This is a variation of our simple turkey meatballs base recipe. Substituting turkey for beef helps cut saturated fat while still providing quality protein and essential vitamins and minerals. These Greek turkey meatballs are made with fresh tomatoes, herbs, and lemon zest for a light and flavorful spin on traditionally bland and heavy meatballs!
Three Must-Know Cooking Skills
For recipe success, learn how to:
Culinary Tips for the Best Greek Turkey Meatballs Recipe
If you have picky eaters, dice the onions and tomatoes finely so that they don’t notice them.
When mixing the ingredients, don’t overwork the meat. Otherwise, the meatballs will turn out tough.
A portion scoop makes forming the meatballs fast and easy and keeps your hands from getting messy.
Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Cook turkey meatballs to 165ºF for food safety.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Turkey: substitute ground chicken, ground salmon, or a mixture of ground beef and mushrooms. We don’t recommend fully substituting red meat as it is higher in saturated fat and might require recipe modifications.
- Feta Cheese: substitute goat cheese.
- Tomato: substitute chopped sun-dried tomatoes or quartered cherry tomatoes.
- Red Onion: substitute white or yellow onion or shallot.
- Panko Bread Crumbs: substitute plain, whole wheat, or seasoned bread crumbs, but cut back on the added salt if you do. Panko is typically very low in sodium. If you want turkey meatballs without breadcrumbs, leave them out!
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: substitute canola oil or avocado oil.
- Dill and Mint: substitute Italian parsley or oregano for other classic Greek flavors. You can also use dried herbs. Use 1 teaspoon instead of 1 tablespoon fresh.
- Garlic: substitute 1 teaspoon pre-minced garlic, ½ teaspoon granulated garlic, or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder.
- Lemon Zest: substitute 2 Tablespoons lemon juice or feel free to leave out.
- Canola Oil for the Pan: substitute cooking spray.
Recipe Variations
Change up these meatballs by changing the meat. Make Greek chicken meatballs with ground chicken or use ground salmon or a mixture of grass-fed ground beef and mushrooms for other unique variations. If using salmon or 100% beef, don’t add the olive oil to the mix, as both of these meats contain more fat than turkey or chicken.
Need some meatball recipe inspiration?
Use our simple turkey meatballs base recipe as a guide, or try out these other tasty variations!
Equipment Recommendations
Use these kitchen tools for recipe success:
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Microplane or Zester
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- Portion Scoop
- Baking Sheet
- Silicone Pastry Brush
- Cookie Spatula
- Thermometer
Is this Greek turkey meatballs recipe healthy?
These Mediterranean turkey meatballs are a much healthier choice than their greasy counterparts. They are full of nutritious ingredients, including lean turkey, fresh herbs, and extra virgin olive oil.
Turkey
Turkey is a lean source of protein. It is also rich in B vitamins and minerals, such as iron.
Fresh Herbs
Not only do fresh herbs add a pop of freshness and flavor to a dish, but they add nutrition too! Herbs are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that promote health and help fight diseases.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil is a key component of the Mediterranean Diet. It contains high amounts of heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols which may reduce inflammation. (1, 2) In this recipe, it replaces the saturated fat typically found in 100% beef meatballs.
Baked Greek Turkey Meatballs Serving Suggestions
There are so many ways to serve Greek turkey meatballs! Serve as an appetizer with a dipping sauce or build a meatball sub, salad, or wrap for lunch. You can also serve turkey meatballs in sauce with pasta or turkey meatballs with gravy over brown rice.
These Greek turkey meatballs with feta are an easy finger food for kids. Pair with roasted vegetables and a side salad for a plant-forward meal that the whole family will love!
How to Store and Reheat Turkey Meatballs
Cool leftover meatballs completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Leftover meatballs can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, place on a baking sheet and freeze. Once the meatballs are partially frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before heating.
To reheat meatballs from thawed or frozen, place on a baking sheet and place in a cold oven. Turn the oven to heat to 350° F. Once the oven hits 350° F, your meatballs should be warmed and ready! Check that internal temeprature reaches 165ºF for food safety.
We don’t recommend reheating meatballs in the microwave, as this can create a rubbery texture.
Want more healthy and simple dinner recipes?
Try out these delicious recipes!
Greek Turkey Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey, 93% lean or more
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup diced fresh tomatoes
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion
- ¼ cup Panko bread crumbs
- 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh mint
- 1 large egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (~1 teaspoon)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- Dash pepper
- 1 Tablespoon canola or avocado oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425ºF.
- Place turkey in a large bowl and break into large chunks. Add feta cheese, tomatoes, onion, bread crumbs, oil, herbs, egg, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Brush a baking sheet with the oil. Create golf ball-sized meatballs with your hands or a portion scoop and place on the pan, spaced ~1” apart.
- Cook meatballs 12-14 minutes or until cooked through to 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Enjoy!
