Description
This Mediterranean Bowl with Ground Turkey Meatballs is a vibrant and healthy dish featuring flavorful turkey meatballs seasoned with herbs and spices, served over quinoa or brown rice and topped with fresh vegetables, kalamata olives, feta cheese, and creamy tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a quick, nutritious meal that brings the bright and savory flavors of the Mediterranean to your table in just 30 minutes.
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
Bowl Ingredients
- 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
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form the meatballs: Shape the turkey mixture into small meatballs approximately 1 inch in diameter, ensuring they hold together well for cooking.
- Cook the meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs carefully. Cook them, turning occasionally, until they are evenly browned on all sides and cooked through—about 10 to 12 minutes total.
- Prepare the base and toppings: While the meatballs cook, prepare the quinoa or brown rice according to package instructions if not already cooked. Chop the cherry tomatoes in halves, dice the cucumber, slice the kalamata olives, and thinly slice the red onion.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide the cooked quinoa or brown rice evenly among three bowls. Top each bowl with the cooked turkey meatballs, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced kalamata olives, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Add finishing touches: Drizzle tzatziki sauce over the assembled bowls and garnish with fresh lemon wedges for an added zest. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken for ground turkey if preferred.
- If making your own tzatziki, use Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and dill for authentic flavor.
- Brown rice or quinoa can be prepared ahead of time to reduce meal prep time.
- For a low-carb option, serve the meatballs with a salad instead of quinoa or rice.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, especially the salt and pepper.
