Savory Greek Turkey Meatballs with Zesty Lemon Orzo & Feta

There’s something magical about the scent of herbs and citrus wafting through the kitchen, isn’t there? I remember the first time I had a dish like this at a cozy Greek taverna during a summer vacation. The sun was setting, and laughter filled the air. The vibrant flavors of garlic, lemon, and herbs danced together on my palate, making me feel like I was right there on the Aegean coast. Since then, I’ve been on a quest to create a dish that recreates that experience right in my own home. That’s how I came up with these Greek Turkey Meatballs with Lemon Orzo and Creamy Feta Yogurt Sauce! This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings a little sunshine into your kitchen, no matter the season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights!
• Healthy and Delicious: Lean turkey, fresh herbs, and whole grains keep it nutritious and satisfying.
• Flavor Explosion: Zesty flavors of lemon and feta create a bright, vibrant dish.
• Customizable: Easy to tweak for dietary preferences or whatever you have on hand.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup means you can relax after dinner!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful dish:

• For the Meatballs:
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular, your choice)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Lemon Orzo:
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish
• For the Creamy Feta Yogurt Sauce:
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried dill (or fresh if you have it!)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s dive into the fun part! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a beautiful plate of Greek-inspired goodness in no time.

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will get your space nice and warm as you prepare your meatballs!
2. Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, and the egg. Season with salt and pepper. Don’t overmix, or the meatballs will be dense; mix just until everything is combined.
3. Form the meatballs: Using your hands (a little messy, but fun!), roll the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. You should get around 15-20 meatballs, depending on the size you choose.
4. Bake the meatballs: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the meatballs evenly spaced apart. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Cook the orzo: While the meatballs are baking, bring the broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Flavor the orzo: When the orzo is cooked, drain any excess liquid, then stir in the olive oil, lemon juice, and zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The bright, zesty flavors will elevate the dish!
7. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, crumbled feta, lemon juice, and dried dill. Season with salt and pepper. This creamy sauce is where the magic happens!
8. Serve it up: On a cozy plate (or bowls), serve a bed of lemon orzo topped with a generous helping of meatballs, drizzled with the creamy feta yogurt sauce. Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top, and you’re in for a treat!

Pro Tips & Variations

Here are a few fun ideas and tweaks to make this dish even more exciting:

• Spice It Up: Add some red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a little kick!
• Veggie Boost: Incorporate finely chopped spinach or grated zucchini into the meatballs for added nutrition.
• Gluten-free option: Swap regular breadcrumbs for almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Another Sauce Idea: Try a tzatziki sauce in place of the feta sauce for a refreshing twist.

Serving Suggestions

To create the perfect meal, I love serving these turkey meatballs with a side of warm pita bread or a fresh arugula salad. The peppery greens balance beautifully with the rich flavors of the dish. A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon pairs beautifully, making your dining experience feel special and complete.

Storage Tips

Got leftovers? No worries! Here’s how to store and enjoy them later:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: You can freeze the meatballs before cooking them. Just shape them, place on a baking sheet to freeze for an hour, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months!
• Reheating: To reheat, bake the cooked meatballs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave them until warmed through.

Can I use chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken will work just as well and still give you those delicious flavors you’re after.

What if I don’t have orzo?

No problem! You can substitute it with any small pasta shape like couscous, farro, or even quinoa for a gluten-free option.

How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have one, cutting one open to check that there’s no pink left inside works too!

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. This makes weeknight dinner a breeze!

How can I make the sauce more tangy?

If you love a little extra tanginess, feel free to add more lemon juice or even a splash of vinegar to the sauce!

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making these Greek Turkey Meatballs with Lemon Orzo and Creamy Feta Yogurt Sauce as much as I do! It’s one of those dishes that brings a smile not only to your face but to anyone lucky enough to share it with you. Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts or variations in the comments below—I’d love to hear how this recipe works in your kitchen and any creative twists you come up with. Happy cooking!

Savory Greek Turkey Meatballs with Zesty Lemon Orzo & Feta

---

• Author: meryem
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in Greek turkey meatballs paired with zesty lemon orzo and a creamy feta yogurt sauce for a deliciously fresh meal. Perfect for any occasion!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 pound of ground turkey

1/2 cup of breadcrumbs (panko or regular)

1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1/4 cup of fresh parsley, finely chopped

1 teaspoon of dried oregano

1 egg

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup of orzo pasta

2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth

1 tablespoon of olive oil

Juice and zest of 1 lemon

Fresh parsley for garnish

1 cup of Greek yogurt

1/2 cup of feta cheese, crumbled

1 tablespoon of lemon juice

1 teaspoon of dried dill

---

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, oregano, and the egg. Season with salt and pepper.

Roll the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball, to form 15-20 meatballs.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the meatballs evenly spaced apart. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Bring the broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions.

When the orzo is cooked, drain any excess liquid, then stir in the olive oil, lemon juice, and zest. Season with salt and pepper.

In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, crumbled feta, lemon juice, and dill. Season with salt and pepper.

Serve the lemon orzo topped with meatballs and drizzled with the creamy feta yogurt sauce, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

A delightful recipe for Greek Turkey Meatballs served with lemon orzo and a creamy feta yogurt sauce, capturing vibrant flavors inspired by the Aegean coast.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 grams
• Fat: 15 grams
• Carbohydrates: 45 grams
• Fiber: 4 grams
• Protein: 30 grams

Keywords: Greek meatballs, lemon orzo, feta yogurt sauce, healthy dinner, quick recipes