Description
A vibrant Mediterranean bowl featuring juicy ground turkey meatballs with fresh herbs and spices, served over quinoa or brown rice and topped with crisp vegetables, kalamata olives, creamy feta cheese, and tangy tzatziki sauce. This quick and wholesome meal is perfect for a healthy, flavorful lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Grains and Vegetables
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Toppings
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Form the Meatballs: Shape the turkey mixture into small meatballs about 1 inch in diameter to ensure even cooking and bite-sized portions.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs carefully, and cook them, turning occasionally for about 10-12 minutes until they are browned on all sides and cooked through.
- Prepare the Grains and Vegetables: While the meatballs cook, prepare your choice of quinoa or brown rice according to package instructions if not already cooked. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, slice the kalamata olives, and thinly slice the red onion.
- Assemble the Mediterranean Bowls: Divide the cooked quinoa or brown rice into serving bowls. Top each portion with the cooked turkey meatballs, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Drizzle tzatziki sauce generously over each bowl, garnish with fresh lemon wedges, and serve immediately for a fresh, delicious Mediterranean meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken or lamb for the turkey if preferred.
- Tzatziki sauce can be homemade using Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and dill for a fresher taste.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the quinoa or brown rice is certified gluten-free.
- Leftover meatballs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave.
- Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for added richness and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
