Name: Mediterranean Bowl with Ground Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey; ¼ cup breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 2 tablespoons chopped parsley; 2 garlic cloves (minced); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon ground cumin; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cups cooked quinoa or rice; 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved); 1 cup cucumber (diced); ½ cup red onion (thinly sliced); ½ cup Kalamata olives (pitted and halved); ½ cup crumbled feta cheese; 1 cup hummus or tzatziki; lemon wedges for serving

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If you’re craving a meal that’s vibrant, comforting, and loaded with wholesome goodness, this Mediterranean Bowl with Ground Turkey Meatballs is your ticket to a sunny, flavor-packed escape. Think juicy, herby turkey meatballs nestled on a bed of fluffy quinoa or rice, surrounded by fresh veggies, briny olives, and creamy feta—finished with a big dollop of hummus or tzatziki. Every bite is equal parts hearty and refreshing, and the best part is just how easy it is to bring a splash of Mediterranean sunshine to your own kitchen.

Mediterranean Bowl with Ground Turkey Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this recipe is how straightforward yet purposeful each ingredient is. Every component offers something special, whether it’s texture, zing, or a pop of color—making the Mediterranean Bowl with Ground Turkey Meatballs as appealing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Ground turkey: Lean, juicy, and a brilliant blank canvas for Mediterranean herbs and spices.
Breadcrumbs: Essential for binding the meatballs and keeping them deliciously tender.
Egg: Helps everything hold together for perfectly formed meatballs.
Chopped parsley: Adds bursts of fresh, grassy flavor and gorgeous green flecks.
Minced garlic (2 cloves): Infuses the meatballs with savory, aromatic depth.
Dried oregano: A classic Mediterranean herb, contributing earthy, floral notes.
Ground cumin: Provides subtle warmth and complexity to the meatballs.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors into balance.
Olive oil: For skillet browning, adds richness and helps develop a golden crust.
Cooked quinoa or rice: The wholesome base, perfect for soaking up juices and sauces.
Cherry tomatoes (halved): Juicy, sweet, and full of color—like sunbeams in your bowl.
Cucumber (diced): Crisp and refreshing, it lightens up every bite.
Red onion (thinly sliced): Delivers sharpness and bite with beautiful purple pops.
Kalamata olives (pitted, halved): Salty, briny, and authentic—don’t skip these!
Crumbled feta cheese: Creamy, tangy, and irresistibly crumbly for Mediterranean flair.
Hummus or tzatziki: Either dip adds creamy, cooling contrast and a boost of flavor.
Lemon wedges: A sunny squeeze brightens everything right at the table.

How to Make Mediterranean Bowl with Ground Turkey Meatballs

Step 1: Mix and Shape the Meatballs

In your largest bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Use a fork or your hands to mix just until combined—over-mixing can make meatballs dense, so keep it gentle. Scoop the mixture into small portions and roll between your palms to form balls about 1½ inches wide. Lining them up on a plate as you go adds a satisfying sense of assembly-line accomplishment!

Step 2: Cook the Turkey Meatballs

Drizzle olive oil into a large skillet and set it over medium heat. Once hot, add your meatballs in a single layer, leaving a little space between them. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, so all sides get golden and the centers cook through (juices should run clear). Transfer the cooked meatballs to a plate. Their aroma should already be calling everyone to the kitchen!

Step 3: Assemble the Mediterranean Bowls

Divide the warm quinoa or rice evenly among 4 bowls. It acts as the flavorful foundation for all the other goodies. Artfully arrange the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta over each bowl. Add a generous spoonful of hummus or tzatziki right to the center, and top each bowl with 3–4 turkey meatballs.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Finish off your gorgeous Mediterranean Bowl with Ground Turkey Meatballs by adding lemon wedges on the side and a sprinkle of extra parsley or your favorite fresh herbs. Serve immediately while the meatballs are warm and the veggies are crisp, or let everything come to room temperature for a more picnic-feel meal.

How to Serve Mediterranean Bowl with Ground Turkey Meatballs

Garnishes

Garnishing takes these bowls from everyday to extraordinary. A shower of chopped parsley or dill adds color and a fresh finish. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over the top makes everything glisten. Don’t forget a final squeeze of lemon—its zingy brightness pulls all the Mediterranean flavors together perfectly!

Side Dishes

While the bowl is a meal on its own, you can round it out with warm pita bread, a crisp Greek salad, or grilled veggies. Offering a platter of extra hummus or tzatziki on the side is always a hit, especially for those who love an extra creamy touch with each bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your Mediterranean Bowl with Ground Turkey Meatballs into a stunning spread for entertaining! Try serving “DIY” style with all components in separate bowls, letting guests build their bowls. Or, pack the ingredients into jars for picnic-ready lunches. Even kids eat more veggies when building their own colorful creations!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

For the freshest leftovers, store the turkey meatballs, grains, and veggie toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Everything will keep well for up to 4 days. Dress your bowl just before eating to maintain the best textures and flavors.

Freezing

The turkey meatballs are freezer-friendly! After cooling, pop them onto a baking sheet to quickly freeze, then transfer them to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. When ready to use, just thaw in the fridge overnight. Freezing the veggie toppings isn’t recommended—they taste best fresh.

Reheating

To reheat the meatballs, simply microwave them for a minute or two or warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth. The bowls can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, but if you prefer everything hot, heat the grains and meatballs first, then add fresh veggies and garnishes just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken or beef both work beautifully as a substitute for turkey in your Mediterranean Bowl with Ground Turkey Meatballs. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly due to fat content, but the flavor will remain deliciously robust.

What can I use instead of breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version?

To make your meatballs gluten-free, swap in certified gluten-free breadcrumbs or try using ground oats, crushed gluten-free crackers, or even almond flour. The result will still be tender and hold together beautifully in your Mediterranean Bowl with Ground Turkey Meatballs.

Which grain base is best for this recipe?

Both quinoa and rice work wonderfully, but you can get creative! Farro, couscous, or even cauliflower rice are fantastic alternatives. Each base lends a different texture and flavor, allowing you to tailor your Mediterranean Bowl with Ground Turkey Meatballs to your style.

Can I prepare this for meal prep?

Definitely yes! This bowl is a meal prep superstar. Store components separately for maximum freshness, and assemble just before serving for a quick, healthy, and flavorful lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Is this kid-friendly?

Kids love the fun, build-your-own aspect and the bite-sized glory of turkey meatballs. Engage little ones in assembling their own Mediterranean Bowl with Ground Turkey Meatballs, and let them choose their favorite veggies or dips for a fuss-free family meal.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to add variety and a whirlwind of flavor to your home cooking, you can’t go wrong with this Mediterranean Bowl with Ground Turkey Meatballs. It’s nourishing, beautiful, and so easy to personalize—so don’t wait to make it your next dinner hit. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and take your taste buds on a Mediterranean getaway!

Mediterranean Bowl with Ground Turkey Meatballs Recipe

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4.5 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Mediterranean Bowl with Ground Turkey Meatballs is a wholesome and flavorful dish that combines juicy turkey meatballs with fresh veggies, grains, and creamy hummus or tzatziki. Perfect for a satisfying meal that’s easy to make and great for meal prep!

Ingredients

Scale

For the turkey meatballs:

1 pound ground turkey
¼ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
2 garlic cloves (minced)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the bowl:

2 cups cooked quinoa or rice
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
1 cup cucumber (diced)
½ cup red onion (thinly sliced)
½ cup Kalamata olives (pitted and halved)
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
1 cup hummus or tzatziki
lemon wedges for serving

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Instructions

Prepare the turkey meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Form into small meatballs.
Cook the meatballs: Brown the meatballs in olive oil until cooked through.
Assemble the bowls: Divide quinoa or rice into bowls, top with veggies, feta, and hummus or tzatziki. Add meatballs and garnish with lemon.