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Zucchini & Feta Meatballs

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Chicken Zucchini Meatballs are juicy, herby, and full of Mediterranean flavor thanks to zucchini, feta, and fresh dill. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or entertaining.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 24 mini meatballs (4–5 servings)

Ingredients

For the meatballs:

1 lb ground chicken

1 medium zucchini, grated (no need to press out moisture)

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

1/3 cup minced yellow onion (or shallots)

2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh dill (or parsley)

2 Tbsp minced fresh jalapeño

1 tsp lemon zest

3/4 tsp kosher salt

3/4 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp black pepper

Extra-virgin olive oil for cooking

For serving (optional):

Cooked white rice

Tzatziki (homemade or store-bought)

Cucumber-Avocado Salad (optional):

1 English cucumber, diced

1 large avocado, cut into chunks

2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil, dill, or mint

12 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients. Mix well using your hands until fully incorporated.
  2. Roll mixture into 24 mini meatballs. (Moisten hands with water or olive oil if mixture sticks.)
  3. Heat 1–2 Tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs in batches until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes, turning to brown evenly. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining meatballs.
  4. While meatballs cook, prepare the cucumber-avocado salad: combine cucumber, avocado, herbs, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss gently.
  5. Serve meatballs over rice with cucumber-avocado salad and a scoop of tzatziki. Garnish with dill and cracked black pepper if desired.

Alternative cooking methods:
– Bake: Place on greased baking sheet at 425°F for 10–15 minutes.
– Air fry: Lightly spray and cook at 400°F for 12–14 minutes.

Notes

  • Swap dill for parsley, mint, or cilantro.
  • Use ground turkey instead of chicken.
  • Add chili flakes for extra spice.
  • Replace feta with goat cheese or grated Parmesan.
  • Serve with quinoa, couscous, or pita instead of rice.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Pan-fried, Baked, or Air-fried
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6 meatballs
  • Calories: 307
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 510mg
  • Fat: 19g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 105mg