There’s something so comforting about a Mediterranean Bowl, isn’t there? I absolutely adore this dish for its vibrant flavors, colorful ingredients, and wholesome goodness. It reminds me of long summer nights spent on the patio with friends, sharing delicious food and basking in the warm glow of the setting sun. Plus, the ground turkey meatballs add a great source of lean protein that pairs perfectly with the fresh, zesty veggies and grains.
What makes this recipe even more special is its versatility. You can easily customize it to your liking—swap in different grains, add or omit veggies, or even change up the spices in the meatballs. In my case, I love throwing in extra olives and a dollop of tzatziki because who can resist that creamy goodness? Trust me, once you try this Mediterranean Bowl, you’ll be daydreaming about it long after your last bite!
What’s in Mediterranean Bowl With Ground Turkey Meatballs?
Ground Turkey: The star of the show, ground turkey is lean, packed with protein, and takes on flavors beautifully. I always opt for organic turkey if I can find it—it makes a noticeable difference!
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs together. I prefer using whole wheat breadcrumbs for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
Egg: Just one egg does the trick in holding everything together. It’s an essential ingredient in meatballs!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings a punch of flavor. If you’re anything like me, you might find yourself doubling the amount because it’s just that good!
Spices: A blend of cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika adds warmth and depth. These spices are what make the meatballs sing!
Quinoa (or Couscous): As a base for the bowl, I love quinoa for its nutty flavor and extra protein, but couscous works wonderfully for a more classic Mediterranean feel.
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh, juicy cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and color. They’re delightful roasted or even raw!
Cucumber: Crisp and refreshing, cucumbers are perfect for adding a cool crunch to balance the meal.
Red Onion: Sharp and tangy, red onions offer a nice contrast in texture and flavor.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds creaminess and a slight saltiness that just ties everything together beautifully.
Tzatziki Sauce: This glorious yogurt-based sauce with cucumber and garlic is a must for drizzling on top!
Is Mediterranean Bowl With Ground Turkey Meatballs Good for You?
Absolutely! This Mediterranean bowl is not only bursting with flavor but also promotes a healthy lifestyle.
Ground Turkey: It’s a lean protein that helps build muscle and keeps you feeling full longer—great for those of us who can’t resist second helpings!
Quinoa: This grain is a complete protein and packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It keeps your gut happy and feels like a warm hug for your insides.
Fresh Veggies: The cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion introduce vital nutrients, antioxidants, and hydration, making this bowl a nutritional powerhouse!
Feta Cheese: While it does contain some fat, it’s a good source of calcium and adds flavor, so a little goes a long way!
Just keep in mind, if you’re watching your sodium intake, feta and tzatziki can be a bit salty, so you might want to go easy on those or look for low-sodium versions.
Ingredients List
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
– 1 large egg
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp ground coriander
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 cup quinoa (or couscous)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup cucumber, diced
– 1/2 cup red onion, diced
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– Tzatziki sauce for drizzling
– Salt and pepper to taste
**Serves:** 4
How to Make Mediterranean Bowl With Ground Turkey Meatballs?
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. **Prepare the Meatballs:** In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, but don’t overdo it!
3. **Shape the Meatballs:** Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. **Bake the Meatballs:** Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (73°C).
5. **Cook the Quinoa:** While the meatballs are baking, prepare the quinoa according to package instructions. Usually, that means rinsing it, boiling it in water (or broth for extra flavor), and then simmering until fluffy.
6. **Assemble the Bowl:** In four serving bowls, start with a base of quinoa, then add the roasted meatballs, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and a sprinkle of feta.
7. **Drizzle Tzatziki Sauce:** Top with a generous drizzle of tzatziki sauce, and you’re ready to dig in!
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Here’s where you can get creative! Add or swap ingredients based on what you have on hand.
– **Extra Veggies:** Throw in bell peppers, greens, or even artichokes. The Mediterranean is all about colorful fresh veggies!
– **Different Grains:** Try brown rice, bulgur, or riced cauliflower for a low-carb option.
– **Herbs Galore:** Fresh parsley, dill, or mint can really elevate the flavor profile.
– **Make it a Wrap:** If you’re feeling adventurous, wrap everything in a warm pita or flatbread for a tasty meal on-the-go.
I can’t wait for you to try this Mediterranean Bowl with Ground Turkey Meatballs! I promise that it will become a staple in your kitchen just like it has in mine. And when you make it, snap a pic and let me know how it turned out! Happy cooking!
