A fresh, flavorful Mediterranean dish featuring tender herb meatballs, creamy homemade tzatziki, fluffy rice, and crisp vegetables. Perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or a light and wholesome lunch.

🧾 Ingredients

For the Mediterranean Herb Meatballs

  • 500g ground chicken, turkey, lamb, or beef (your choice)
  • 1 small onion, finely grated
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2–3 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh mint (optional but amazing)
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp coriander
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1–2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

For the Tzatziki Sauce

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • ½ large cucumber, grated (seeds removed)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Bowl Components

  • 2 cups cooked rice (basmati or jasmine works great)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • Fresh dill for garnish
  • Extra olive oil
  • Lemon wedges

🥣 Instructions

1. Make the Tzatziki (Best if Chilled 1 Hour!)

  1. Grate the cucumber and squeeze out as much water as possible using a towel.
  2. Add to a bowl with yogurt, garlic, dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Mix well.
  4. Refrigerate to let flavors develop.

2. Prepare the Meatballs

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, onion, garlic, herbs, breadcrumbs, egg, seasonings, and lemon zest.
  2. Mix gently until just combined — don’t overmix or they’ll get tough.
  3. Form into 18–20 small meatballs.

Cook the Meatballs

Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add meatballs and cook 8–10 minutes, turning until browned and cooked through.

Oven Method:

  • Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden.

3. Prepare the Bowls

  1. Add a base of warm rice to each bowl.
  2. Arrange sliced cucumbers, red onion, cherry tomatoes.
  3. Place 4–5 meatballs on top.
  4. Add a generous spoonful of tzatziki.
  5. Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with fresh dill.
  6. Add lemon wedges for squeezing!

🍋 Mediterranean Chef Tips

  • Add a spoonful of hummus for extra richness.
  • Swap rice for couscous, bulgur, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
  • Add olives or feta for more Greek flair.
  • For extra lemon flavor, drizzle with warm lemon olive oil before serving.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

  • Warm pita bread
  • A Greek side salad
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Lemon potatoes

📦 Meal Prep Instructions

  • Store components separately for freshness.
  • Meatballs keep 4 days in fridge / 2 months in freezer.
  • Tzatziki stays fresh for 3 days.