Description
These Greek turkey meatballs are served with lemon orzo and topped with a creamy feta yogurt sauce. The combination of flavors and textures makes this dish a delicious and satisfying meal.
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, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup pitted and sliced kalamata olives
To garnish:
- Fresh torn mint and parsley
For serving:
- Optional: Pita bread
Instructions
- Make the feta yogurt sauce: Combine yogurt, feta, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder in a food processor. Process until smooth, adding water to thin if needed. Set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the meatballs: Mix ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, red onion, garlic, parsley, mint, oregano, salt, and pepper. Form into golf ball-sized meatballs.
- Prepare the veggies: Toss peppers and onions with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on the baking sheet and place meatballs among the veggies. Bake for 17-23 minutes.
- Cook the orzo: Cook orzo, then combine with lemon zest, lemon juice, butter, salt, pepper, and olives.
- Serve: Plate orzo, top with meatballs and veggies, drizzle with feta yogurt sauce, and garnish with mint and parsley. Serve with pita bread.
Notes
- This recipe pairs well with homemade tzatziki sauce.
- Coconut flour can be used instead of breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of meatballs, orzo, veggies & sauce)
- Calories: 565 cal
- Sugar: 6.2 g
- Fat: 19.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 7.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 59.8 g
- Fiber: 5.1 g
- Protein: 39.5 g