Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki & Tomato Salad

Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki & Tomato Salad

Mia

These Greek-inspired turkey meatballs bring the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to your dinner table with a healthy, protein-packed twist. Ground turkey is seasoned with aromatic oregano, fresh mint, garlic, and a hint of lemon zest, creating tender, juicy meatballs that are baked to golden perfection. The lean protein makes this dish ideal for those following a Mediterranean diet while keeping calories in check without sacrificing flavor.

The accompanying homemade tzatziki sauce is a cool, creamy complement that balances the warm, herb-infused meatballs beautifully. Made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and fresh dill, this traditional sauce adds probiotic benefits and a refreshing tang. The bright tomato-cucumber salad, dressed simply with olive oil and lemon juice, provides a crisp, fresh counterpoint that rounds out the meal with additional vegetables and heart-healthy fats.

This dish embodies the essence of Mediterranean cooking: simple, fresh ingredients prepared with care to highlight their natural flavors. The combination of lean protein, vegetables, and healthy fats creates a balanced meal that's both satisfying and nourishing. Whether you're meal prepping for the week or hosting a casual dinner party, these meatballs are versatile enough to serve over rice, with pita bread, or simply alongside the salad for a lighter option.

Nutrition

40 minutes
None servings
385 calories
Fat 18.00g
Carbs 22.00g
Protein 36.00g

Ingredients

1.5 lbsground turkey, preferably 93% lean
3 tbspfresh mint, finely chopped
2 tbspfresh oregano, finely chopped, or 2 tsp dried
3 clovesgarlic, minced
1 tsplemon zest
1/3 cuppanko breadcrumbs
1 largeegg, lightly beaten
1 tspsalt
1/2 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
2 tbspolive oil, for brushing meatballs
1 cupGreek yogurt, plain, full-fat or 2%
1 mediumcucumber, grated and excess moisture squeezed out
2 tbspfresh dill, finely chopped
1 clovegarlic, minced
1 tbsplemon juice, freshly squeezed
1/4 tspsalt, for tzatziki
2 cupscherry tomatoes, halved
1 mediumcucumber, diced
1/4 cupred onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cupkalamata olives, pitted and halved (optional)
2 tbspextra virgin olive oil, for salad
1 tbsplemon juice, for salad
1/2 tspdried oregano, for salad
salt and pepper, to taste for salad

Equipment

Cutting board
Parchment paper
Oven
large mixing bowl
chef's knife
kitchen towel or paper towels
medium mixing bowl
meat thermometer
measuring cups and spoons
large baking sheet
pastry brush
box grater

80/20 Diet

This recipe exemplifies the 80/20 principle with over 80% nutrient-dense whole foods including lean turkey, fresh vegetables, Greek yogurt, herbs, and olive oil, while the small amount of panko breadcrumbs represents a minimal processed component that adds texture without compromising nutritional quality.

Clean Eating

This recipe embodies clean eating with whole, minimally processed ingredients including fresh ground turkey, fresh herbs, Greek yogurt, and raw vegetables. It avoids artificial additives, preservatives, and heavily processed components, focusing instead on recognizable whole foods prepared simply.

DASH Diet

Perfect for the DASH Diet with lean ground turkey as the protein source, minimal added sodium (controlled through fresh ingredients and herbs), abundant vegetables, and heart-healthy olive oil. The Greek yogurt provides low-fat dairy while fresh herbs and lemon juice deliver flavor without excess salt.

Diabetic Diet

This recipe supports blood sugar management with lean protein from turkey, low-glycemic vegetables, minimal carbohydrates from a small amount of breadcrumbs, and healthy fats from olive oil. The high protein and fiber content helps stabilize blood sugar levels while avoiding refined sugars and processed ingredients.

Flexible Dieting

This recipe fits flexible dieting principles with measurable portions and balanced macros from quality protein, vegetables, and healthy fats. All ingredients are whole and nutrient-dense, demonstrating how satisfying, flavorful meals can fit into a balanced macro-based approach.

Gluten-Free Diet

This recipe is naturally gluten-free when using gluten-free panko breadcrumbs, as all other ingredients (turkey, fresh herbs, vegetables, Greek yogurt, olive oil, and olives) are naturally free from wheat, barley, and rye.

Heart-Healthy Diet

This recipe is heart-healthy with lean ground turkey, extra virgin olive oil providing monounsaturated fats, abundant vegetables rich in antioxidants, and minimal saturated fat. The dish avoids processed meats and fried foods while incorporating Mediterranean ingredients known for cardiovascular benefits.

High-Protein Diet

This recipe is excellent for high-protein diets, delivering 30-35g of protein per serving from lean ground turkey and Greek yogurt, while keeping the meal balanced with vegetables and healthy fats to support muscle maintenance and satiety.

IIFYM (If It Fits Your Macros)

This recipe is excellent for macro tracking with clearly portioned ingredients providing balanced macronutrients: lean protein from turkey (approximately 25-30g per serving), moderate carbohydrates from vegetables and breadcrumbs, and healthy fats from olive oil, making it easy to fit into personalized macro targets.

Intermittent Fasting

This nutrient-dense meal is ideal for eating windows during intermittent fasting, providing high-quality lean protein from turkey, healthy fats from olive oil, probiotics from Greek yogurt, and fiber-rich vegetables to promote satiety and stable blood sugar throughout fasting periods.

Intuitive Eating

This recipe supports intuitive eating by offering a satisfying, balanced meal with diverse flavors and textures that honor both taste preferences and nutritional needs. The combination of protein, vegetables, and healthy fats creates natural satiety without restriction or food rules.

Macro Diet

Perfect for flexible dieting with well-balanced macronutrients from lean turkey protein, controlled carbohydrates from vegetables and minimal breadcrumbs, and healthy fats from olive oil. The recipe uses whole, nutrient-dense ingredients with clear portions that are easy to track and log.

Mayo Clinic Diet

This recipe follows Mayo Clinic Diet principles with lean ground turkey, abundant vegetables in the salad, whole food ingredients, Greek yogurt for protein, and healthy fats from olive oil. It avoids processed foods and refined ingredients while providing a balanced, nutrient-dense meal with appropriate portions.

Mediterranean Diet

This recipe exemplifies Mediterranean eating with its emphasis on lean turkey, extra virgin olive oil, fresh herbs (mint, oregano, dill), Greek yogurt, and abundant vegetables. The dish avoids processed ingredients and red meat while featuring heart-healthy fats, whole food ingredients, and traditional Mediterranean flavors like lemon, garlic, and Kalamata olives.

Mindful Eating

This recipe encourages mindful eating through its variety of textures (tender meatballs, creamy tzatziki, crisp salad), vibrant colors, aromatic fresh herbs, and layered flavors that invite slow, conscious consumption and sensory appreciation of whole, minimally processed ingredients.

Weight Watchers

This recipe aligns with Weight Watchers principles by featuring lean protein (93% lean ground turkey), non-starchy vegetables, minimal added fats, and Greek yogurt. The dish emphasizes whole, unprocessed ingredients and portion control while remaining satisfying and flavorful without heavy creams or excessive oils.

Instructions

1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.

2 min
2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped mint, oregano, minced garlic (3 cloves), lemon zest, panko breadcrumbs, beaten egg, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.

3

Using your hands or a wooden spoon, gently mix all the meatball ingredients together until just combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make the meatballs tough.

2 min
4

Shape the mixture into 16-20 meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter (roughly 2 tablespoons each). Roll them between your palms to create smooth, round balls.

5 min
5

Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Lightly brush the tops with olive oil to help them brown.

2 min
6

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, until they're golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

20 min
7

While the meatballs are baking, prepare the tzatziki sauce. Grate the cucumber and place it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Squeeze firmly to remove as much excess moisture as possible.

3 min
8

In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, squeezed cucumber, chopped dill, minced garlic (1 clove), 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1/4 tsp salt. Stir well to combine.

9

Mix the tzatziki thoroughly and taste, adjusting salt and lemon juice as needed. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

1 min
10

Prepare the tomato salad by combining halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, and Kalamata olives (if using) in a large bowl.

11

Drizzle the salad with 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.

12

Toss the salad gently to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing. Set aside at room temperature until serving.

1 min
13

Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for 2-3 minutes. Serve the warm meatballs with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce and the fresh tomato salad on the side.

3 min

Frequently Asked Questions