Craving Greek food but not sure what to eat to keep your glucose steady that's also satisfying and delicious? This recipe for turkey meatballs with herbed orzo and a simple Greek salad was developed by Lingo’s registered dietitians and it’s just what you need for a filling dinner the whole family will enjoy.
The turkey meatballs pack a punch of flavor with feta cheese, panko (or oats), and fresh herbs. The best part of the meal just might be that one serving provides 33 grams of protein to help keep you fuller, longer. While the meatballs are perfectly accompanied by orzo, you can also replace some pasta with steamed vegetables for fewer carbs at your meal. We recommend serving this dinner recipe along with a simple Greek salad of chopped tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, and Greek dressing.
The balance of protein, fats, fiber, and veggies add a solid pairing to the orzo to slow down digestion of the meal, leading towards steady energy without a big spike. This Lingo-approved recipe proves that you can still enjoy your favorite carbs like pasta while hitting your Lingo Count target and reaching your goals.
Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Meatballs:
- 454g lean ground turkey
- 75g feta cheese
- 40g oats or panko
- 3 Tbsp chopped fresh oregano, divided
- 3 Tbsp chopped fresh dill, divided
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh mint
- 2 Tbsp minced shallot
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 ½ tsp salt, divided
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
Orzo:
- 720ml water
- 227g orzo
- ¼ cup sliced red onion
- 3 Tbsp chopped sun dried tomatoes
- 1 Tbsp lemon zest
- Garnish: halved cherry tomatoes (optional)
Recipe preparation
- Preheat oven to 175°C and line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- In a large bowl, stir together turkey, feta, oats or breadcrumbs, 2 Tbsp each oregano and dill, next 3 ingredients, ½ tsp salt, and pepper. Divide mixture and shape into 12 meatballs. Place on prepared pan.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted in thickest portion of meatball registers 75°C.
- Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, bring water to boil over medium-high heat. Add orzo and remaining salt and cook for 6 minutes or just until tender; drain. Transfer orzo to a medium bowl, and stir in onion, lemon zest, sun dried tomatoes, and remaining 1 Tbsp each oregano and dill. Garnish with fresh tomatoes as desired.
- Serve with simple salad of chopped tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, and Greek dressing.
Nutrients per serving
- 493 calories
- 33g protein
- 15g fat
- 55g carbohydrate
- 5g fibre
Nutrition facts compiled using ESHA Genesis R&D Food Development and Labelling software, version 11.11.23. It’s always best to speak with your doctor or registered dietitian before starting any new diet or exercise regimen.