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Greek Turkey Meatballs With Salad – Fresh, Flavorful, and Easy

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Ground turkey (93% lean works best)
  • Yellow or white onion
  • Garlic
  • Fresh parsley
  • Fresh dill
  • Dried oregano
  • Lemon (zest and juice)
  • Feta cheese
  • Egg
  • Breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
  • Kosher salt and black pepper
  • Olive oil
  • Greek yogurt (whole milk or 2%)
  • Cucumber
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Red onion
  • English cucumber (for the salad, optional if using some for the sauce)
  • Kalamata olives (pitted)
  • Romaine or mixed greens
  • Red wine vinegar (or lemon juice)
  • Dijon mustard (optional for the dressing)

Method
 

  1. Prep your oven and pan: Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a sheet pan with foil or parchment and brush with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Grate the onion: Use the large holes of a box grater to grate half a medium onion. Squeeze out excess moisture with your hands or a paper towel. This prevents soggy meatballs.
  3. Mix the meatball base: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, grated onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, 1 tablespoon chopped dill, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, the zest of half a lemon, 1 beaten egg, 1/3 cup breadcrumbs, 1/3 cup crumbled feta, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  4. Shape the meatballs: Lightly oil your hands. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of mixture and roll into balls, placing them on the prepared pan. You should get 18–22 meatballs.
  5. Bake: Drizzle or brush the tops with a little olive oil. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until cooked through. For extra browning, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  6. Make the yogurt sauce: In a small bowl, mix 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 small grated or finely chopped cucumber (squeeze out water), 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon chopped dill, a pinch of salt, and a drizzle of olive oil. Adjust lemon and salt to taste.
  7. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine or greens, sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and a handful of olives. Add crumbled feta if you like.
  8. Dress the salad: Whisk 3 tablespoons olive oil with 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, a squeeze of lemon, a pinch of dried oregano, salt, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon Dijon if using. Toss with the salad right before serving.
  9. Serve: Plate the salad, top with warm turkey meatballs, and add a generous spoonful of yogurt sauce. Finish with a light drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.