Greek Turkey Meatballs
Easy Greek Turkey Meatballs: A Kidney-Friendly Delight for the Novice Cook
Discover how to create delicious, kidney-safe Greek turkey meatballs with minimal effort. Perfect for those seeking simple, nutritious meals that cater to special dietary needs.
Whether you're new to cooking or seeking a reliable recipe to fit your lifestyle, these meatballs take the guesswork out of planning kidney-safe meals, making them a perfect choice for anyone prioritizing both nutrition and simplicity.
Reflecting on my journey as a Registered Dietitian with over 25 years of experience, I've seen firsthand the challenges those with chronic kidney disease (CKD) face, especially through my parents’ own diagnoses. This Greek turkey meatballs recipe stands out as a product of my dedication to creating meals that are not only delicious but also adhere to kidney-friendly guidelines. Packed with lean protein and flavorful herbs, these meatballs align with current CKD dietary standards, offering a practical and enjoyable way to manage your health without sacrificing taste.
This Greek Turkey Meatballs recipe is ideal for those following a Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) diet due to its low sodium and phosphorus content. By using lean ground turkey, which is lower in saturated fat compared to beef or pork, the recipe supports heart health—a critical consideration for individuals with CKD. Additionally, the use of fresh herbs and a creamy, calcium-rich tzatziki sauce adds flavor without relying heavily on salt, making it a delicious and kidney-friendly choice.
If you are a fan of Mediterranean cooking, we have a quinoa salad with vegetables that is delicious, as well as other renal diet salads to go with this delicious kidney friendly turkey entree.
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Ingredients in Greek Turkey Meatballs
Looking for a delicious twist on classic meatballs? This Greek turkey meatball recipe combines ground turkey with a medley of Mediterranean flavors, including feta cheese, oregano, and cumin, creating a savory and nutritious dish perfect for any occasion.
- Ground Turkey: The 93% lean ground turkey serves as the main protein and base for the dish, offering a lean but flavorful option for your patties.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These light, airy breadcrumbs help bind the meat mixture while adding a delicate crunch to the texture.
- Red Onion: Pureed or finely chopped, red onion adds a touch of sweetness and a hint of sharpness that complements the turkey.
- Feta Cheese: Feta is incorporated in small pieces to provide a tangy and salty burst of flavor throughout the patties.
- Olive Oil: This rich, healthy oil enhances the moisture and adds a Mediterranean flair to the overall dish.
- Minced Garlic: Garlic is a classic seasoning that brings depth and aromatic intensity to the patties.
- Egg: The egg acts as a binder, holding the ingredients together and ensuring the patties maintain their shape while cooking.
- Oregano: A touch of oregano introduces an earthy and slightly minty note, giving the patties a traditional Mediterranean taste.
- Dried Dill: Dill adds a fresh herby flavor and is an integral part of any Greek-inspired dish.
- Cumin: This warm spice provides an earthy background that complements the flavors of the turkey and other seasonings.
- Black Pepper: A pinch of black pepper adds a subtle spicy kick, enhancing all the other flavors in the dish.
For the tzatziki sauce: - Plain Greek Yogurt: This thick, creamy base makes the sauce rich and tangy, as well as a perfect complement to the patties.
- Cucumber: Deseeded and finely chopped, cucumber adds refreshing crunch and coolness to the tzatziki sauce.
- Dried Dill: Extra dill in the sauce brings a consistent herby taste and adds to the authenticity of the Greek flavor.
- Minced Garlic: Garlic also features in the sauce, marrying the flavors with the patties and adding depth.
- Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice brightens the sauce, balancing richness with a hint of citrusy tang.
- Olive Oil: A touch of olive oil helps integrate all the ingredients while enriching the sauce's flavor profile.
- Black Pepper: Just a bit of black pepper underscores the sauce with a gentle spice while enhancing the fresh flavors.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Greek Turkey Meatballs
Get ready to enjoy some delicious Greek flavors with this easy-to-follow recipe for Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce!
- Make the tzatziki sauce first. Wrap your diced cucumber in a few paper towels and wring out as much liquid as possible.
- Add your diced cucumber to a large mixing bowl along with the rest of the ingredients for tzatziki sauce and stir until combined.
- Cover bowl and keep in the refrigerator while you prepare the meatballs.
- Preheat oven to 400'F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Make sure the feta cheese is in very very small pieces and the onion is diced very small.
- Add all ingredients for meatballs into a large bowl and mix them together with your hands. Mix well.
6. Form the mixture into 8 meatballs, about 1.5 in around and place on prepared baking sheet. Place the meatballs into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.
7. Serve immediately with tzatziki sauce.
Hint: Feta Choices: Opt for authentic Greek feta cheese made from sheep's milk if possible. Its tangy and creamy profile brings out the best flavors in the meatballs. Be sure the feta is chopped finely to ensure even distribution in each bite.
Substitutions in Greek Turkey Meatballs
Greek turkey feta meatballs are a delicious and healthy way to enjoy bold Mediterranean flavors. This dish pairs perfectly with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce. With simple ingredients and an easy preparation, these meatballs are a great option for a quick meal or party appetizer.
- Reduce Sodium by Limiting Feta: Use a low-sodium or reduced-fat feta cheese alternative to decrease the sodium content in the meatballs.
- Swap Panko Breadcrumbs with Whole Wheat Flour: Replace the panko breadcrumbs with a small amount of whole wheat flour to maintain meatball texture while lowering phosphorus intake.
Variations for Greek Turkey Meatballs
These Greek turkey meatballs are a great option for a satisfying meal while accommodating a variety of dietary needs. Below are some Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)-friendly variations to further adapt this recipe to individual nutritional requirements.
- Lower Sodium Option: Omit the feta cheese or use a reduced-sodium version to significantly decrease the sodium content. Increase the herbs, like adding more oregano or fresh dill, to enhance flavor without the need for added salt.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace panko breadcrumbs with a gluten-free alternative or ground oats to ensure this dish fits a gluten-free diet. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to avoid traces of gluten.
These variations allow you to customize the Greek turkey meatballs while keeping the dish flavorful and suited to specific dietary preferences or restrictions. Enjoy this healthy and delicious meal with your own personal twist!
Storage Tips for Greek Turkey Meatballs
To ensure your Greek turkey meatballs are just as tasty the next day, follow these simple storage tips.
- Refrigerator Storage: Once the meatballs have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. Tzatziki sauce should be stored separately in another airtight container. Both will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
- Freezer Storage: For longer storage, you can freeze the meatballs. Arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy, reheat them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. The tzatziki sauce, however, is best made fresh and doesn’t freeze well due to the yogurt base.
With these storage tips, even future meals can share in the deliciousness of your homemade Greek turkey meatballs.
Top Tip
Chill for Better Shape: If time permits, chill the meatball mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before forming the balls. This will make shaping them easier and help them hold together better during baking.
FAQs for Greek Turkey Meatballs
To achieve even distribution of feta cheese in the meatballs, make sure the feta is cut into very small pieces, no larger than ⅛ inch. Mix the ingredients well in step 5, ensuring that the small feta pieces are evenly spread throughout the turkey mixture.
After deseeding and finely chopping the cucumber, wrap it in a few paper towels and wring out as much liquid as possible. This step keeps the tzatziki sauce from becoming too watery, ensuring it stays thick and creamy.
Poultry Recipes for Chronic Kidney Disease
Looking for delicious turkey or chicken recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing with Salad Recipes
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Greek turkey meatballs with tzatziki sauce:
If you tried this Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a star rating and let me know how it goes in the comments below. I love hearing from you!
Recipe
Greek Turkey Meatballs Recipe with Tzatziki Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
For the meatballs
- ½ pound ground turkey I used 93% lean
- 3 tablespoon panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoon red onion pureed or chopped very fine
- 2 tablespoon feta cheese into very small pieces with none larger than ⅛th inch
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the tzatziki sauce
- ½ cup plain greek yogurt
- ½ cup cucumber deseeded and chopped fine
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
To Make Tzatziki Sauce
- Make the tzatziki sauce first. Wrap your diced cucumber in a few paper towels and wring out as much liquid as possible.
- Add your diced cucumber to a large mixing bowl along with the rest of the ingredients for tzatziki sauce and stir until combined.
- Cover bowl and keep in the refrigerator while you prepare the meatballs.
To Make The Meatballs
- Preheat oven to 400'F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Make sure the feta cheese is in very very small pieces and the onion is diced very small.
- Add all ingredients for meatballs into a large bowl and mix them together with your hands. Mix well.
- Form the mixture into 8 meatballs, about 1.5 in around and place on prepared baking sheet. Place the meatballs into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.
- Serve immediately with tzatziki sauce.
