Craving Something Light, Fresh, and Full of Flavor?
If you’re in the mood for something healthy yet satisfying, these Mediterranean turkey meatballs with tzatziki and Greek salad are exactly what your taste buds need. Picture juicy, herb-infused turkey meatballs paired with a cool, garlicky tzatziki sauce and a crisp, colorful Greek salad. It’s the ultimate trifecta of protein, veggies, and flavor!
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, prepping meals for the week, or hosting friends, this dish checks all the boxes. It’s high in protein, low in carbs, and packed with vibrant Mediterranean ingredients.
Let’s break down why this recipe is a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Lean & Protein-Packed – Ground turkey keeps things light without sacrificing flavor.
✔️ Bold Mediterranean Flavors – Fresh herbs, garlic, lemon zest, and warm spices give the meatballs a serious upgrade.
✔️ Perfect for Meal Prep – These reheat beautifully, making your weekday lunches a breeze.
✔️ Naturally Gluten-Free Friendly – Just swap breadcrumbs with almond flour.
✔️ Versatile Serving Options – Wrap in pita, serve over grains, or enjoy as part of a mezze platter.
Ingredients You’ll Need
🧆 For the Mediterranean Turkey Meatballs
| Ingredient | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|
| Ground turkey (93% lean) | A healthy, lean protein base |
| Breadcrumbs or almond flour | Binds the meatballs (almond flour for GF!) |
| Fresh parsley & mint | Brings bright, herbaceous Mediterranean flavor |
| Garlic & onion | Adds savory depth |
| Lemon zest | Enhances the freshness |
| Cumin & paprika | Earthy and warming |
| Feta cheese (optional) | Creamy, salty finish inside the meatballs |
🥒 For the Tzatziki Sauce
- Greek yogurt (or dairy-free alternative)
- Grated cucumber (salted and drained)
- Fresh dill
- Garlic
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
🥗 For the Greek Salad
- Chopped cucumbers
- Cherry tomatoes
- Red onion (thinly sliced)
- Kalamata olives
- Feta cheese
- Olive oil & red wine vinegar
Pro Tip: Always use fresh, high-quality ingredients—Mediterranean dishes shine when ingredients are simple but fresh!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Turkey Meatballs
Mix it up – In a large bowl, combine the turkey, breadcrumbs (or almond flour), chopped herbs, garlic, onion, lemon zest, and spices. Add feta if using.
Form the meatballs – Shape into 1.5-inch balls (yields about 20-24).
Cook –
- Pan-fry: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook meatballs for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Bake: Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
2. Make the Tzatziki Sauce
Drain cucumber – Grate cucumber, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 10 minutes. Then squeeze out as much water as possible.
Combine – Mix cucumber with Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill, and olive oil. Adjust salt to taste.
3. Assemble the Greek Salad
In a bowl, toss cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, olives, and feta. Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar. Add a pinch of oregano for a traditional touch!
Serving Suggestions & Variations
- 🔥 Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a subtle kick.
- 🌿 Swap the Herbs: Try oregano or basil in place of mint for a different herb profile.
- 🥙 How to Serve:
- Stuff into warm pita with tzatziki and salad.
- Serve over brown rice or quinoa for a grain bowl.
- Pair with roasted veggies for a low-carb plate.
Want more healthy Greek-inspired meals? Try my Lemon Garlic Chicken Souvlaki or Easy Homemade Hummus!
Why This Meal is a Nutritional Powerhouse
This dish is more than just delicious—it’s a nutrient-rich Mediterranean masterpiece:
✅ Protein-Packed: Turkey and Greek yogurt offer lean protein that keeps you full.
✅ Healthy Fats: Olive oil and olives deliver heart-healthy fats.
✅ Veggie-Powered: Loaded with fresh veggies and herbs for vitamins and fiber.
✅ Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Options: Easily adaptable to fit dietary needs.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
A: Yes! Cooked meatballs can be stored in the fridge for 3–4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I substitute ground chicken?
A: Absolutely. Ground chicken works just as well and still holds onto all the Mediterranean flavor.
Q: Is tzatziki sauce gluten-free?
A: Yep! Just make sure your yogurt and spices are certified gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
These Mediterranean turkey meatballs with tzatziki and Greek salad are a vibrant, wholesome, and crowd-pleasing meal that comes together effortlessly. With bold flavor, fresh ingredients, and flexible serving options, this recipe earns a spot in your regular rotation.
Try it out, and don’t forget to tag me on social media with your creation—I love seeing your delicious spins on my recipes!
More Mediterranean Recipes You’ll Love:
- 🌿 Easy Greek Lemon Potatoes
- 🌶️ Healthy Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers
- 🧄 Creamy Feta Dip with Roasted Red Peppers
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