Description
Za’atar Spiced Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki & Quinoa is a vibrant dish bursting with flavor. Juicy turkey meatballs, infused with aromatic za’atar spices, are paired with a creamy tzatziki sauce and served on a healthy bed of quinoa. This meal not only delights the taste buds but also fills your kitchen with enticing aromas, making it perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy dinner or a festive gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons za’atar spice blend
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat recommended)
- ½ cucumber, grated and excess moisture removed
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water or broth
Instructions
- Prepare Quinoa: Rinse quinoa under cold water. In a saucepan, combine quinoa and water/broth. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low for about 15 minutes until liquid absorbs.
- Make Tzatziki: In a bowl, mix grated cucumber with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, parsley, onion, garlic, za’atar blend, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well using your hands.
- Form and Bake Meatballs: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Shape mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Fluff cooked quinoa with a fork and serve as a base topped with meatballs and tzatziki sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 3 meatballs (225g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg