There’s something deeply satisfying about a good meatball, isn’t there? It’s a humble little package that delivers so much comfort and flavor in every single bite.

These Mediterranean meatballs, though, they’re a different kind of happy. They’re bright, herby, and packed with sunny flavors that feel both nourishing and incredibly delicious.

Ingredients Needed for the Recipe

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to a fantastic meal. Here’s what you’ll need to bring these meatballs to life.

• Ground Turkey: The lean protein base; I find 85/15 or 93/7 keeps them juicy.
• One Egg: This is your binder, holding everything together beautifully.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: They add just the right amount of lightness and structure.
• Frozen Chopped Spinach: Thawed and squeezed dry, it sneaks in goodness and moisture.
• Crumbled Feta Cheese: The salty, tangy star that defines the Mediterranean twist.
• Fresh Parsley: For that essential burst of fresh, green herbiness.
• Cumin, Oregano, Garlic Powder & Salt: The warm, aromatic spice quartet that makes the kitchen smell amazing.

The Heart of Your Meal: Building a Bowl

These meatballs are fantastic on their own, but building a bowl around them creates a truly memorable meal. It’s about texture, temperature, and contrast.

Start with a base of something soft and absorbing, like fluffy rice, couscous, or even a handful of crisp lettuce. Then, the fun begins with your toppings.

How to make Mediterranean Meatballs?

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Step 1- Prep Your Spinach

Take your thawed frozen spinach and squeeze it, really squeeze it, in your fists over the sink. You want to remove as much water as possible.

Give it a rough chop on a cutting board afterward, just to break up any long strands. This ensures every meatball gets little green flecks throughout.

Step 2- Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, add the ground turkey, egg, panko, all the spices, the parsley, crumbled feta, and your prepared spinach. Now, roll up your sleeves.

Use your hands to gently mix everything together. It’s the best tool for the job, letting you feel when it’s just combined without overworking the meat.

Step 3- Form the Meatballs

Pinch off portions of the mixture and gently roll them between your palms. I aim for about 20 to 24, a perfect two-bite size.

Don’t pack them too tightly; a gentle roll creates a tender texture. Placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet keeps cleanup simple.

Step 4- Bake to Perfection

Pop the sheet into a 400°F oven. After about 9 minutes, you’ll pull them out for a quick flip.

This gives each meatball a nicely browned, appetizing surface all over. Bake for another 5-6 minutes until they’re cooked through.

Switching Things Up: Meat & More

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. While I love the lightness of turkey, the flavor blueprint works with so many options.

Ground chicken, lamb for a richer taste, or even beef would be wonderful here. The spinach and feta are the real constants, the soul of the dish.

Tips

• For extra-herby meatballs, fold in a tablespoon of chopped fresh dill or mint along with the parsley. It’s a sunshine boost.
• If you’re using a leaner turkey, don’t shy away from a small drizzle of olive oil on the baking sheet. It helps with browning beautifully.
• Let the meatballs rest for five minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making them even more succulent.

Sauces & Dips: The Flavor Finale

A creamy, cool sauce is the perfect partner for these warmly spiced meatballs. Tzatziki is the classic choice, its cucumber and dill freshness cutting through the richness.

But a spicy red pepper and feta dip, or even a simple garlic yogurt sauce, would be absolutely divine. Don’t be afraid to dunk generously.

Making Them Ahead for Easy Wins

These meatballs are a meal-prep champion. You can form them and store them raw on a tray in the fridge for a day before baking.

You can also bake a full batch, let them cool completely, and freeze them in a single layer. Reheat straight from the freezer in the oven or even in a simmering sauce.

Having a container ready to go turns a hectic weeknight dinner into something you’ll actually look forward to. They’re just as good, maybe even better, the next day. Enjoy!

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Mediterranean Meatballs Recipe

Author: Elly Cuisine: Mediterranean Courses: Main Course

Difficulty: easy Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 30 mins

Cooking Temp: 200  C Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 12 Calories: 280

Best Season: Spring, Summer, Fall

Description

These Mediterranean Meatballs are easy to make and full of flavor. Made with ground turkey, spinach, feta, and aromatic herbs and spices, they’re versatile, protein-packed, and perfect for lunch or dinner! Serve them with rice, tzatziki, fresh veggies, and warm naan for a complete, healthy Mediterranean-inspired meal.

ingredients

Servings

• 1 pound ground turkey (85/15 or 93/7 for best moisture)
• 1 egg
• ¹⁄₃ cup panko breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ¹⁄₂ tsp salt
• ¹⁄₂ tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped)
• ¹⁄₃ cup crumbled feta cheese
• 4 oz frozen chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed dry)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease lightly.
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2. Thaw frozen spinach and squeeze thoroughly in a clean kitchen towel to remove excess water. Roughly chop again if desired for finer texture.
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3. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, egg, panko breadcrumbs, cumin, oregano, salt, garlic powder, parsley, feta, and spinach.
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4. Use your hands to mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
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5. Form mixture into 20–24 small meatballs (about 1.5 inches in diameter) and place on the prepared baking sheet.
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6. Bake for 14–15 minutes, flipping halfway through (around the 9-minute mark) for even browning.
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7. Serve warm with Mediterranean sides: rice or couscous, tzatziki sauce, chopped cucumber-tomato-onion-feta salad, and warm naan or pita.
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Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Serving Size 4 meatballs + sides

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 280kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 13gg20%

Saturated Fat 5gg25%

Trans Fat 0gg

Cholesterol 105mgmg35%

Sodium 520mgmg22%

Potassium 420mgmg12%

Total Carbohydrate 8gg3%

Dietary Fiber 1gg4%

Sugars 1gg

Protein 32gg64%

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Calcium 120 mg

Iron 2 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

• Gluten-free option: Use certified gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
• Air fryer instructions: Cook at 200°C (400°F) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Make ahead: Meatballs keep well refrigerated for 3–4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• Extra herbs: Add fresh mint or dill for a brighter Mediterranean flavor.

Keywords: Mediterranean meatballs, turkey meatballs, healthy meatballs, gluten-free meatballs, Mediterranean diet, feta meatballs, spinach meatballs