Turkey Feta Meatballs with Lemon-Yogurt Dip Recipe

Introduction

Turkey feta meatballs are a flavorful and healthy twist on the classic favorite. Tender ground turkey is mixed with fresh herbs and tangy feta cheese, then baked to golden perfection. Served with a refreshing lemon-yogurt sauce, they make a delightful meal or appetizer.

On a white plate with a blue rim, there are eight browned meatballs placed on a smooth layer of white creamy sauce spread in a swirl covering the center of the plate. The meatballs are golden brown with small bits of green herbs visible inside them. Scattered fresh green herbs are sprinkled over the meatballs and sauce. Two lemon wedges are placed at the top left side of the plate. A light drizzle of olive oil adds a slight shine to the sauce. The plate is on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground turkey
  • 1/2 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 2 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tbsp. chopped fresh dill
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta (about 3 oz.)
  • Extra-virgin olive oil, for greasing
  • 1/2 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • Chopped fresh dill, chopped fresh parsley, and lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, finely chopped onion, lightly beaten egg, garlic, panko bread crumbs, parsley, dill, and red pepper flakes. Season the mixture generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Add the crumbled feta cheese to the mixture and gently fold it in until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  3. Step 3: Form the mixture into 16 evenly sized meatballs, about 2 tablespoons each. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly grease it with olive oil.
  4. Step 4: Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and gently roll them in the olive oil to coat lightly on all sides.
  5. Step 5: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
  6. Step 6: While the meatballs bake, prepare the lemon-yogurt sauce by combining the Greek yogurt and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  7. Step 7: To serve, spread the lemon-yogurt sauce on a platter and arrange the cooked meatballs on top. Sprinkle with additional chopped dill and parsley, and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra moist meatballs, avoid overmixing the turkey mixture.
  • Substitute fresh oregano or mint for the dill to change the flavor profile.
  • If you prefer, pan-fry the meatballs in olive oil over medium heat for a crispy exterior before baking.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, aromatic note.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. The yogurt sauce is best served fresh but can be refrigerated separately for up to 2 days.

How to Serve

The dish shows nine browned meatballs arranged in a loose circle on a large white plate with a blue rim. Beneath the meatballs is a thick, creamy white sauce spread unevenly across the base of the plate. Small green herb leaves and chopped dill are sprinkled over the meatballs and sauce. To the top left of the plate are two lemon wedges resting on top of the sauce. A light drizzle of golden oil adds a slight shine to the surface. The plate sits on a white marbled texture surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs up to the baking step, store them in the refrigerator for a day, then bake them when ready to serve.

Can I freeze the meatballs?

Absolutely. Freeze uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Print
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Turkey Feta Meatballs with Lemon-Yogurt Dip Recipe


  • Author: lilan
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 16 meatballs (serves 4-6) 1x
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

These Turkey Feta Meatballs combine lean ground turkey with tangy feta cheese and fresh herbs, baked to golden perfection. Served with a refreshing lemon-yogurt sauce, they make a healthy and flavorful appetizer or main dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.


Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 lb. ground turkey
  • 1/2 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 2 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tbsp. chopped fresh dill
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta (about 3 oz.)
  • Extra-virgin olive oil, for greasing

Lemon-Yogurt Sauce

  • 1/2 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For Serving

  • Chopped fresh dill
  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare Meatball Mixture: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, finely chopped onion, lightly beaten egg, chopped garlic, panko bread crumbs, chopped parsley, fresh dill, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  2. Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 16 evenly sized meatballs, about 2 tablespoons each, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.
  3. Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease it with extra-virgin olive oil. Place the meatballs on the foil and gently roll them in the oil to coat evenly, which helps them brown nicely.
  4. Bake Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on the outside and cooked through internally.
  5. Make Lemon-Yogurt Sauce: While the meatballs bake, combine the plain Greek yogurt and fresh lemon juice in a medium bowl. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, mixing until smooth.
  6. Assemble and Serve: Spread the lemon-yogurt sauce on a serving platter. Arrange the warm meatballs on top of the sauce. Garnish with additional chopped dill and parsley and serve alongside lemon wedges for squeezing over the meatballs for added brightness.

Notes

  • Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the best texture and flavor in the sauce.
  • Panko breadcrumbs help keep the meatballs light and tender.
  • You can substitute fresh herbs with dried ones if necessary, but reduce the quantities by half for best results.
  • These meatballs can also be cooked in a skillet over medium heat if you prefer pan-frying.
  • Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keywords: turkey meatballs, feta meatballs, baked meatballs, Mediterranean recipe, healthy meatballs, lemon yogurt sauce

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