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Za’atar Spiced Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki & Quinoa

Za’atar Spiced Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki & Quinoa offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures in every bite. Juicy turkey meatballs are infused with exotic za’atar spices, paired with a creamy tzatziki and fluffy quinoa that absorbs all the delicious juices. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, ensuring everyone will be asking for seconds. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into a memorable culinary experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean)
  • 2 tbsp za’atar spice blend
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted (optional)
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 medium cucumber, grated and drained
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 2 cups water or broth

Instructions

  1. Rinse quinoa under cold water. In a pot, combine quinoa and water/broth; bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until tender. Fluff with a fork.
  2. In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, za’atar, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper until just combined.
  3. Form meatballs using a cookie scoop; place on a lined baking sheet.
  4. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake meatballs for about 20 minutes or until cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
  5. For tzatziki, mix Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, lemon juice, garlic (optional), salt, and fresh dill if desired.
  6. Serve meatballs over quinoa with tzatziki on the side.

Nutrition

Keywords: To make gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour. For added nutrition, consider incorporating chopped spinach into the meatball mixture. These meatballs can be frozen after cooking; store in an airtight container for up to three months.