Meatballs have long been a go-to recipe in my kitchen, especially when paired with marinara sauce and pasta. But lately, I’ve been switching things up with a lighter, Mediterranean twist. These Greek-inspired chicken meatballs with feta and a creamy yogurt sauce have become a favorite in my home—and for good reason! They’re packed with flavor, full of healthy ingredients, and can be served in so many ways. Whether you’re looking to increase your protein intake, sneak more veggies into your meals, or just try something new, this recipe is one to add to your dinner rotation!
A Healthy New Take on Meatballs: Flavorful, Nutritious, and Versatile
What sets these Greek-Inspired meatballs apart is the use of ingredients like crumbled feta, garlic, oregano, and green onions. Feta adds a satisfying saltiness that blends perfectly with the garlic and herbs, making each bite a burst of Mediterranean flavor. Another bonus? Spinach is added to the mix, sneaking in extra veggies without overwhelming the dish. This is a simple way to get in more greens, even for those picky eaters who might turn up their noses at a plate of spinach.
The secret ingredient in these meatballs is oatmeal, which I use instead of traditional breadcrumbs. The oats add a heartier texture while boosting the fiber content, and they don’t sacrifice any of the flavor. And these are great for people who are following a gluten-free diet! Plus, baking the meatballs instead of frying makes them a healthier option that doesn’t skimp on taste or texture.
Zoodles: A Fun and Low-Carb Pasta Alternative
When it comes to serving, I love these meatballs over Zoodles—zucchini noodles made using a spiralizer or even a simple peeler tool. Zoodles are not only a great low-carb option, but they’re also the perfect option when you want to increase your veggie intake, and they are super quick to make! Just heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, toss in the zoodles, and gently sauté them for about 5 minutes until they’re tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and you’ve got a light, fresh base for your meatballs that’s bursting with nutrients.
If you’re prepping for the week, this recipe works well as a meal-prep option. Make a large batch of meatballs, portion them out with zoodles, and you’ll have quick, healthy meals ready to go. I recommend keeping the yogurt sauce on the side and drizzling over the meatballs once they’ve been reheated.
Why This Recipe is a Nutritional Powerhouse
Beyond the delicious flavors, this meal is packed with nutritional benefits. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key ingredients.
Protein: The Building Block of a Healthy Diet
Chicken is a fantastic source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle, especially as we age. Protein also helps keep you feeling full longer, which can aid in weight management. Whether you're aiming to maintain muscle mass or simply want a filling meal, these chicken meatballs are a great way to get in that much-needed protein.
**You can substitute lean ground turkey for the chicken.
Spinach: A Nutrient-Dense Green
Spinach is one of those leafy greens that packs a big nutritional punch. It’s low in calories but high in vitamins A, C, and K, along with folate, iron, and calcium—all essential for maintaining bone health and supporting your immune system. By adding spinach to the meatballs, you get all these benefits in a way that feels effortless.
To add spinach to meatballs, Roughly chop four cups of spinach and place in a glass bowl. Steam in the microwave for about one minute or until wilted. Then carefully drain any excess liquid before mixing with the remaining meatball ingredients.
Oatmeal: A Better Binder
Traditional meatball recipes often call for breadcrumbs as a binder, but swapping them out for oatmeal offers a heart-healthy alternative. Oats are rich in fiber, particularly soluble fiber, which has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels and stabilize blood sugar. They also add a subtle nuttiness to the meatballs that complement the flavors without overwhelming them.
Once all the ingredients are mixed, you can use two spoons to form the meatballs. The oatmeal helps them to hold together well, they remain moist and bake to a lovely golden.
The Perfect Pairing: Yogurt Sauce
No Greek-inspired dish would be complete without a creamy, tangy yogurt sauce to tie it all together. I like to keep it simple—just plain Greek yogurt, a little lemon juice, garlic, and seasonings. If you have fresh dill or mint, you can add a tablespoon of your herbs of choice to change up the flavors to your preference! This sauce not only adds an extra layer of flavor but also provides probiotics, which are great for gut health. Plus, Greek yogurt is high in protein, making it the perfect complement to the chicken meatballs.
You can enjoy this sauce dolloped over the meatballs, or serve on the side. Meatballs make great go-to appetizer: simply make them smaller and served with the yogurt sauce for dipping—a real crowd-pleaser!
How to Make Greek-Inspired Chicken Meatballs with Feta
Now that you know why this recipe is as nutritious as it is delicious, here’s how to make it.
Ingredients for the Meatballs:
1 lb ground chicken
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats (uncooked)
4 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped, then steamed to wilt down to about 1 cup
2 green onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced or ½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano
1 large egg
½ teaspoon each of salt & pepper
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes cut in halves for garnish (optional)
Ingredients for the Yogurt Sauce:
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
3 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
½ tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill (optional)
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease the bottom of a 13”x 9” glass baking dish and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
Form the mixture into 1-2-inch balls and place them in the prepared baking dish.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through.
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the yogurt sauce by mixing all ingredients in a small bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve the meatballs over zoodles or your favorite side and dollop the yogurt sauce over the top, or with the yogurt sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with cherry tomatoes.
A Recipe That’s Sure to Become a Favorite
These Greek-inspired chicken meatballs with zoodles are a flavorful, protein-packed dish that you’ll love adding to your meal rotation. Whether you’re serving them over zoodles for a light dinner or preparing a batch for appetizers, they’re sure to be a hit. And with all the nutritional benefits from the chicken, spinach, oatmeal, and yogurt sauce, you can feel great about serving them to your family or enjoying them yourself.
Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out—I think you’ll love it as much as I do!
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