Mediterranean Greek Turkey Meatballs with Homemade Yogurt Sauce & Fresh Salad
These Greek-inspired turkey meatballs are flavored with garlic, parsley, oregano, and lemon for a bright Mediterranean taste. They are baked or pan-seared until tender and served with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce and a refreshing tomato-cucumber salad. The dish is light yet satisfying and packed with protein and nutrients.
Time Required
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: ~40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Turkey Meatballs
500 g ground turkey
1/3 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp ground cumin (optional but flavorful)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
Zest of ½ lemon
Homemade Yogurt Sauce (Greek Tzatziki-Style)
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 small cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp fresh dill or parsley
Pinch salt & pepper
Mediterranean Salad
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, chopped
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl combine:
ground turkey
breadcrumbs
egg
garlic
parsley
oregano
cumin
lemon zest
salt and pepper
Mix gently until combined (avoid overmixing to keep them tender).
2. Shape the Meatballs
Form the mixture into small golf-ball sized meatballs (about 16–18 meatballs).
3. Cook the Meatballs
Option 1 – Bake (Healthier)
Preheat oven to 200°C / 400°F
Place meatballs on a lined baking tray
Drizzle with olive oil
Bake 18–20 minutes until cooked through.
Option 2 – Pan Cook
Heat olive oil in a skillet
Cook meatballs 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally until browned and fully cooked.
4. Make the Yogurt Sauce
In a bowl combine:
Greek yogurt
grated cucumber
garlic
lemon juice
olive oil
dill
Mix well and refrigerate until serving.
5. Prepare the Salad
In a salad bowl mix:
tomatoes
cucumber
red onion
feta cheese
Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
6. Serve
Plate the turkey meatballs, drizzle with yogurt sauce, and serve alongside the Mediterranean salad.
Optional additions:
warm pita bread
brown rice
quinoa
Nutritional Value
Calories 350–420 kcal
Protein 32–38 g
Carbohydrates 12–18 g
Fat 16–20 g
Fiber 3–4 g