Lemon Yogurt Turkey Meatballs
- Tender, juicy turkey meatballs infused with bright lemon and creamy Greek yogurt.
- A Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s perfect for weeknights yet impressive enough for entertaining.
- Serve with pasta, in pita pockets, or as part of a mezze platter for a versatile meal.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20-24 meatballs (4-6 servings) 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat recommended)
- Zest of 1 medium lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, beaten egg, salt, and pepper; mix well.
- Add the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, and any optional herbs or seasonings; gently mix until just combined.
- With slightly damp hands, form mixture into 1-inch meatballs (about 1½ tablespoons each).
- Arrange meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are lightly golden.
- Allow meatballs to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot with your favorite sauce, over pasta, or with a fresh Mediterranean salad.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese to the mixture.
- Meatballs can be made ahead and frozen for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
- To prevent dry meatballs, avoid overmixing the meat mixture and be careful not to overcook.
- Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-5 meatballs
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 320
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 115
Keywords: Lemon Yogurt Turkey Meatballs, turkey meatball recipes, yogurt marinades, zesty lemon dishes, easy weeknight meals