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To make Greek turkey meatballs, you’ll need the following ingredients: - 1 pound ground turkey - 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 small red onion, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper - 1 large egg - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1/4 cup tzatziki sauce (for serving) - Fresh cucumber and tomato slices (for garnish) I prefer using fresh ingredients whenever possible. Fresh parsley adds a bright flavor. Minced garlic and finely chopped red onion bring depth to the meatballs. Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. Dried herbs like oregano and cumin still work well. They are handy when fresh ones aren’t available. Just remember, dried herbs are stronger, so use less. You can swap ingredients based on what you have. Here are some ideas: - Ground turkey can be replaced with chicken or beef. - Whole wheat breadcrumbs can be switched for regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers. - If you don’t have parsley, try fresh cilantro or basil. - You can use lemon zest if you lack fresh lemon juice. - For a dairy-free option, skip the Parmesan or use a vegan alternative. These swaps can help you create a dish that fits your needs and taste. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures even cooking. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps the meatballs not stick. In a large bowl, mix the ground turkey, whole wheat breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan. Add chopped parsley, minced garlic, and finely chopped red onion. Then, sprinkle in the dried oregano and ground cumin. Season with sea salt and black pepper. Use your hands to mix well until everything is combined. In a smaller bowl, whisk the egg and fresh lemon juice together. Then pour this into the turkey mix. Stir until the mixture is uniform. Now, form the meatballs. Scoop out portions and roll them into balls about 1 inch wide. Place them on the baking sheet with some space in between. Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Check that they turn golden-brown. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (75°C). This means they are fully cooked and safe to eat. When done, take them out and let them cool a bit. This makes handling easier. You can serve them warm or at room temperature. For serving, place a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce on a plate. Arrange the meatballs around it. Garnish with fresh cucumber and tomato slices for a bright touch. For a nice presentation, you can arrange the meatballs on a platter with the tzatziki in the center. Add more chopped parsley for color and a drizzle of lemon juice for extra flavor. Enjoy your delicious Greek turkey meatballs! To get juicy meatballs, start with the right turkey. Use lean ground turkey, but avoid extra-lean. Lean turkey keeps some fat, which adds moisture. Mix your ingredients gently. Overmixing can make them tough. To keep meatballs moist, add a few ingredients. Use breadcrumbs soaked in water or milk. This helps them hold moisture. Also, don’t bake them too long. Keep an eye on the cooking time. You want them golden brown but not dry. To boost flavors, try adding fresh herbs. Basil or mint can add a nice touch. A splash of lemon juice brightens up the dish, too. Don’t forget about seasoning! A little extra sea salt or black pepper can make a big difference. Pro Tips Use Lean Turkey: Opt for lean ground turkey to keep the meatballs moist while reducing fat content. This ensures a healthier meal without sacrificing flavor. Chill the Mixture: After mixing the ingredients, chill the meatball mixture for 30 minutes before forming. This helps the meatballs hold their shape while cooking. Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to add additional herbs like mint or dill to the meatball mixture for an extra burst of freshness that complements the Mediterranean flavors. Perfect Tzatziki Pairing: For an authentic taste, serve your meatballs with homemade tzatziki. Simply mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and dill for a refreshing dip. {{image_4}} You can easily swap the ground turkey for other proteins. Ground chicken is a great choice. It keeps the dish light and tasty. You might also try ground lamb for a richer flavor. If you want a plant-based option, use lentils or chickpeas. These provide a hearty texture and can absorb spices well. If you need a gluten-free recipe, switch out the whole wheat breadcrumbs. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oat flour instead. Both options work well and keep the meatballs moist. Always check labels to ensure your ingredients are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish without worry. To spice things up, add more herbs or spices. Try fresh dill for a bright taste. You can also add smoked paprika for warmth. If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. These tweaks can make your Greek turkey meatballs even more exciting. Experiment with the flavors until you find your favorite mix. Store your Greek turkey meatballs in a sealed container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. To keep them fresh, let them cool before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup inside the container. To freeze meatballs, first, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour until firm. After that, transfer the meatballs to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking. To reheat, you can use the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place meatballs on a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. If using a microwave, place meatballs on a plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for one to two minutes, checking often to avoid overcooking. Enjoy them warm with tzatziki sauce for the best flavor! You can check if the meatballs are done by using a meat thermometer. The meatballs need to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can also cut one in half. The center should be no longer pink. A golden-brown color on the outside shows they are nice and crisp. Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead of time. Prepare them and place them on a baking sheet. Cover them and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag. This way, you can bake them any time. These meatballs go well with tzatziki sauce, fresh cucumber, and tomato slices. You can also serve them with pita bread or a salad. For a fuller meal, pair them with rice or quinoa. Don't forget to drizzle some lemon juice for extra flavor! In this post, we covered many key points on making Greek turkey meatballs. We explored the best ingredients, from fresh to dried, and shared possible substitutions. You learned the step-by-step process, including juicy baking tips and serving ideas. We also discussed variations, from proteins to spices, ensuring flavor. Finally, we reviewed storage and reheating tips so that your meatballs stay delicious. Remember, with these guidelines, you can create tasty meals that suit your needs. Enjoy making meatballs that impress every time!

Mediterranean Greek Turkey Meatballs

Delicious and healthy turkey meatballs infused with Mediterranean flavors, served with tzatziki sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup tzatziki sauce (for serving)
  • to taste fresh cucumber and tomato slices (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey with the whole wheat breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, finely chopped red onion, oregano, ground cumin, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the large egg and fresh lemon juice until blended. Pour this mixture into the turkey mixture and combine thoroughly, ensuring that all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  • With clean hands, scoop out portions of the mixture to form meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. Arrange the formed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow for even cooking.
  • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and display a golden-brown exterior. You'll know they are done when an internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  • Once baked, remove the meatballs from the oven and allow them to cool slightly for easier handling. They can be served warm or at room temperature as desired.
  • To serve, place a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce on a plate alongside the meatballs and garnish the dish with fresh slices of cucumber and tomato for a refreshing touch.

Notes

Arrange the meatballs on a platter with tzatziki in the center. Garnish with additional chopped parsley and a drizzle of lemon juice.
Keyword healthy, Mediterranean, turkey meatballs