Why You’ll Love Lemon Feta Dill Meatballs Recipe
These meatballs are bright, savory, and easy to make in just 30 minutes.
They are baked instead of fried, which keeps cleanup simple.
The feta adds a salty, creamy bite, while the dill and lemon make the flavor fresh and vibrant.
They are great for meal prep and can be served with rice, vegetables, salad, pita, or on their own as a protein-packed snack.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the meatballs:
1 lb ground turkey
1 egg
1/2 cup crumbled feta
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup dill, about 1 small bunch
2 cups spinach
1/2 large red onion, cut into large chunks
2 cloves garlic
1 small lemon, zested and juiced
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
For the yogurt sauce:
1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lemon, juiced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, egg, crumbled feta, and rolled oats.
In a food processor, add the dill, spinach, red onion, garlic cloves, lemon zest, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is well blended but still slightly textured.
Pour the herb mixture over the turkey mixture. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
Roll the mixture into meatballs using about 3 tablespoons of mixture per meatball. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F. Let them cool slightly before serving.
While the meatballs bake, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Serve the meatballs with the yogurt sauce as a dip. Enjoy them with rice, vegetables, Greek salad, pita, or as they are.
Servings and timing
Servings: 24 meatballs
Prep time: 12 minutes
Cook time: 18 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
Use ground chicken instead of ground turkey for a similar light flavor.
Swap rolled oats with breadcrumbs if preferred.
Add chopped parsley or mint for extra herb flavor.
Use baby kale instead of spinach for a slightly heartier taste.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for mild heat.
Serve the meatballs in pita wraps with cucumber, tomato, lettuce, and yogurt sauce.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Store the yogurt sauce separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat meatballs in the microwave in short intervals until warmed through, or place them in a 350°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes.
The meatballs can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Let them cool completely, freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.
Thaw frozen meatballs overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Yes, ground chicken works well in this recipe and gives a similar tender texture.
Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes, use certified gluten-free rolled oats to keep the recipe gluten-free.
Can I use breadcrumbs instead of oats?
Yes, breadcrumbs can replace rolled oats. Use the same amount.
Can I make the meatball mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
How do I know when the meatballs are done?
They are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F and are cooked through in the center.
Can I freeze these meatballs?
Yes, baked meatballs freeze well for up to 2 months.
What should I serve with these meatballs?
They pair well with rice, roasted vegetables, Greek salad, pita, cucumbers, tomatoes, or hummus.
Can I make the yogurt sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I pan-fry these instead of baking?
Yes, you can cook them in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat, turning until cooked through.
Why is my meatball mixture soft?
Ground turkey mixtures can be soft because of the moisture from herbs, spinach, onion, and lemon. Chilling the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes can make it easier to roll.
Conclusion
Lemon Feta Dill Meatballs are fresh, flavorful, and simple enough for a quick weeknight meal. With tender turkey, creamy feta, bright lemon, and a tangy yogurt sauce, they are easy to serve in many different ways and perfect for meal prep.
