These flavorful and juicy turkey feta meatballs, with Greek influences, are a great source of lean protein to add to any salad or bowl!
I have always loved Greek culture and cuisine. When I first had the opportunity to go to Greece I instantly fell in love with the country. I knew that I needed to find a way to try incorporating some Greek culture into my home because I loved the food, the people, the sunsets, and the Greek way of dining. Weve been making Greek-inspired bowls often and love adding these turkey feta meatballs for an easy protein.
I hope these Greek-inspired turkey feta meatballs become a weekly favorite in your home as they are in mine!
Are you craving a flavorful, protein-packed meal that’s easy to make and bursting with Mediterranean vibes? Look no further than these two incredible recipes for juicy turkey feta meatballs. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these recipes will guide you step-by-step to create a culinary masterpiece that’s sure to impress your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
The Mediterranean Dish: Juicy Turkey Meatballs with Spinach and Feta
This recipe from The Mediterranean Dish is a true winner. The secret ingredient? A slice of toasted bread soaked in water! This ingenious trick adds moisture and helps bind the meatball mixture, ensuring they stay juicy and don’t fall apart.
Here’s what makes this recipe stand out:
- Fresh, bold flavors: The combination of garlic, onions, feta, and fresh herbs like parsley and mint creates a symphony of Mediterranean flavors that will tantalize your senses.
- Juicy and tender: The soaked bread and egg act as binders, keeping the meatballs moist and preventing them from drying out.
- Versatile: These meatballs are perfect as the main protein in a light meal with roasted vegetables or over a salad. You can also dunk them in tzatziki sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Ready to give them a try? Follow these simple steps:
- Toast and soak the bread: This crucial step adds moisture and binds the meatball mixture.
- Cook the spinach: Briefly wilt the spinach to add a touch of green and extra nutrients.
- Make the meatball mixture: Combine ground turkey, grated onion, garlic, feta cheese, egg, parsley, mint, and the soaked bread. Season with salt and pepper.
- Form the meatballs: Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized balls and arrange them on a baking sheet.
- Bake and broil: Bake the meatballs for 30 minutes, then broil for a few minutes to achieve a golden brown crust.
- Serve and enjoy! Pair these delicious meatballs with your favorite salad, roasted vegetables, or pasta.
Nourished by Nic: Healthy Turkey Feta Meatballs (Greek)
This recipe from Nourished by Nic is a healthier take on the classic Greek dish. It’s packed with protein, flavor, and fresh ingredients, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight meal or meal prep.
Here’s what makes this recipe stand out:
- Lean protein: Ground turkey is a great source of lean protein, making these meatballs a healthy and satisfying option.
- Packed with flavor: The combination of fresh herbs, spices, and feta cheese creates a delicious and flavorful experience.
- Versatile: These meatballs are perfect for adding to salads, bowls, sandwiches, or pitas. They’re also great for meal prep and can be frozen for later use.
Ready to whip up these healthy delights? Follow these simple steps:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F.
- Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, olive oil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, garlic, feta cheese, breadcrumbs, and fresh parsley.
- Form the meatballs: Roll the mixture into even-sized balls.
- Bake: Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Enjoy! These flavorful meatballs are ready to be devoured.
Bonus tip: For an extra burst of flavor try adding a pinch of cumin to the meatball mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
A: Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute for turkey in both recipes You can also use a combination of ground turkey and chicken
Q: Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
A: Yes! Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs in both recipes.
Q: Can I freeze these meatballs?
A: Yes, both recipes are freezer-friendly. You can freeze the meatballs before or after cooking. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator and then bake or microwave until warmed through.
Q: What are some other ways to serve these meatballs?
A: The possibilities are endless! Try them in a pita with hummus and vegetables, on top of a bed of quinoa or rice, or in a delicious pasta dish.
Additional Resources
- The Mediterranean Dish: https://www.themediterraneandish.com/turkey-meatballs-recipe/
- Nourished by Nic: https://nourishedbynic.com/healthy-greek-turkey-meatballs-with-feta/
With these two fantastic recipes, you’re well on your way to creating a delicious and satisfying meal that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors. So grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to cook up a storm!
More Healthy Dinner Recipes
Loving the easy dinner recipes? Here are more favorites from the Nourished kitchen:
PS. I love seeing my recipes in action! If you decide to make these turkey feta meatballs, dont forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram- @nourishedbynic or leave a comment and rating below letting me know how you liked it!
Why This Dietitian Loves This Recipe
Heres why you need to make my turkey feta meatballs.
- Lean protein option. There are 7g of protein in each meatball! I adore ground turkey because it’s a lower-fat, leaner type of protein.
- Packed with flavour. For the ideal flavor-packed bite, we have the freshness of the herbs and the saltiness of the feta.
- Versatile. Throughout the week, you can easily incorporate these meatballs into a variety of meals, such as bowls, sandwiches, salads, and pitas. They taste great in EVERYTHING!.
- Ground turkey
- Olive oil
- Oregano
- Red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic
- Feta cheese
- Breadcrumbs
- Garlic
- Fresh parsley
Preheat oven to 350F. In a large mixing bowl, add all the ingredients and mix with your hands until fully combined.
Measure out heaped tablespoons and roll using your hands until a ball begins to form. Recipe will make approximately 27 meatballs.
Place rolled meatballs onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
Bake the meatballs for about 20 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted in the center reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure to flip the meatballs halfway.
Once meatballs are done, carefully remove them from the oven enjoy!
To make gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
To make dairy-free: Use a dairy-free feta like this one.
To make vegan: For a vegan meatball recipe, try my tofu meatballs!
To make nut-free: This recipe is naturally nut-free.
Switching up ingredients? Try these:
- White onion: Swap for red or yellow onion.
- Turkey: Any ground meat will work for these meatballs, but I went with turkey because it’s a leaner protein. Other excellent choices are lean ground chicken, lean ground veal, or lean ground beef.
- For a spinach feta variation, try adding one cup of chopped spinach.
These turkey feta meatballs keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days when kept in an airtight container after cooking.
To freeze, store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. To defrost: use the defrost function on the microwave or place them in the fridge overnight.
Don’t forget to flip the meatballs halfway through cooking. This helps create an even bake and will ensure your meatballs are fully cooked through.
I love adding these meatballs to my Greek bowls. Theyre also delicious with a burrata caprese salad, quinoa salad, or any air fried veggies. For a quick meal idea, toss it in a pita with veggies and tzatziki. So yummy!.
I think the secret ingredient to any Mediterranean dish is fresh parsley. You are able to replace this for dried parsley, however the flavour will change slightly.
Yes! You can bake these at 350F for about 10–12 minutes in the air fryer. Just remember to flip the meatballs halfway through cooking.
Yes! These are a great meal prep protein option. I love making a batch to use for lunches and dinners for the week ahead.
