Description
This Greek Turkey Meatball Gyro with Tzatziki is a vibrant and healthy dish featuring tender turkey meatballs seasoned with traditional Mediterranean herbs, served in warm pita bread and topped with a creamy, refreshing tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering, this recipe combines fresh flavors, lean protein, and easy preparation for a satisfying Greek-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (plus more for cooking)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and well-drained
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh dill or mint, chopped
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
To Assemble
- 4 warm pita breads
- Optional garnishes: sliced red onions, crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh parsley, kalamata olives
- Optional fresh veggies: sliced tomatoes, red onions, bell peppers
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey with finely minced garlic, chopped onion, dried oregano, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Add a splash of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice. Gently mix until well combined, taking care not to overwork the meat to keep meatballs tender.
- Shape and Cook the Meatballs: Form the turkey mixture into small, walnut-sized meatballs. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs for about 10 minutes, turning frequently to brown all sides and cook through without breaking them.
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce: While the meatballs cook, grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess water using a clean cloth. In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill or mint, olive oil, and salt. Chill the sauce for at least 15 minutes to meld flavors.
- Warm the Pita Bread: Lightly warm the pita bread in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in the oven for a few minutes until soft and pliable.
- Assemble Your Gyros: Place several cooked meatballs onto each warm pita. Spoon a generous amount of tzatziki sauce over the meatballs and add any optional fresh veggies or garnishes. Fold or roll the pita and serve immediately.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to keep them juicy and tender.
- Drain the grated cucumber well to ensure thick, creamy tzatziki.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or mint for the best flavor.
- Cook meatballs evenly by turning frequently and avoid crowding the pan.
- Warm pita bread properly to prevent breakage and make folding easier.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 gyro
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg