Name: Quick & Healthy Mediterranean Turkey Meatball Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; 1/3 cup breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup onion, grated or finely chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup cucumber, diced; 2 cups spinach or mixed greens; 1 lemon, zested and sliced; 1 cup Greek yogurt; 1/4 cup cucumber, grated (for tzatziki); 1 clove garlic, minced (for tzatziki); 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Vibrant, wholesome, and packed with flavor, this Mediterranean Turkey Meatball Bowl is everything you need in a nourishing meal. With juicy turkey meatballs, crisp cucumbers, ripe cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a generous dollop of creamy tzatziki, every bite delivers brightness and satisfaction.

Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or craving a quick dinner that feels like a vacation to the coast, this bowl delivers. The turkey meatballs come together quickly with lean ingredients and bold seasonings, while the base of crunchy veggies and refreshing lemon makes it feel like a celebration in a bowl.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment, and the Importance of Each)

To make this Mediterranean Turkey Meatball Bowl efficient and stress-free, you’ll want to gather a few essential tools:

Mixing Bowls: Needed for combining the meatball mixture and for tossing the salad ingredients separately.
Baking Sheet or Skillet: A baking sheet is great if you want to bake the meatballs for a lighter option. For a crispier exterior, a non-stick skillet will give them that golden sear.
Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: These are vital for slicing cucumbers, halving tomatoes, and chopping herbs cleanly and safely.

Microplane or Grater: Perfect for zesting lemon and grating garlic, which adds a burst of fresh flavor.
Measuring Spoons and Cups: Help ensure you’re balancing spices and yogurt for the tzatziki with accuracy.
Serving Bowls: A wide, shallow bowl works best for layering and displaying all the components beautifully.

Ingredients for the Mediterranean Turkey Meatball Bowl

Ground Turkey: The lean protein star of the show, bringing lightness and juicy texture to the meatballs.
Breadcrumbs: They help bind the meatballs while giving them structure and soaking up flavor.
Egg: Acts as a glue to keep everything together without crumbling.

Garlic: Fresh and pungent, garlic intensifies the savory profile of the meatballs.
Onion (Grated or Finely Chopped): Keeps the meatballs moist and enhances overall flavor.
Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, herbal lift to the meat and garnish.

Cumin and Oregano: Essential Mediterranean spices that deliver warmth and complexity.
Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, they contrast the savory meatballs and balance the bowl.
Cucumber: Crunchy, cooling, and hydrating, a refreshing base for the bowl.

Spinach or Mixed Greens: Provides volume and earthy undertones for a balanced bite.
Lemon: Brings acidity and brightness; both zest and juice amplify Mediterranean vibes.
Greek Yogurt (for Tzatziki): Creamy, tangy base for a luscious topping.

Dill and Mint (Fresh): Traditional herbs that define tzatziki with freshness.
Olive Oil: Smooths the tzatziki and adds richness to the overall bowl.

How To Make the Mediterranean Turkey Meatball Bowl

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with clean hands until everything is just combined.

Step 2: Shape and Cook the Meatballs

Form the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 tablespoon each). Cook them in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat, turning to brown on all sides until fully cooked, about 10-12 minutes. Alternatively, bake them at 400°F for 18-20 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill and mint, lemon juice, and a drizzle of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill until ready to serve.

Step 4: Prep the Bowl Ingredients

While the meatballs cook, chop cucumbers, halve the cherry tomatoes, and slice lemons. Lay out a base of spinach or greens in serving bowls.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

Layer your bowl with greens, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes. Add 4-5 meatballs on top. Spoon over a generous dollop of tzatziki, garnish with lemon wedges, and sprinkle fresh parsley for a final touch.

How to Serve and Store the Mediterranean Turkey Meatball Bowl

Serve the bowls fresh and slightly warm for the best contrast of temperature and textures. The warm meatballs paired with crisp veggies and cool tzatziki is a dreamy combination. Add pita bread or quinoa if you’d like to make it heartier.

For storing, keep components separate if meal-prepping. Meatballs can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge and reheated easily. Tzatziki keeps well refrigerated for 3-4 days, and veggies can be prepped fresh daily to retain their crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for turkey?

You can use ground chicken for a similar lean option or even lamb or beef for a richer flavor. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! Prepare the meatballs and tzatziki in advance, then assemble with fresh veggies throughout the week.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes. Use a dairy-free yogurt alternative for the tzatziki and skip the cheese if you add any extras.

How do I keep the meatballs juicy?

Avoid overmixing the meat and include moisture-adding ingredients like onion and fresh herbs.

Can I freeze the meatballs?

Definitely! Cooked turkey meatballs freeze well in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Is this bowl low-carb?

Yes, it can be. Just omit pita or rice add-ons and focus on the greens and protein-rich turkey.

Want More Bowl Ideas?

If you love this Mediterranean Turkey Meatball Bowl, you’ll definitely want to check out these satisfying creations:

Shrimp Burrito Bowls with smoky seasoning and fresh avocado.
Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot for a hands-off dinner with bold flavor.

Pan-Seared Mediterranean Cod in Tomato Basil Sauce if you’re looking for another protein-packed bowl idea.
Soft and Fluffy Homemade Naan Bread to serve on the side of any Mediterranean meal.

For more recipes like this one, visit my Pinterest at Life With Olivia where I share daily inspiration and fresh flavor ideas.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest meal prep or healthy dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you use dill or mint in your tzatziki? Maybe added hummus on the side?

I love seeing your twists on these bowls—don’t hesitate to ask questions or share your results. Let’s help each other keep meals exciting and nourishing.

Quick & Healthy Mediterranean Turkey Meatball Bowl

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Mediterranean Turkey Meatball Bowl is a bright, refreshing, and nourishing meal. Featuring lean turkey meatballs, crisp vegetables, creamy tzatziki, and fresh herbs, it’s perfect for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners.

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, grated onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined.

2. Form into 1-tablespoon-sized meatballs. Cook in a skillet with olive oil over medium heat, turning until browned and cooked through (about 10–12 minutes), or bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes.

3. Make the tzatziki: Combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, dill, mint, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt and pepper. Chill until ready to serve.

4. Prep bowl components: Chop cucumber, halve cherry tomatoes, and lay spinach in serving bowls.

5. Assemble bowls with greens, veggies, meatballs, a spoonful of tzatziki, lemon slices, and extra parsley if desired.