Greek Turkey Meatballs Recipe

I absolutely love this Greek Turkey Meatballs Recipe because it’s a fantastic blend of light, fresh flavors with a boost of herbs that makes every bite sing. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how juicy and flavorful turkey meatballs could be without feeling heavy. The addition of zucchini and fresh herbs like oregano and spearmint adds moisture and vibrancy, which means you get a healthier dish that doesn’t skimp on taste.

Whether you’re cooking weeknight dinners or prepping for a special family meal, this Greek Turkey Meatballs Recipe is a game-changer. You’ll find that these meatballs cook quickly, hold their shape beautifully, and pair perfectly with a variety of sides and sauces. I love recommending this to friends who want something fresh but easy, with a touch of Mediterranean goodness.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Greek Turkey Meatballs Recipe come together harmoniously to create moist, tender meatballs bursting with fresh herb flavor. When shopping, look for fresh herbs and zucchini that’s firm and not watery for the best texture.

• Ground turkey: I like using 93% lean for a great balance of moisture and leanness.
• Zucchini: Grated and squeezed dry to add moisture without making the meatballs soggy.
• Whole wheat or gluten-free bread: Acts as a binder and keeps meatballs tender.
• Whole wheat breadcrumbs or gluten-free panko: Adds structure and helps with binding.
• Egg: Another binder that helps keep the meatballs together.
• Garlic: Minced for that punch of savory flavor.
• Red onion: Grated finely to blend in seamlessly.
• Fresh oregano: The star Greek herb to brighten the meatballs.
• Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh taste.
• Fresh spearmint: Gives a subtle cool note—don’t worry, it’s not overpowering.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning perfectly.
• Olive oil cooking spray: For cooking without sticking and a touch of healthy fat.

Variations

I love how flexible this Greek Turkey Meatballs Recipe is—you can easily tweak it to suit your family’s tastes or dietary preferences. Feel free to swap out herbs or experiment with spices to create your own signature version.

• Make it gluten-free: I’ve swapped regular bread and breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions, and it works just as well without losing texture.
• Add spicy kick: When I want something with a little heat, I throw in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes—totally optional but fabulous.
• Use ground chicken: I’ve tried this recipe with ground chicken instead of turkey, which yields similar results if that’s what you have on hand.
• Swap fresh herbs: Didn’t have spearmint? I used fresh basil once, and it gave a lovely twist that my family appreciated.

How to Make Greek Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Mix

Start by wetting the bread slices with water, then squeeze out the excess liquid thoroughly—this step is key to preventing soggy meatballs. Tear the bread into small pieces and toss them into a large mixing bowl. In goes the ground turkey, grated zucchini (make sure you press out as much moisture as possible), the beaten egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, finely grated red onion, chopped oregano, parsley, spearmint, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently mix everything until just combined; overmixing can make the meatballs tough, so patience here really helps.

Step 2: Shape and Chill for Best Results

Using a 1/4 cup measure, form each meatball portion and gently flatten it into a patty shape—this step helps the meatballs cook evenly. To make sure they hold their shape and don’t fall apart during cooking, I always place them on a tray and refrigerate for at least 15-20 minutes before cooking. This little trick keeps them firm and easier to handle.

Step 3: Cook to Perfection

For stovetop cooking, heat a large nonstick pan over very low heat and spray it lightly with olive oil. Cook the meatballs for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, turning carefully to get a lovely golden crust without breaking them apart. If you’re baking, preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for 20-25 minutes—this method is great when you want to hands-off and let the oven do the work. Grilling is another fantastic option; just be sure to clean and oil your grates well, then cook on low heat for around 5 minutes each side. I discovered grilling adds a wonderful smoky nuance that my family adores.

How to Serve Greek Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Garnishes

I often finish my Greek Turkey Meatballs with a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese and a handful of chopped fresh parsley for that bright, salty pop. A drizzle of tzatziki or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top adds lovely creaminess and acidity that beautifully complements the herbs.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with these meatballs include a simple Greek salad with cucumbers and tomatoes, a serving of fluffy couscous, or even roasted Mediterranean vegetables. They also pair wonderfully with warm pita bread and hummus for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, I like to serve these meatballs as sliders with tzatziki sauce on mini pita pockets—perfect for parties or casual dinners. Another idea is threading the meatballs onto skewers with grilled veggies, turning them into colorful kebabs that are as festive as they are tasty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge and they keep beautifully for up to 3 days. I’ve found they actually taste better the next day as the flavors have time to meld, making for a perfect lunch or quick dinner.

Freezing

I like to freeze these meatballs individually on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid—this way you can pull out exactly as many as you need. They last in the freezer for 2-3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually pop them in a covered skillet over low heat or warm them gently in the oven to retain juiciness. Microwaving works in a pinch, but I prefer methods that keep the crust just a bit crispy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Greek Turkey Meatballs Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s one of those dishes that’s both comforting and fresh, reliable and exciting. I love how easy it is to prepare, how flexible it is to customize, and how it always gets rave reviews from family and friends. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming a new favorite in your meal rotation, too!

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