When you’re looking for a healthy, low-carb, and satisfying meal, turkey meatballs with zucchini noodles are an excellent choice. This dish combines tender, flavorful turkey meatballs with light and refreshing zucchini noodles, creating a meal that’s packed with protein, nutrients, and plenty of flavor. Whether you’re managing your carbs, seeking a gluten-free option, or just want something different for dinner, this recipe will become a go-to in your kitchen.
In this blog, we will take you through how to make turkey meatballs and zucchini noodles, then discuss some options for making this dish your own and offer you some helpful hints on how to do it perfectly each time.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Essential Ingredients for Turkey Meatballs and Zucchini Noodles
Ingredients for the Meatballs
Making the Perfect Zucchini Noodles
Step-by-Step Recipe
Tips for Perfect Turkey Meatballs
Why Zucchini Noodles Are a Fantastic Alternative
Customizing the Dish
Health Benefits of Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles
Serving Suggestions
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
Conclusion and FAQs
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Turkey meatballs with zucchini noodles are a flavorful, wholesome option for dinner. Here’s why this dish is worth trying:
Healthy and Balanced: Packed with lean protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.
Low-Carb and Gluten-Free: Perfect for those following keto, paleo, or gluten-free diets.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy.
Customizable: Easily adapted with different flavors, sauces, and toppings.
Basic Ingredients for Turkey Meatballs and Zucchini Noodles
- Ingredients for the Meatballs
Ground Turkey: Use lean ground turkey for a healthier option, but not so lean that the meatballs dry out.
Breadcrumbs or Almond Flour: Helps bind the meatballs together.
Egg: This serves as a binder for the meatballs.
Seasonings: Garlic, onion, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to give it a great flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Optional, but it really does add that savory depth to the meatballs. - The Perfect Zucchini Noodles
Zucchini: For best results, use fresh, firm zucchinis.
Spiralizer: A spiralizer is probably the easiest tool to make long, even zucchini noodles.
Salt: This helps draw out excess moisture from the noodles.
Olive Oil or Butter: To slightly sauté the zucchini noodles.
Step-by-Step Recipe
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
1 lb ground turkey
½ cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free)
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp parsley, chopped
1 tsp Italian seasoning
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Zucchini Noodles:
3 medium zucchinis
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
½ teaspoon salt
Optional: 1 teaspoon garlic powder or Italian seasoning
For the Sauce:
1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Optional: Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions - Prepare the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
Shape the mixture into small meatballs about 1-1.5 inches in diameter and set aside. - Cook the Meatballs
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
Cook the meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides (about 2-3 minutes per side).
Add the marinara sauce to the skillet and simmer for 10 minutes, or until meatballs are fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). - Prepare the Zucchini Noodles
Scrape the zucchini noodles (or “zoodles”) using a spiralizer.
Place the noodles in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for 10 minutes to release excess moisture. Pat dry using a paper towel.
Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the zucchini noodles and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender. Avoid overcooking to maintain their texture. - Assemble the Dish
Place the zucchini noodles on a plate and top with turkey meatballs and marinara sauce.
Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips for Perfect Turkey Meatballs
Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients just until combined to avoid dense meatballs.
Moist Ingredients: Breadcrumbs, egg, and Parmesan keep the meatballs moist.
Even Cooking: Roll meatballs to a uniform size for even cooking.
Simmer in Sauce: Cooking the meatballs in marinara sauce will make them more flavorful and juicy.
Why Zucchini Noodles Are a Great Alternative
Zucchini noodles are a healthy, low-carb alternative to traditional pasta. Here’s why they’re a great choice:
Low in Calories: Zucchini is naturally low in calories, thus perfect for weight management.
Rich in Nutrients: Packed with vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants.
Gluten-Free: It is perfect for people with gluten sensitivity or those with celiac disease.
Easy to Make: Cook spiralized zucchini quickly and it will be perfect with different sauces.
How to Customize the Recipe
- Protein Replacement
Substitute turkey with chicken, beef, or plant-based alternatives. - Sauce Change
Alfredo, pesto, or spicy arrabbiata sauce would be an interesting twist in flavor. - Veggies Additions
Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for more nutrients and color. - Red Pepper Flakes and Balsamic Reduction
Top it off with red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or drizzle with balsamic reduction for extra flavor.
Health Benefits of Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles
High in Protein: Turkey is a good source of lean protein, which is used for muscle repair and growth.
Rich in Vitamins: Zucchini is rich in vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium.
Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: This recipe is inherently low in carbs.
Gluten-Free Option: Almond flour and zucchini noodles make this recipe safe for gluten-free diets.
Heart-Healthy Fats: Olive oil and Parmesan cheese provide heart-healthy fats in this meal.
Serving Suggestions
Although turkey meatballs and zucchini noodles are great on their own, here are some complementary side dishes:
Garlic Bread: The non-carb watchers will love the garlic bread side dish.
Side Salad: Add a fresh twist to the meal with a crunchy Caesar or Greek salad.
Roasted Vegetables: Mix it up with roasted broccoli, asparagus, or carrots.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
Meal Prep: Meatballs and zucchini noodles can be cooked separately and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Raw or cooked meatballs can be frozen in a single layer. Put them in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat meatballs in a skillet with marinara sauce. Reheat zucchini noodles separately, so they stay tender.