If you want to enjoy the delicious and healthy flavors of the Mediterranean, try making some Greek turkey meatballs! This recipe is absolutely delicious and really easy to make. Served up with a homemade tzatziki sauce, this meal is perfect for meal prep bowls or salads.
Turkey meatballs are a lean, flavorful, and versatile main dish that can be served at any meal But finding the perfect side dishes to complement the savory meatballs can be tricky. The ideal sides should balance flavors, textures, and nutrition to create a satisfying meal.
After researching numerous recipes and food blogs, I’ve compiled this list of 15 of the best side dishes to serve with turkey meatballs These sides range from hearty and comforting to light and refreshing. With this variety of options, you can pick sides that appeal to your personal preferences and the season or occasion
Satisfying Starchy Sides
Starchy sides like potatoes, rice, or pasta provide a comforting base that pairs nicely with turkey meatballs. The starch soaks up any sauce and provides a pleasant contrast to the meatballs’ texture.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Classic mashed potatoes are a no-fail pairing. I prefer using Yukon Gold potatoes for their buttery flavor. Boil them until fork tender then mash them with butter, milk or cream, and seasonings like garlic, salt, and pepper. The creamy, smooth potatoes complement the meatballs perfectly.
Rice Pilaf
For a more exotic flavor, rice pilaf is a great choice. I like to sauté onions and toast the rice grains in oil before cooking it in broth. This technique makes the rice pilaf fragrant, fluffy, and infused with rich flavor. The contrast of the tender yet chewy grains and the meatballs is very satisfying.
Pasta with Marinara
What’s better than a mountain of pasta drowned in marinara sauce? The noodles soak up the rich, tomatoey sauce, which also complements the turkey meatballs deliciously. For gluten-free diners, zucchini noodles make a great substitute to traditional pasta.
Fresh and Crunchy Veggie Sides
Fresh, crunchy vegetables add color, nutrition, and texture variety to balance a turkey meatball meal. Salads and roasted veggies are excellent options.
Greek Salad
A refreshing Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, kalamata olives, and feta cheese makes a delicious pairing. The briny olives, tangy feta, and Mediterranean dressing provide a flavorful contrast to the meatballs.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
For a heartier veggie side, I love oven roasted Brussels sprouts. Toss halved sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper then roast at 400°F until browned and crispy on the edges. Their sweet, nutty flavor complements the meatballs perfectly.
Grilled Zucchini
During summer, we love grilling zucchini spears to serve with turkey meatballs. The smoky char enhances the zucchini’s natural flavor. For added interest, grill different colored zucchinis like green and yellow varieties.
Satisfying Bread and Grain Sides
Hearty breads and grains provide filler and texture contrast. They make excellent sides for casual meals or kids’ plates.
Cheesy Garlic Bread
Warm, crusty garlic bread is irresistible, especially when topped with melted cheese. The crispy bread provides a nice crunch in contrast to the tender meatballs. It also helps soak up any sauce on the plate.
Cornbread
For a homestyle touch, cornbread is a classic pairing. I make mine a bit spicy by adding jalapeños and pepper jack cheese to the batter before baking. The sweet, crumbly cornbread complements the turkey meatballs wonderfully.
Quinoa Salad
Protein-packed quinoa makes a super healthy and filling side dish. Cook the quinoa then mix in vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers. The quinoa’s nutty flavor and the crunch of the fresh veggies balance the meatballs’ texture and taste.
Creative Fries and Tots Options
Crunchy fries and tots offer familiar comfort. Unique flavor twists like sweet potato fries or cheesy tots make them exciting sides for turkey meatballs.
Sweet Potato Fries
For a healthier twist on fries, oven-roasted sweet potato fries are delicious. Toss sweet potato wedges with olive oil and spices like garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne before baking until crispy. Kids and adults alike will love these fries.
Cheesy Tater Tots
Tater tots are a bite-sized indulgence, especially when loaded with cheese and bacon. Layer tater tots, cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and green onions in a casserole dish and bake until bubbly and gooey. It’s the ultimate tasty, crunchy side dish.
Cajun-Seasoned Fries
If you want an easy, crowd-pleasing side, Cajun seasoned fries always satisfy. Simply toss thin-cut french fries with Cajun seasoning and oil then bake until crispy. Dip them in spicy mayo for extra flavor.
Nutritious Vegetable Medleys and Soups
Warm vegetable medleys and soups provide comfort along with an extra serving of veggies. They make hearty, satisfying meal accompaniments.
Ratatouille
This Provençal classic includes a medley of sautéed vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, and bell peppers simmered in a light tomato sauce. The assortment of flavors and textures complements turkey meatballs beautifully.
Minestrone Soup
A bowl of minestrone is the ultimate comfort food. This Italian vegetable soup typically includes beans, pasta, tomatoes, and leafy greens in a light broth. Serve it alongside turkey meatballs for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Sauteed Broccoli Rabe
For a quick and nutritious side, I love sautéed broccoli rabe. Simply cook the greens with olive oil and garlic until just wilted then season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. The slight bitterness balances the meatballs’ richness.
Lighter Sides for Health-Conscious Meals
If you’re looking for better-for-you sides, try lighter options like vegetable slaws or fresh salads. They make your meal feel wholesome without sacrificing flavor.
Apple Coleslaw
For a fruity twist, apple coleslaw is refreshing and crunchy. Thinly slice green apples and shredded cabbage. Toss with a creamy poppyseed dressing for a sweet tang that complements turkey meatballs deliciously.
Greek Chopped Salad
A Greek chopped salad boasts flavor and nutrition. Chopped romaine, tomatoes, cucumbers, kalamata olives, and feta pair wonderfully with turkey meatballs. The salad’s fresh flavors and textures liven up the meal.
Steamed Broccoli with Lemon
Quick steamed broccoli is a classic healthy side dish. The lemon juice and zest add brightness that cuts through the meatballs’ richness. For extra flavor, toss the broccoli with sautéed garlic before serving.
Satisfying All Tastes and Occasions
Turkey meatballs’ versatility means you can serve them on any occasion from family dinners to game day. Having a variety of side dish options ensures you can please everyone’s preferences.
The ideal sides should balance the meatballs’ texture and richness. Creamy potatoes, fresh vegetables, crunchy breads, flavorful grains, and soups all make excellent pairings. With this list of 15 side dish ideas, you’ll always have delicious options to complement turkey meatballs perfectly!
How to make Greek turkey meatballs
To make turkey meatballs, start by putting ground turkey and minced garlic in a large bowl. Then, add the grated (or finely chopped) red onion, along with an egg, breadcrumbs, dill, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Mix everything together using your hands and then divide the mixture into 14 meatballs.
Tip: The easiest way to form the meatballs is to use a small ice cream scoop! You can also use a spoon to scoop a bit of the turkey mixture into the palm of your hand and roll it into even balls. Add a little bit of olive oil to your hands to make the rolling easier.
Heat up some olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, and then add the meatballs.
Next, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs and cook them for 7-8 minutes, turning them constantly to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.
Once the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F, they are ready. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the meat.
While the meatballs are cooking, you can make the Tzatziki sauce.
Below are some common turkey meatball questions. Don’t see the answer you’re looking for? Leave a comment at the bottom of this post!
What can I serve with these Greek meatballs?
These Greek turkey meatballs are perfect for meal prep bowls and salads! I love to serve them with a big bowl of roasted veggies and rice and topped with crumbled feta cheese.
Sometimes, I will whip up a batch of this Moroccan couscous salad and serve them with meatballs and lemon garlic hummus.
You can also make yourself a little protein snack box! I like to add these Mediterranean meatballs, baked falafels, tzatziki sauce, and tomato cucumber salad.
Once your Greek turkey meatballs have been cooked, you can store them in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
The BEST Baked Turkey Meatballs | LOADED With of Flavor!
FAQ
What can you have turkey meatballs with?
Serve the meatballs over spaghetti or polenta, alongside roasted broccoli, or stuffed into a hoagie roll for a meatball sub. They’re also delicious served on their own, or topped with a dollop of ricotta cheese as an appetizer.
What is a good side with meatballs?
- Starchy options: Pasta, mashed potatoes, rice
- Veggies: Roasted vegetables, green beans
- Bread: Garlic bread
- Cheesy options: Parmesan risotto
What do Italians serve meatballs with?
To complete the meal, meatballs are sometimes served with a greens salad, lightly sautéed vegetables or even French fries, patatine fritte in Italian.