These Greek Turkey Meatballs are great with tzatziki sauce (cucumber-yogurt sauce) and served over rice with chickpea salad or as an appetizer. Great for meal prep too!
Meatballs from Greece with Turkey
We love Mediterranean and Greek food and make sure to eat it whenever we can. They were delicious with ground turkey and lots and lots of shredded zucchini. These Greek Turkey Meatballs are also known as Keftedes. They are traditionally made from lamb or beef. For more Greek-inspired recipes try Spiralized Greek Cucumber Salad, Naked Greek Turkey-Feta Burgers, and Chicken Kebab Salad, to name a few.
What is the origin of Greek turkey meatballs?
These healthy ground turkey meatballs have a lot of Greek flavor.
- Ground Turkey: 93% lean ground turkey
- Vegetables:Red onion, zucchini grate
- Binders:These meatballs are made with whole wheat bread, seasoned whole grain breadcrumbs, and eggs.
- Herbs, Seasonings, & Aromatics: Fresh oregano and spearmint, as well as salt, pepper,, and garlic
How to make Greek Turkey Meatballs
These meatballs were great for pan-frying, but they’re also great on the grill. Because of the moisture in the zucchini, the meatballs are delicate. They don’t hold their round shape, so they will look more like mini patties (their shape also helps it cook in the center). If you are going to grill the meat, it is best to refrigerate it.
How to Prep and Freeze Meatballs
This Greek turkey meatball recipe can be made ahead. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also add them to salads or sandwiches throughout the week. These Greek Chicken Meal Prep Rice Bowls are great with meatballs. You can also freeze cooked meatballs, up to three months. They can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator and then microwaved until they are warm.
What to serve with Greek Turkey Meatballs
Healthy tzatziki, made from Greek yogurt, is my favorite sauce for Greek turkey meatballs. Here are some ideas on how to serve these meatballs and the sauce.
- Greek Turkey Meatball bowlsServe over rice, orzo, with cucumber, tomatoes and feta.
- Pita:Make a sandwich, add tomato and lettuce to make a healthy gyro.
- As a Main: Side dishes include roasted cauliflower, Greek Mac and Cheese, and Mediterranean Bean Salad.
- As an Appetizer To each meatball, add a drizzle of tzatziki.
- Add to a Salad Add the meatballs to any Greek salad.
Variations of Greek Turkey Meatballs
- Meat: You can substitute ground turkey for turkey.
- Herbs: Any of the herbs can be replaced with dill or basil, or marjoram.
- Spices:To make them spicy, add crushed red pepper.
- Vegetables: Subgrate zucchini for frozen chopped spinach, and thaw with all the liquid squeezed.
More Meatball Recipes You’ll Love:
Meatballs from Greece with Turkey
Tzatziki sauce is used to glaze Greek Turkey Meatballs. They are great served over rice, with chickpeas salad, or as appetizers. These meatballs are great for making ahead meals.
- 1.25 lbs 93% lean ground turkey
- 1 Cup grated zucchini, Get liquid out well
- 2 Slices Whole wheat bread, Gluten-free bread
- 1/4 Cup Whole wheat breadcrumbs with seasoning, Panko gluten-free or
- 1 large egg
- 3 Cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/4 Red onion, I grated the potatoes (I used my mini food processor).
- 2 tbsp Fresh oregano, Chop the meat (or less if you use it dry).
- 1/4 Cup Fresh parsley, Chop
- 2 tbsp Fresh spearmint, chopped, chopped
- 1 tsp Fresh black pepper and kosher salt
- Olive oil cooking spray
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Make sure to moisten the bread with water. Divide into small pieces, then place in a large bowl.
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Combine with turkey, egg and zucchini, breadcrumbs; garlic, onion, mint and parsley; salt, pepper, oregano.
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Use a 1/4 cup measure to form each meatball into a 1/4 cup size. Flatten the patties slightly with a rolling pin. To ensure the best results, refrigerate your meatballs before you cook them.
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Spray olive oil in a large nonstick pan. Cook on low heat until the vegetables are cooked through. Turn the pan halfway. Or, you can bake 350F for 20-25 min.
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Grill: Clean grill well before cooking. Cook on low heat until the meat is cooked through, approximately 5 minutes per side.
Note that you can use more breadcrumbs and vice versa.
Serving: 4Meatballs, Calories: 254.5kcal, Carbohydrates: 13.5g, Protein: 27g, Fat: 11g, Fiber: 3.5g
Keywords: Greek meatballs recipe, greek Turkey Meatballs, greek Turkey Meballs with Tzatziki Sauce, Ground Turkey Recipes
Source: Skinny Taste