Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki (Print Version)

Juicy Mediterranean-spiced turkey meatballs paired with cool, creamy tzatziki sauce for an easy, flavorful weeknight dinner.

# Ingredients:

→ For the Greek Turkey Meatballs

01 - 450 g ground turkey (preferably lean)
02 - 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
03 - 1 large egg
04 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
06 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
07 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
11 - Olive oil for cooking (if pan-frying)

→ For the Tzatziki Sauce

12 - 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat or low-fat)
13 - 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
14 - 1 garlic clove, minced
15 - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
16 - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
17 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
18 - Salt and pepper to taste

# Steps to Follow:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined. Avoid over-mixing to prevent toughness. Roll the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter). This should yield approximately 16-20 meatballs.
02 - Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden brown.
03 - Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Add meatballs in batches, cooking for 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
04 - Preheat the air fryer to 193°C (380°F). Place meatballs in the basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through.
05 - Grate the cucumber and drain it using a paper towel or cheesecloth to remove excess moisture. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill, and olive oil. Stir well, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
06 - Serve the turkey meatballs with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce on the side. Pair with pita bread, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.