Description
These Ricotta & Lemon Turkey Meatballs are light, juicy, and bursting with zesty Mediterranean flavor. The creamy ricotta keeps them tender, while the lemon and herbs add a bright, elegant twist — a guaranteed showstopper for any dinner table.
Ingredients
1 lb ground turkey (93% lean)
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
**Optional Sauce:**
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cups marinara sauce
1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, ricotta, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, lemon zest, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined — don’t overwork the meat.
2. Form into 1 1/2-inch meatballs (about 16 total).
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Add meatballs in batches and sear until golden brown on all sides, about 6–8 minutes total.
5. (Optional) Transfer meatballs to a saucepan with marinara and lemon juice; simmer for 10 minutes until cooked through.
6. Alternatively, bake meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes.
7. Serve warm with pasta, couscous, or a fresh salad.
Notes
Use part-skim ricotta for a lighter version.
Add chopped spinach or basil for extra freshness.
These meatballs pair beautifully with lemon orzo or creamy polenta.
Make ahead and freeze — they reheat perfectly for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Fried or Baked
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: ricotta turkey meatballs, lemon turkey meatballs, mediterranean meatballs, healthy turkey dinner, italian style meatballs