Spinach Feta Turkey Meatballs with Yogurt Sauce Recipe
These Spinach Feta Turkey Meatballs are a flavorful and healthy twist on classic meatballs, featuring ground turkey combined with sun-dried tomatoes, baby spinach, and tangy feta cheese. Baked, pan-fried, or air-fried to juicy perfection, they're served with a refreshing Greek yogurt sauce infused with lemon and fresh herbs. Perfect as a light dinner or appetizer, these meatballs deliver Mediterranean-inspired taste in every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 meatballs
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Meatballs
- ⅓ cup bread crumbs
- ¼ - ⅓ cup whole milk
- 1 lb ground turkey (85% or 93% lean)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 3 Tbsp sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (drained of oil)
- ½ cup chopped baby spinach
- ½ cup feta cheese crumbles
- 2 Tbsp fresh chopped parsley
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1½-2 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1-2 Tbsp olive oil (for cooking/baking brush)
Yogurt Sauce
- ½ cup Greek or plain full-fat yogurt
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1½ Tbsp lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
- Drizzle of olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare breadcrumb mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the bread crumbs and whole milk, mixing well. Let the mixture sit for 3-4 minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk and become moist but without excess liquid.
- Mix meatball ingredients: Add ground turkey, beaten egg, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, baby spinach, feta cheese, fresh parsley, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper into the breadcrumb mixture. Stir gently just until combined, taking care not to overwork the meat to maintain tenderness.
- Form meatballs: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out about 1½ tablespoons of the mixture and roll into uniform balls, about 1-1¼ inches diameter.
- Bake the meatballs (optional method): Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the meatballs spaced evenly. Lightly brush each meatball with olive oil. Bake for 15-17 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For extra crispiness, broil for 2 minutes at the end.
- Cook on stovetop (alternative method): Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1-2 tablespoons olive oil. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, add 8-10 meatballs. Cook for about 7-8 minutes total, turning every 2-3 minutes until browned on all sides and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and keep warm; repeat with remaining meatballs.
- Air fry the meatballs (alternative method): Preheat air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Brush grates with olive oil, place meatballs inside and brush tops with olive oil. Air fry for 7-9 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare yogurt sauce: While the meatballs cook, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, chopped dill, parsley, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning and thin with a splash of water if desired for consistency.
- Serve: Plate the meatballs over rice, orzo, or your preferred grain. Spoon generous amounts of yogurt sauce on top, and garnish with additional fresh parsley, feta cheese, kalamata olives, tomatoes, and cucumbers if desired. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Make sure not to overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
- If the breadcrumb mixture feels too dry, add a bit more milk incrementally.
- Using full-fat Greek yogurt in the sauce adds creaminess and richer flavor.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on meatball size and cooking method.
- Internal temperature of 165°F ensures turkey is safely cooked.
- These meatballs are freezer-friendly; cook fully then freeze for easy future meals.
- For a dairy-free option, omit feta and substitute yogurt with a plant-based alternative.
