Name: Mediterranean Bowl with Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey; ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs or blanched almond flour; ¾ cup yellow onion, chopped; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; Chopped cucumbers, to taste; Kalamata olives, to taste; Tzatziki sauce, store-bought or homemade, to taste; Fresh dill, for garnish; Lemon wedges or slices, for garnish; Cooked rice or pearl couscous, for base

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Introduction

This Mediterranean Bowl with Turkey Meatballs is a vibrant, wholesome meal packed with fresh flavors and satisfying proteins. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines tender meatballs with crisp cucumbers, tangy olives, and creamy tzatziki for a deliciously balanced dish.

A white bowl filled with a colorful, layered meal sits on a white marbled surface. At the bottom is a bed of fluffy white rice. On one side of the bowl are small, round, golden-brown falafel balls with a crispy texture. Next to them are three slices of bright yellow lemon, arranged in a small fan shape. Beside the lemon slices is a single dark brown olive. Along another side of the bowl are fresh, sliced cucumber pieces in light green with darker green skin, sprinkled lightly with herbs. A creamy white sauce with green herb pieces is spread in a small portion near the cucumbers. The colors and textures together create a fresh and tasty look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey
½ cup Italian breadcrumbs or blanched almond flour
¾ cup yellow onion, chopped
1 large egg
2 teaspoons garlic, minced
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Chopped cucumbers
Kalamata olives
Tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Fresh dill
Lemon wedges or slices
Cooked rice or pearl couscous

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, Italian breadcrumbs or almond flour, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
Step 3: Shape the mixture into meatballs about the size of golf balls and place them evenly on a lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes. For extra crispness, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 5: While the meatballs bake, prepare rice or couscous according to package instructions and chop the cucumbers.
Step 6: Assemble your bowl by starting with a base of rice or couscous, then top with the turkey meatballs, chopped cucumbers, Kalamata olives, and generous spoonfuls of tzatziki sauce.
Step 7: Garnish with fresh dill and lemon wedges before serving for a bright finish.

Tips & Variations

Use blanched almond flour instead of breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
Swap turkey for ground chicken or beef depending on preference.
Add chopped fresh mint or parsley along with the dill for extra herbaceous flavor.
Try serving with quinoa or mixed greens instead of rice or couscous for a lighter bowl.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and cooked grains separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat meatballs in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Assemble bowls fresh before serving to keep textures crisp and sauces vibrant.

How to Serve

A white bowl contains a layered dish starting with a base layer of white rice topped with small, browned falafel balls evenly spread around the bowl. On one side, there are chunks of green cucumber pieces next to the rice, and beside them is a portion of creamy white sauce mixed with green herbs. To the opposite side of the falafel, there are two yellow lemon wedges and two brown olives. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs a day in advance and keep them refrigerated. Reheat them in the oven before assembling your bowls for best texture and flavor.

Is it okay to use store-bought tzatziki?

Absolutely! Store-bought tzatziki is a convenient option and tastes great, but homemade tzatziki will add extra freshness and customization if you have the time.