Description
These Greek Turkey Meatballs with Lemon Orzo & Creamy Feta Yogurt Sauce are a delicious and satisfying meal bursting with Mediterranean flavors. Tender turkey meatballs are paired with a tangy feta yogurt sauce, lemon-infused orzo, and roasted veggies, creating a well-rounded dish that is perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the feta yogurt sauce:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup feta crumbles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Freshly ground salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1-3 teaspoons water to thin sauce
For the meatballs:
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
For the veggies:
- 1 red bell pepper, julienned
- 1 orange bell pepper, julienned
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Freshly ground salt and pepper
For the lemon orzo:
- 1 1/3 cup orzo pasta
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
- 1-2 tablespoons butter
- Freshly ground salt and pepper
- Optional: 1/2 cup pitted and sliced kalamata olives
To garnish:
- Fresh torn mint and parsley
Instructions
- Make the feta yogurt sauce: Combine all sauce ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. Add water if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Preheat oven: to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare meatballs: Mix turkey with seasonings, form into meatballs, and place on the baking sheet.
- Roast veggies: Toss peppers and onions with oil, salt, and pepper, then spread on the baking sheet with the meatballs.
- Cook: Bake for 17-23 minutes until meatballs reach 165°F.
- Cook orzo: Cook orzo according to package instructions, then mix with lemon, butter, salt, pepper, and olives.
- Serve: Plate orzo, top with meatballs and veggies, drizzle with feta sauce, and garnish with mint and parsley. Serve with pita bread if desired.
Notes
- This recipe pairs well with homemade tzatziki sauce.
- Coconut flour can be used instead of breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
- Feel free to double the sauce for extra dipping.
- Meatballs can be made ahead and frozen.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg