Learn How to Make the Base Recipe
This is a variation of our simple turkey meatballs base recipe. 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! Serve with tangy tzatziki for a tasty appetizer or meal!
Three Must-Know Cooking Skills
For recipe success, learn how to:
Learn how to slice and dice like a pro in our knife skills 101 course!
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.
Cook the meatballs directly on the pan. Don’t use parchment paper; it prevents browning.
Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Cook turkey meatballs to 165ºF for food safety.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Oil for the Pan: substitute cooking spray.
- Ground Turkey: substitute ground chicken, ground salmon, or a mixture of ground beef and mushrooms or beans. We don’t recommend fully substituting red meat as it is higher in saturated fat and might require recipe modifications.
- 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!
- Feta Cheese: substitute goat cheese, parmesan, asiago, or pecorino romano.
- Tomato: substitute chopped sun-dried tomatoes or quartered cherry tomatoes.
- 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 dried in place of 1 tablespoon fresh.
- Garlic: substitute 1 teaspoon pre-minced garlic, 1 teaspoon garlic flakes, ½ teaspoon granulated garlic, or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder.
- Lemon Zest: substitute 2 Tablespoons lemon juice or feel free to leave out.
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.
Want some turkey meatball flavor inspiration?
Use our 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
Find all of our favorite kitchen tools here!
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 phytonutrients 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. In this recipe, it replaces the saturated fat typically found in 100% beef meatballs.
Learn more about health benefits of different foods in our book, To Your Taste!
Baked Greek Turkey Meatballs Serving Suggestions
Serve as an appetizer with homemade tzatziki 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 to make a beautiful Whole Life Plate!
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 temperature 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!
Easy Coconut Curry Base Recipe
Greek Turkey Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil or cooking spray
- 1 pound ground turkey, 93% lean or more
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion
- ¼ cup Panko bread crumbs
- ¼ cup diced fresh tomatoes
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh mint
- 1 large egg
- 2 small garlic cloves, minced (~1 teaspoon)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- Dash pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425ºF. Brush a baking sheet with the oil.
- Place turkey in a large bowl and break into large chunks. Add onion, bread crumbs, feta, tomatoes, oil, herbs, egg, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- 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!
This Post Has 4 Comments
These are delish! Perfect for freezing and pulling out for a weeknight meal. 🙂
We think so too! So glad you enjoy them, and they help with meal prep 🙂
Flavorful and filling, these meatballs are great for both kids & adults. I love that they aren’t greasy and don’t leave you feeling weighed down like most meatballs do. Highly recommend!
Yes, we agree! So glad you liked them 🙂