Turkey Greek Meatballs – Easy Healthy Mediterranean Dinner

Looking for a healthy dinner packed with flavor? These Turkey Greek Meatballs are just what you need. They’re juicy, seasoned with herbs, and paired with a creamy homemade tzatziki. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding the whole family, this dish is quick, simple, and satisfying.

Inspired by traditional Greek and Mediterranean diet recipes, these meatballs use lean ground turkey. They’re baked, not fried, which keeps them light. Plus, the ingredients are wholesome and easy to find. Serve them with rice, salad, or pita for a complete, balanced meal.

This recipe is perfect if you’re trying to add more healthy ground turkey recipes for dinner to your rotation. It’s great for meal prep too. Leftovers keep well and taste just as good the next day.

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Why You’ll Love These Greek Turkey Meatballs

These meatballs are fast, flavorful, and healthy. They come together in under 40 minutes, including the sauce. You won’t need special equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s a reliable healthy meatball dinner that works for any night of the week.

They’re also versatile. Serve them as an appetizer, stuff them into a pita, or enjoy them with your favorite grain. They’re naturally gluten-free and packed with protein. And because they use turkey, they’re leaner than Mediterranean beef recipes, but just as tasty.

What Makes Them Mediterranean?

These meatballs feature classic Greek ingredients. Think fresh herbs, lemon zest, garlic, and olive oil. The flavor is bright and herby, not heavy. Paired with tzatziki, a tangy yogurt and cucumber sauce, the dish feels refreshing and light.

Using turkey keeps the dish lean, which aligns well with Mediterranean diet recipes. This way, you get all the satisfaction of a rich meal—without the heaviness.

Ingredients for the Meatballs and Tzatziki

Here’s what you’ll need for this easy, delicious dinner:

For the meatballs:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• ¼ cup finely diced red onion
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup chopped parsley
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Optional: ¼ cup almond flour or crumbled feta

For the tzatziki:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
• Salt and pepper to taste

These ingredients are pantry staples in many homes. You can also swap in ground chicken if turkey isn’t available.

How to Make Turkey Greek Meatballs Step by Step

1. Preheat your oven.
Set it to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.

2. Mix the meatball ingredients.
In a large bowl, combine turkey, onion, garlic, egg, herbs, lemon zest, and spices. Mix until just combined.

3. Shape the meatballs.
Form 1-inch balls using your hands or a small scoop. Place them evenly on the baking sheet.

4. Bake.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and reach 165°F inside.

5. Make the tzatziki.
Combine all tzatziki ingredients in a bowl. Mix well. Let it chill in the fridge while the meatballs cook.

6. Serve.
Plate the meatballs with a side of tzatziki. Add salad, roasted veggies, or pita if desired.

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Creamy Tzatziki – The Perfect Pairing

Tzatziki brings freshness to this dish. Its cool, tangy flavor complements the savory meatballs. It also adds creaminess without using heavy sauces.

Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the best texture. Be sure to squeeze the cucumber dry so the sauce isn’t watery. If you like extra garlic or lemon, feel free to adjust to taste.

Tzatziki keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days. Use leftovers as a dip, sandwich spread, or salad dressing.

Make-Ahead Tips for Easy Healthy Dinner Recipes for Family

Planning meals for the week? These meatballs are great for prepping ahead. Make a double batch and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them after baking.

Reheat in the oven or microwave. They stay moist and flavorful. Tzatziki can also be made ahead and stored in a sealed container. This makes these meatballs one of the best easy healthy dinner recipes for family or singles alike.

Healthy Swaps for Ground Turkey and Mediterranean Recipes

This dish is already light, but you can adjust it even more. Add shredded zucchini or spinach to the mix for more veggies. Use ground chicken if needed. Or add almond flour instead of breadcrumbs to keep it low-carb.

Even though it’s inspired by Mediterranean beef recipes, turkey is a great substitute. It’s leaner and still packed with flavor. These swaps make it one of the most flexible ground turkey recipes for dinner healthy options out there.

Serving Ideas for a Complete Healthy Meatball Dinner

Here are some ways to enjoy your turkey Greek meatballs:

• Over rice, quinoa, or farro
• In warm pita with lettuce, tomatoes, and tzatziki
• With roasted vegetables or grilled eggplant
• With a side of Greek salad
• In a grain bowl with hummus and olives

These serving options help you create easy healthy dinner recipes for two or scale up for a family feast.

Nutrition Benefits of Turkey Greek Meatballs

These meatballs are high in protein, lower in fat, and rich in herbs and flavor. They’re baked instead of fried, which cuts back on oil. Greek yogurt in the sauce adds probiotics and calcium.

This dish fits well with the Mediterranean diet—a way of eating linked to heart health and long-term wellness. If you’re looking for more healthy steak dinner recipes alternatives, turkey meatballs are a great choice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure perfect meatballs every time:

• Don’t overmix the meat—it makes them dense.
• Use a binder like egg or almond flour to help them hold shape.
• Avoid skipping the lemon zest—it adds fresh flavor.
• Bake evenly spaced meatballs to avoid steaming.

These small steps lead to better texture and taste.

Helpful Kitchen Tools for Easy Prep

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Microplane for lemon zest
• Garlic press or mincer
• Measuring spoons
• Meat thermometer

These tools save time and help keep your cooking efficient.

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FAQs About Turkey Greek Meatballs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes. Just be sure it has some fat for moisture.

How do I make it dairy-free?
Use a plant-based yogurt for the tzatziki. Skip the feta in the meatballs.

Do these freeze well?
Definitely. Freeze them cooked, then reheat when ready.

Can I pan-fry instead of bake?
Yes, but baking is quicker and uses less oil.

What other herbs can I use?
Try mint, thyme, or basil for variation.

Conclusion

These Turkey Greek Meatballs are more than just delicious—they’re practical, healthy, and easy to make. They check all the boxes: quick prep, Mediterranean flavor, and clean ingredients. You can make them ahead, serve them in different ways, and feel good about what you’re eating.

Whether you’re cooking for one, two, or an entire family, this dish offers something for everyone. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to week after week. So go ahead—try it tonight, and enjoy a wholesome, flavorful dinner that’s anything but boring.

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