Name: Spinach Feta Turkey Meatballs with Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: ⅓ cup bread crumbs; ¼ - ⅓ cup whole milk; 1 lb ground turkey (85% or 93% lean preferred); 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 3 Tbsp sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (excess oil removed); 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); ½ cup Greek or plain yogurt (full fat recommended); 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

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 57 reviews

If you're craving something utterly delicious and packed with flavor, I have to share my absolute favorite Spinach Feta Turkey Meatballs with Yogurt Sauce Recipe. These meatballs combine juicy, tender turkey with vibrant spinach and salty feta cheese, all brought together by a creamy, tangy yogurt sauce that elevates every bite. It’s a perfect dish for any night of the week when you want something wholesome, satisfying, and surprisingly quick to make. Trust me, once you try it, these meatballs will become a regular request at your dinner table!

Ingredients You'll Need

A white bowl lined with beige parchment paper holds a large pile of pale pink ground turkey with smooth and slightly uneven texture in the center. Around it, various small white bowls and dishes contain ingredients: bright green chopped parsley, creamy white Greek yogurt, off-white smooth mayonnaise, pale yellowish milk in a small glass measuring cup, orange-red sun-dried tomatoes with a rough texture, dark green fresh spinach leaves, a light yellow beaten egg with a smooth surface, finely minced garlic with a slightly moist texture, crumbly white feta cheese, beige breadcrumbs, and a small dish with mixed salt and black pepper. There is also a white plate with scattered dried seasonings in different shades of beige, light green, and brown, and two yellow lemon halves on the white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s adding moisture, seasoning, or that delightful burst of color and texture. From creamy feta to fresh herbs, these ingredients come together effortlessly to create a flavor-packed meal.

Bread crumbs: They help bind the meatballs and keep them tender without falling apart.

Whole milk: Just enough to moisten the bread crumbs, ensuring soft, juicy meatballs.
Ground turkey: The lean and healthy protein base that stays juicy when combined just right.
Large egg: Acts as a natural binder, holding everything snug together.

Sun-dried tomatoes: Adds a punch of rich, slightly sweet umami flavor.
Baby spinach: Fresh greens that keep the meatballs vibrant and nutritious.
Feta cheese crumbles: Salty and creamy, offering that signature Mediterranean touch.

Fresh parsley: Brings a bright, refreshing herbaceous note.
Garlic cloves: Minced garlic infuses the mixture with deep, aromatic flavor.
Dried oregano, basil, onion powder, sea salt, and pepper: Essential spices that layer in fragrant and savory goodness.
Olive oil: Used to brush the meatballs for a golden, crispy exterior when baked or cooked.

Greek or plain yogurt: The creamy base for the sauce that perfectly balances the meatballs with its tang.
Mayonnaise: Adds richness and smoothness to the yogurt sauce.
Lemon juice: Brings vibrant acidity to brighten the sauce.
Fresh dill and parsley: Bright herbs chopped into the yogurt sauce for freshness.

How to Make Spinach Feta Turkey Meatballs with Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Start by combining the bread crumbs and whole milk in a medium bowl, giving it a few minutes to soak up the moisture. This simple step ensures your meatballs stay delightfully tender. Then add the ground turkey, egg, sun-dried tomatoes, baby spinach, feta, parsley, garlic, and seasonings. Stir gently until just incorporated—overmixing will lead to tougher meatballs, and we want them light and juicy.

Step 2: Shape Your Meatballs

Using about 1 ½ tablespoons of mixture, scoop and roll into perfectly round meatballs. I like using a cookie scoop to keep sizes consistent, which helps with even cooking. The size also makes them perfect for dipping or serving as appetizers if you want to get fancy.

Step 3: Choose Your Cooking Method

You have options! For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Arrange and brush each meatball lightly with olive oil. Bake them for 15-17 minutes until the internal temperature hits 165°F. Broiling for a minute or two at the end gives a gorgeous golden crust.

Prefer stove top? Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook smaller meatballs while turning until nicely browned and cooked through. Alternatively, the air fryer works like a charm—brush grates with oil, air fry at 400°F for 7-9 minutes, flipping once halfway.

Step 4: Whip Up the Yogurt Sauce

While the meatballs cook, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, parsley, minced garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This sauce is creamy with a hint of tang that complements the savory meatballs flawlessly. If it feels too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out to your desired consistency.

How to Serve Spinach Feta Turkey Meatballs with Yogurt Sauce Recipe

A white bowl filled with a base layer of cooked white rice, topped with six golden-brown falafel balls mixed with green herbs and small bits of sun-dried tomatoes, scattered with white crumbled cheese and fresh green herb sprigs. On the right side, there are vibrant dark purple kalamata olives cut in halves, bright green thin cucumber slices with a light sprinkle of cheese and herbs, and fresh red cherry tomato halves with black pepper and herbs sprinkled on top. A dollop of white creamy sauce with herbs is placed near the tomatoes and cucumbers. A golden fork rests on the left side inside the bowl. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with small green herb sprigs scattered around and a small bowl of chopped green herbs and dark olives partially visible on the top left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley or dill sprinkled on top add a pop of color and freshness. Crumbled extra feta cheese also elevates the presentation and adds a salty contrast. A drizzle of olive oil can give the final touch of glossy perfection.

Side Dishes

These meatballs pair wonderfully with fluffy rice, tender orzo, or even a crisp green salad. Adding a Greek-inspired side of cucumbers, kalamata olives, and tomatoes echoes the flavors inside the meatballs, creating a harmonious plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these meatballs into party hits by serving them on skewers with dipping bowls of the yogurt sauce. You can also stuff pita pockets with a few meatballs, fresh veggies, and a generous spoonful of sauce for a handheld Mediterranean treat. Or serve them atop a vibrant grain bowl for a wholesome meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place leftover meatballs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep the yogurt sauce separately to prevent sogginess and maintain its fresh flavor.

Freezing

These meatballs freeze beautifully! Arrange them on a parchment-lined tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Freeze the yogurt sauce separately if possible.

Reheating

Reheat meatballs gently in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or on the stove top in a covered skillet with a splash of water to keep them moist. Avoid microwaving directly from frozen to prevent uneven heating. Add yogurt sauce fresh, or gently stir it if refrigerated.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken makes a great substitute and will still yield tender, flavorful meatballs. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as it can cook slightly faster.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

You can easily make it gluten-free by swapping regular bread crumbs for gluten-free bread crumbs. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?

Yes, you can mix the meatball ingredients and shape them a day ahead. Store them covered in the fridge until ready to cook. This is a great time saver for busy weeknights!

What type of yogurt is best for the sauce?

Full-fat Greek yogurt is ideal for the best flavor and creaminess, but plain yogurt works well too if you prefer a lighter sauce.

How do I keep the meatballs from drying out?

Using the bread crumbs soaked in milk and adding ingredients like feta and spinach helps keep the meatballs moist. Also, avoid overcooking and use a meat thermometer to hit the perfect 165°F.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Spinach Feta Turkey Meatballs with Yogurt Sauce Recipe enough; it’s a surefire way to impress your family or guests with a hearty yet fresh dish. The balance of creamy feta, bright herbs, and that luscious yogurt sauce turns simple ingredients into a memorable meal you’ll want to make again and again. So why not grab your apron and enjoy the magic of this recipe tonight?

Spinach Feta Turkey Meatballs with Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need