Turkey Meatballs with Parsley Almond Pesto and Zucchini Noodles
🍳 Low Carb
Intermediate

Turkey Meatballs with Parsley Almond Pesto and Zucchini Noodles

An original low-carb recipe featuring juicy turkey meatballs baked until golden, served over zucchini noodles and finished with a fresh parsley, almond, and lemon pesto. It is flavorful, light, and perfect for a complete weeknight meal.

20 minPrep
25 minCook
45 minTotal
4Servings
KetoGluten-FreeLow CarbHigh ProteinDiabetic-Friendly

Important notice: This recipe is not medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional.

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 500 g ground turkey (preferiblemente of muslo or mezcla magra)
  • 1 unit egg (for ligar)
  • 40 g grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
  • 30 g almond flour (for the meatballs)
  • 3 cloves garlic (2 for the pesto and 1 for the meatballs)
  • 2 g dried oregano
  • 6 g salt (or to taste)
  • 2 g black pepper (or to taste)
  • 4 units medium zucchinis (hechos en tallarines)
  • 60 ml olive oil (divided)
  • 30 g fresh parsley (leaves and stalks tiernos)
  • 35 g toasted almonds (unsalted)
  • 30 ml lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 2 g lemon zest
  • 30 ml water (for ajustar the pesto si hace falta)
  • 1 g red pepper flakes (optional)

Nutrition facts

per serving

420 kcal
Calories
33 g
Protein
9 g
Carbs
28 g
Fat
3 g
Fiber
6 g
Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

DairyEggsTree Nuts

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 220 °C / 425 °F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it with a little of the olive oil.

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, mix the ground turkey, egg, 20 g grated Parmesan cheese, almond flour, 1 finely minced garlic clove, dried oregano, 3 g salt, and black pepper until well combined.

  3. 3

    Shape the mixture into 16 evenly sized meatballs and place them on the tray. Drizzle or brush with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil.

  4. 4

    Bake the meatballs for 18 to 20 minutes at 220 °C / 425 °F, or until golden and fully cooked through.

  5. 5

    While they bake, make the pesto: in a food processor, combine the fresh parsley, toasted almonds, 2 garlic cloves, lemon juice, lemon zest, the remaining 20 g grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and the red pepper flakes if using. Blend until thick and saucy. Add the water little by little if you want a looser texture.

  6. 6

    Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the zucchini noodles and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, just until slightly softened. Season with the remaining salt.

  7. 7

    Transfer the cooked meatballs to the skillet or a large serving dish, add the parsley almond pesto, and toss gently to coat.

  8. 8

    Serve the zucchini noodles on plates and top with the pesto-coated meatballs. Finish with any juices from the tray for extra flavor.

Chef tips

Do not overcook the zucchini or it may release too much water. If you want a more golden finish, broil the meatballs for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching closely.

Substitutions

You can swap the turkey for ground chicken. The parsley can be replaced with a mix of parsley and basil. For a dairy-free version, omit the Parmesan and add a bit more almond and salt to the pesto.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

  • Illustrative image: Countertop blenderIllustrative image

    Ninja Professional BL610 Blender

    Smoothies, sauces and soups

    • Smoothies, sauces and soups
    • Easy-to-wash jar
    • Check the power and jar size
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Air fryerIllustrative image

    Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer

    Browning and baking with little oil

    • Browns food with very little oil
    • Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
    • Check the basket capacity
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Digital kitchen thermometerIllustrative image

    TempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer

    Checking doneness of meat and chicken

    • Checks doneness of meat and chicken
    • Quick reading
    • Clean the probe after each use
    View on Amazon

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