Healthy Mediterranean Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki (Gluten-Free Option!)

A cozy, nourishing Sunday dinner made with fresh, real food ingredients.

Lately, James and I have started a new tradition: slow, intentional Sunday dinners made from whatever catches our eye at the local farmers market. It’s a chance to wind down, reconnect, and nourish ourselves with food that feels just as good as it tastes. This past weekend, the gentleman I buy our meat from had lamb available — and immediately, Mediterranean meatballs were on the menu.

This recipe is full of flavor and packed with nutrient-dense ingredients: grass-fed & finished beef, lamb, organ meats (yes, really!), and fresh herbs. Paired with a creamy homemade tzatziki and a crisp side Greek salad, this meal is equal parts comforting and energizing — and one I know we’ll come back to all summer long.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Protein-Packed: Each serving is loaded with high-quality protein to support muscle, hormones, and satiety.
• Gut & Immune Supportive: Grass-fed meats, Greek yogurt, and fresh herbs support gut health, digestion, and inflammation balance.
• Real Food Ingredients: No fillers, no shortcuts — just fresh, vibrant ingredients as close to nature as possible.
• Perfect for Meal Prep or Company: This recipe makes 24–28 meatballs and stores well for leftovers.

Ingredient Spotlights

Grass-Fed & Finished Beef (with Organ Meat Blend):
Grass-fed beef is higher in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants like vitamin E, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a compound associated with reduced inflammation and better body composition. The organ blend adds an extra punch of micronutrients like vitamin A, B12, and iron — nature’s true multivitamin.

Full-Fat Greek Yogurt:
Rich in protein, probiotics, and healthy fats, full-fat Greek yogurt supports your gut, blood sugar, and hormone balance. It’s a creamy base for the tzatziki that also helps support healthy digestion — especially when paired with herbs like mint and dill.

Mediterranean Meatballs

Ingredients:
• 1 lb grass-fed & finished ground beef (organ meat blend if available)
• 1 lb lamb
• ⅓–½ cup finely chopped red onion
• 1 egg
• ½ cup finely chopped or shredded fresh mozzarella
• 2 oz freshly crumbled feta
• ½–¾ cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt + pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp dried thyme
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• ½ tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp honey

Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine beef, lamb, onion, egg, mozzarella, feta, parsley, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, garlic powder, cumin, and honey.
2. Mix thoroughly until fully combined.
3. Refrigerate mixture for 2–4 hours to firm up (optional, but helps with shaping).
4. Roll into medium-sized meatballs and place on a baking sheet.
5. Bake at 425°F for 25–30 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
6. While they bake, make the tzatziki.

Homemade Tzatziki

Ingredients:
• ½ cup grated cucumber
• 1 cup thick whole milk Greek yogurt
• Juice from ½ lemon
• 1 garlic clove, grated
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint
• Salt to taste
• Optional: ½ tbsp extra virgin olive oil to drizzle on top

Instructions:
1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir well.
2. Chill until ready to serve.
3. Top with a drizzle of EVOO and extra herbs if desired.

Simple Greek Side Salad

Ingredients:
• Organic cherry or heirloom tomatoes, halved
• Persian or English cucumber, chopped
• Thinly sliced red onion
• Kalamata olives
• Crumbled feta cheese

Lemon Honey Vinaigrette:
• Juice from 1 lemon
• 1 tsp honey
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt + pepper to taste
Shake or whisk until emulsified. Toss with salad just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve meatballs hot out of the oven with a generous dollop of tzatziki and a big Greek salad on the side. You could also serve them in a lettuce wrap, over cauliflower rice, or in a bowl with roasted veggies and quinoa for a complete Mediterranean-style dinner.

Ready to Eat Better Without the Guesswork?

This meal is a perfect example of what I teach inside my Understanding Food Quality digital guide — how to choose ingredients that nourish your body at the cellular level while still being delicious and satisfying.
👉 Grab your copy here