds a refreshing, cool contrast to the warm meatballs. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a light dinner, or a meal prep option, these turkey meatballs with tzatziki sauce are sure to impress.
These turkey meatballs are tender and packed with Mediterranean flavors, from the herbs and spices to the garlic and onion. The tzatziki sauce—made with cucumber, yogurt, and dill—provides a fresh and creamy element that balances the richness of the meatballs. Every bite is a satisfying combination of savory and refreshing, making these meatballs the perfect option for anyone craving something light yet hearty. You’ll love the crisp texture and the cool, creamy tzatziki that complements the savory flavors of the turkey meatballs.
Tools to Use
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet or skillet
- Spoon or small ice cream scoop
- Cheese grater (for cucumber)
- Whisk (for tzatziki sauce)
Ingredients
For the Turkey Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Form the Meatballs: Using your hands or a spoon, form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out evenly.
- Cook the Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through. For an extra crispy exterior, you can broil them for the last 2 minutes of cooking time, but keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined and smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Once the meatballs are cooked, serve them with a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce on top or on the side for dipping.
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Best Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet or skillet
- Spoon or small ice cream scoop
- Cheese grater (for cucumber)
- Whisk (for tzatziki sauce)
Ingredients
- For the Turkey Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
- For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt full-fat or low-fat
- 1/2 cucumber grated and excess water squeezed out
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Form the Meatballs: Using your hands or a spoon, form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out evenly.
- Cook the Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through. For an extra crispy exterior, you can broil them for the last 2 minutes of cooking time, but keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined and smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Once the meatballs are cooked, serve them with a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce on top or on the side for dipping.
Tips for Cooking
- For Moist Meatballs: The combination of breadcrumbs, egg, and Parmesan cheese helps to keep the turkey meatballs moist. Avoid overcooking them to maintain their tender texture.
- Cucumber Tip: After grating the cucumber for the tzatziki sauce, be sure to squeeze out any excess water to prevent the sauce from becoming too watery.
- Make Ahead: These meatballs can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.
- Serve Variations: Serve these meatballs with a side of rice, salad, or wrapped in pita bread with extra tzatziki sauce for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Why They Should Try This Recipe
This turkey meatball recipe is not only healthy and delicious but also incredibly versatile. The tender, savory meatballs paired with the fresh, tangy tzatziki sauce create a flavor combination that is both satisfying and refreshing. It’s a great meal for those looking for something lighter but still full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving guests, these turkey meatballs with tzatziki sauce will surely be a hit.
We hope you enjoy making these turkey meatballs with tzatziki sauce as much as we do! They are perfect for a light, delicious meal or a healthy snack. With the combination of juicy meatballs and a refreshing yogurt-based sauce, this recipe is a must-try for any lover of Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Happy cooking!
