This Mediterranean Bowl with Ground Turkey Meatballs brings together a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, seasoned turkey meatballs, and a zesty tzatziki sauce. It’s a Healthy Mediterranean Meal that’s easy to make and perfect for any time of the day. The ground turkey meatballs are juicy and packed with spices, while the crisp vegetables and creamy feta cheese add just the right amount of contrast. I love how the tzatziki sauce ties it all together, giving each bite a refreshing touch.
Why You’ll Love Mediterranean Bowl with Ground Turkey Meatballs
Mediterranean Bowl with Ground Turkey Meatballs is a standout Healthy Mediterranean Meal:
- Bold Flavors: Spiced turkey meatballs burst with cumin and oregano.
- Quick Prep: Ready in 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: Swap ingredients for endless customization.
- Meal Prep Star: Perfect for make-ahead lunches or dinners.
- I make this Healthy Mediterranean Meal for family meals, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients for Mediterranean Bowl with Ground Turkey Meatballs
Here’s what you’ll need for Mediterranean Bowl with Ground Turkey Meatballs (serves 3):
- Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- ¼ cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Bowl:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
- ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh lemon wedges, for serving
Ingredient Tips:
- Turkey: Lean ground turkey for juicy, healthy meatballs; avoid extra-lean for better texture.
- Quinoa/Rice: Pre-cooked saves time; quinoa for gluten-free, rice for heartiness.
- Tzatziki: Homemade for fresh flavor; store-bought for convenience.
- Feta: Crumbled for tangy creaminess; check for gluten-free if needed.
- Veggies: Fresh, crisp veggies for crunch; swap based on preference.
Directions for Mediterranean Bowl with Ground Turkey Meatballs
Let’s create this vibrant Mediterranean Bowl with Ground Turkey Meatballs!
Mix Meatball Ingredients
In a large bowl, I combine 1 lb ground turkey, ¼ cup chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, ¼ cup parsley, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper, mixing until well blended.
Form Meatballs
I shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, making roughly 12–15 meatballs.
Cook Meatballs
I heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add the meatballs, and cook, turning occasionally, for 10–12 minutes until browned and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
Prep Base and Veggies
While meatballs cook, I prepare 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice and chop 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 cucumber, ½ cup kalamata olives, and ¼ cup red onion.
Assemble Bowls
I divide the quinoa or rice among 3 bowls, top with meatballs, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, and ½ cup crumbled feta. I drizzle with ½ cup tzatziki sauce and serve with lemon wedges.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 3
- Calories: ~500 kcal per serving
- Macros per Serving: 45g carbs, 30g protein, 25g fat, 5g fiber
Variations for Mediterranean Bowl with Ground Turkey Meatballs
Try these twists on Mediterranean Bowl with Ground Turkey Meatballs:
- Protein Swap: Use ground chicken or lamb for a different Healthy Mediterranean Meal flavor.
- Grain Options: Swap quinoa for couscous, bulgur, or cauliflower rice for low-carb.
- Dairy-Free: Skip feta and use dairy-free tzatziki for a vegan-friendly bowl.
- Roasted Veggies: Add roasted eggplant or bell peppers for extra depth.
- Spicy Kick: Mix ¼ tsp red pepper flakes into meatballs or tzatziki for heat.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with a side of Layla Cooks’ Smoked Mexican Street Corn Dip for a fusion feast.
- Serve with pita bread or a Greek salad for a complete Healthy Mediterranean Meal.
- Top with extra parsley or a tahini drizzle for added flair.
- Present in colorful bowls for a vibrant, Instagram-worthy meal.
Storage
I store Mediterranean Bowl with Ground Turkey Meatballs components (meatballs, quinoa/rice, veggies, tzatziki) separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2–3 days to maintain freshness. For meal prep, I assemble bowls just before eating to keep veggies crisp. I reheat meatballs and grains in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, adding cold tzatziki afterward. Meatballs can be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs About Mediterranean Bowl with Ground Turkey Meatballs
Can I make the turkey meatballs in advance?
Yes, I can easily prepare the turkey meatballs in advance. I often make a large batch, cook them, and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Can I use a different type of grain for the base?
Absolutely! While I often use quinoa or brown rice, I can also use couscous, bulgur, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If I like a little extra heat, I can add red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or sprinkle them on top before serving. A few dashes of hot sauce or a bit of chopped fresh chili in the tzatziki sauce can also do the trick.
Can I skip the tzatziki sauce?
I can skip the tzatziki sauce if I prefer, or swap it out for a different dressing or sauce. A tahini dressing or even a simple lemon vinaigrette would complement the flavors of this bowl nicely.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this Mediterranean bowl is great for meal prep! The meatballs and rice can be made ahead of time, and the ingredients can be stored separately for easy assembly throughout the week.
More Dinner Recipes
- Classic Moussaka: A Hearty, Soul-Warming Treat
- Honey Garlic Salmon Air Fryer
- Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Bowl with Ground Turkey Meatballs is one of my go-to meals when I want something fresh, nutritious, and full of flavor. It’s the perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and healthy fats, and it’s so easy to customize to suit my tastes. Whether I’m enjoying it for lunch or dinner, this Healthy Mediterranean Meal is always a hit in my kitchen. I love how satisfying and vibrant each bite is, making it a dish I can enjoy again and again.
Mediterranean Bowl with Ground Turkey Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/4 cup onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cucumber diced
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce store-bought or homemade
- Fresh lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until they’re browned and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.
- While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the quinoa or brown rice and chop the vegetables.
- To assemble, divide the quinoa or rice among bowls. Top it with the cooked meatballs, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Drizzle the tzatziki sauce over the top and garnish with fresh lemon wedges. Serve immediately.
Notes
- This recipe is versatile and can be customized based on available ingredients. You can swap the turkey for chicken or lamb, and adjust the base to quinoa, brown rice, or couscous.
- If looking for a dairy-free version, omit the feta and use dairy-free tzatziki sauce.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or sprinkle on top before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. For meal prep, store the components separately until ready to eat.
Did you Like This Recipe? Please Rate and Comment Below!