If you’re looking for a meal that’s bursting with fresh flavors, packed with protein, and completely dairy-free and gluten-free, these Herby Meatballs with Cucumber Tomato Salad and Tzatziki are a must-try!
This dish is light yet satisfying, perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.
Served with cauliflower rice, it’s a nutrient-dense meal that will leave you feeling great.
Why You Should Cook This Herby Meatball Mediterranean Recipe
Meal Prep Friendly: The components store well, making this recipe ideal for meal prepping a few days in advance. I also recommend meal-prepping a batch of my Zesty Lemon Frosting Sandwich Cookies (Paleo & Dairy-Free).
Packed with Fresh Herbs: These meatballs are loaded with fresh herbs like parsley and dill, bringing a bright and aromatic flavor that elevates every bite.
Nutrient-Dense & Gut-Friendly: The combination of lean protein, hydrating cucumber and tomatoes, and probiotic-rich dairy-free tzatziki makes this meal easy on digestion.
Completely Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free: Unlike traditional Mediterranean recipes that often contain yogurt and breadcrumbs, this version swaps in simple, whole-food ingredients that cater to food sensitivities. In this recipe, I use a dairy-free yogurt from Cocojune. I love this brand because the yogurt is soo thick!
Light Yet Satisfying: The cauliflower rice keeps the dish light while ensuring you get plenty of fiber and nutrients.
Jump to:
Ingredients
The ingredients are so fresh and so simple. I love making this dish in the summer because my boyfriend and I grow most of the ingredients in this recipe. Talk about fresh 🙂
- ground chicken or turkey (or beef/lamb for a richer flavor)
- parsley
- dill
- garlic clove
- cumin
- oregano
- salt
- black pepper
- egg (or flax egg for egg-free)
- almond flour
- olive oil
- cherry tomatoes
- cucumber
- red onion
- lemon
- coconut yogurt (or any unsweetened dairy-free yogurt)
- cauliflower rice
See recipe card for quantities.
Recipe Alternatives
Different Sauces: If you don’t like tzatziki, try a simple tahini dressing or dairy-free pesto for a different flavor profile.
Protein Options: Swap ground turkey for beef, lamb, or even a plant-based ground alternative for a vegetarian version.
Egg-Free Option: Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoon water) instead of a regular egg.
Grain Option: If you’re not avoiding grains, serve this dish with quinoa or brown rice instead of cauliflower rice.
Storage and Meal Prep
Cauliflower Rice: Store cooked cauliflower rice in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat before serving.
Herby Meatballs: Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a pan or oven.
Cucumber Tomato Salad: Best eaten fresh but can be stored for up to 2 days in the fridge.
Dairy-Free Tzatziki: Keeps well for up to 4 days in the fridge.
My Top Tip for the Herby Meatballs
For extra juicy and tender meatballs, avoid overmixing the meat mixture. Gently combine the ingredients until just incorporated—overworking can make the meatballs dense and tough!
FAQ
If you can find a dairy-free version, absolutely! Otherwise, making it from scratch is quick and easy.
Any unsweetened dairy-free yogurt works, such as almond, cashew, or oat yogurt. If you are wondering, I use Cocojune yogurt since it is dairy-free and soooo thick.
Yes! It’s naturally low in carbs since it’s served with cauliflower rice.
Other Dinner Recipes
Need a dessert to pair with this meal?
This Herby Meatballs with Cucumber Tomato Salad and Dairy-Free Tzatziki recipe is fresh, flavorful, and perfect for a healthy meal any day of the week. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
📖 Recipe
Herby Meatballs with Cucumber Tomato Salad and Dairy-Free Tzatziki
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken or turkey or beef/lamb for a richer flavor
- ¼ cup finely chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg or flax egg for egg-free
- ¼ cup almond flour
Cucumber Tomato Salad:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- ¼ cup red onion finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Dairy-Free Tzatziki:
- ½ cup coconut yogurt or any unsweetened dairy-free yogurt
- ½ cucumber grated and squeezed to remove excess water
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- Salt to taste
For Serving:
- 2 cups cauliflower rice
- Fresh lemon wedges
Instructions
Meatballs:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine ground meat, parsley, dill, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, egg, and almond flour. Mix until well incorporated.
- Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F for poultry and 160°F for beef/lamb).
Cucumber Tomato Salad:
- In a bowl, mix cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Toss everything together and let it sit while you prepare the tzatziki.
- Dairy-Free Tzatziki:
- In a small bowl, mix coconut yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill, and salt.
- Stir well and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
Serving:
- Serve meatballs over cauliflower rice.
- Add a generous portion of cucumber tomato salad on the side.
- Top with dairy-free tzatziki, drizzle of olive oil, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
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