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.

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🧾 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)

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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

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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

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🥣 Instructions

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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🍋 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.

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🍽 Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

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

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📦 Meal Prep Instructions

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