Greek Turkey Meatballs with Cucumber Feta Tomato Salad and Greek Rice
These Greek turkey meatballs are juicy, herby and packed with feta and lemon, and they turn into a full Mediterranean dinner with a crunchy cucumber feta tomato salad and simple Greek rice. The baked turkey meatballs sit on a bed of cool tzatziki, so every bite is fresh and bright. The whole Greek meatball dinner comes together in about 40 minutes.
It is a healthy, high-protein meal that feels like a takeout plate from your favorite Greek spot. Love these flavors? Try my Mediterranean Pearl Couscous Salad with Lemon Garlic Shrimp next.
Why You’ll Love These Greek Turkey Meatballs
- Juicy and flavorful thanks to feta, lemon zest and fresh herbs.
- Baked, not fried, so cleanup is easy.
- A complete dinner with meatballs, salad, rice and tzatziki.
- Meal prep friendly for healthy lunches all week.
Ingredients for Greek Turkey Meatballs
The Meatballs
Ground turkey, breadcrumbs, crumbled feta, lemon zest, fresh parsley, an egg, garlic, salt and black pepper.
The Cucumber Feta Tomato Salad
Mini cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, green bell pepper, red onion, fresh dill and parsley, dried oregano and feta, tossed in a dressing of olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, salt and pepper.
The Greek Rice
Cooked rice fluffed with good olive oil, chopped parsley and salt.
To Serve
Store-bought tzatziki and a little extra feta.
Swap note: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make these Greek turkey meatballs gluten free. For a low-carb plate, serve them over cauliflower rice or extra salad.
How to Make Greek Turkey Meatballs
Step 1: Mix the meatballs
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Mix the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, feta, lemon zest, parsley, egg, garlic, salt and pepper just until combined.
Step 2: Roll and bake
Roll into 12 to 14 tablespoon-sized meatballs and place on a lined baking sheet. Bake 18 to 20 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Step 3: Make the salad
Toss the cucumbers, tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, dill, parsley, oregano and feta in a bowl. Whisk the olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, honey, salt and pepper, then pour it over the salad.
Step 4: Make the Greek rice
Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and stir in the olive oil, salt and chopped parsley.
Step 5: Plate it up
Spoon tzatziki onto each plate, top with warm meatballs and a sprinkle of feta, and serve with the salad and rice.
Carly’s Expert Tips
- Mix with a light hand. Overmixing ground turkey makes meatballs dense.
- Wet your hands before rolling so the mixture does not stick.
- Check the temp. Turkey meatballs are done at 165°F.
- Use leftover rice. Day-old rice is perfect for the Greek rice.
Make It Your Own
- Lamb or beef: Swap in ground lamb or beef for a richer meatball.
- Pita bowls: Stuff the meatballs, salad and tzatziki into warm pita.
- Spinach: Mix a handful of finely chopped spinach into the meatballs.
- Lemon rice: Add lemon zest and juice to the rice for extra brightness.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep: Roll the meatballs up to 1 day ahead, or bake and freeze them for up to 3 months. The salad dressing and rice keep for 4 days, so you can pack meal prep bowls with meatballs, rice, salad and a scoop of tzatziki.
What to Serve With Greek Turkey Meatballs
This plate is already a full meal, but warm pita, hummus and roasted potatoes are all great additions. The meatballs are also delicious on top of my Mediterranean Pearl Couscous Salad with Lemon Garlic Shrimp instead of the shrimp.
Storing and Reheating
Store the meatballs, rice and salad in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat the meatballs and rice in the microwave or a 350°F oven. Serve the salad and tzatziki cold.
What People Ask About Greek Turkey Meatballs
How long do you bake Greek turkey meatballs?
Bake them at 400°F for 18 to 20 minutes, until golden and 165°F inside.
How do you keep turkey meatballs from drying out?
Feta, an egg and breadcrumbs add moisture, and not overmixing or overbaking keeps them juicy.
Can I make Greek turkey meatballs in the air fryer?
Yes. Air fry at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
Can I freeze turkey meatballs?
Yes. Freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months and reheat from frozen.
Greek Turkey Meatballs with Cucumber Feta Tomato Salad and Greek Rice
Ingredients
Method
- Mix ground turkey, breadcrumbs, crumbled feta, lemon zest, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and black pepper until just combined. Roll into 12-14 tablespoon-sized meatballs.
- Bake at 400 degrees for 18-20 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Toss sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, green bell pepper, red onion, dill, parsley, oregano, and crumbled feta in a bowl.
- Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper, then pour over the salad.
- Fluff cooked rice with a fork and stir in olive oil, salt, and chopped parsley.
- Spoon tzatziki onto each plate, top with warm meatballs and a sprinkle of crumbled feta. Serve with the salad and rice on the side.
Notes
- Using a cookie scooper makes shaping the meatballs easier.
- For a more intense flavor, let the salad marinate for a few minutes before serving.
