Turkey Zucchini Meatballs

Turkey Zucchini Meatballs

Mia

These Turkey Zucchini Meatballs are a game-changer for anyone seeking a lighter, healthier take on a classic comfort food. By combining ultra-lean ground turkey with finely grated zucchini, each meatball becomes incredibly moist and tender while packing in extra vegetables that virtually disappear into every bite. The zucchini not only adds nutrition but also keeps the naturally lean turkey from drying out during baking, creating a perfectly textured meatball without the need for breadcrumbs or excess fat.

Baked rather than fried, these meatballs align perfectly with the Optavia Lean & Green guidelines, delivering substantial protein while keeping calories and fat in check. The light herb sauce, made with fresh parsley, basil, and a touch of lemon, brightens the dish without adding unnecessary calories or carbs. It's a refreshing alternative to heavy tomato or cream-based sauces that can derail your healthy eating goals.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility and family-friendly appeal. Kids and adults alike will enjoy these flavorful meatballs, often without even realizing they're eating their vegetables. They're perfect for meal prep, as they reheat beautifully and can be portioned out for several days of quick, nutritious dinners. Serve them over a bed of zucchini noodles, alongside steamed broccoli, or with a crisp green salad for a complete, satisfying meal.

Whether you're following the Optavia program or simply looking to incorporate more vegetables into your protein-rich meals, these Turkey Zucchini Meatballs deliver on flavor, nutrition, and satisfaction. They prove that healthy eating doesn't mean sacrificing the comforting, hearty dishes you love.

Mia

Mia

Recipe Author: Welcome to Mia's Kitchen, where every recipe is plant-forward, anti-inflammatory, and full of flavor. Her meals make it easy to eat well, support gut health, and enjoy balanced, wholesome cooking at home.

Nutrition

40 minutes
None servings
215 calories
Fat 8.50g
Carbs 4.50g
Protein 32.00g

Ingredients

1.25 lbslean ground turkey, 93% lean or higher
1.5 cupszucchini, grated and squeezed dry
1 largeegg white, lightly beaten
3 clovesgarlic, minced
3 tbspfresh parsley, chopped, divided
2 tbspfresh basil, chopped, divided
1 tsponion powder
1 tspdried oregano
3/4 tspsalt, divided
1/2 tspblack pepper, divided
1 mediumlemon, juiced and zested
1/4 cupchicken broth, low-sodium
olive oil cooking spray, for baking sheet

Equipment

Parchment paper
Oven
Whisk
small mixing bowl
large mixing bowl
meat thermometer
large baking sheet
clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth
box grater or food processor
2-tablespoon cookie scoop

Clean Eating

A quintessential clean eating recipe using whole, minimally processed ingredients like lean ground turkey, fresh zucchini, herbs, and simple seasonings, prepared without artificial additives or refined components.

Intermittent Fasting

These protein-rich meatballs are perfect for intermittent fasting, offering a nutrient-dense meal with lean turkey, zucchini, and herbs that provides sustained energy and supports satiety during eating windows.

Low-Carb Diet

An excellent low-carb option with minimal carbohydrates from zucchini, high protein content from turkey, and no grains or starchy ingredients, making it ideal for maintaining low net carb intake.

Optavia

Perfectly aligned with Optavia's Lean & Green guidelines, these meatballs feature lean protein, abundant vegetables, and a light preparation method that supports the program's nutritional principles.

Weight Watchers

These lean turkey meatballs align perfectly with Weight Watchers principles, featuring lean protein, vegetables, and a light preparation method that keeps calories low while maximizing nutrition and flavor.

Instructions

1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.

2 min
2

Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze firmly over the sink to remove as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial for preventing soggy meatballs.

3 min
3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, squeezed-dry zucchini, egg white, minced garlic, 2 tablespoons parsley, 1 tablespoon basil, onion powder, oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

4

Using your hands or a wooden spoon, gently mix all the meatball ingredients together until just combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make the meatballs tough.

2 min
5

Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into 20 evenly sized meatballs, each about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

5 min
6

Lightly spray the tops of the meatballs with olive oil cooking spray to help them brown nicely.

7

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, until they're golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

25 min
8

While the meatballs are baking, prepare the herb sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, remaining 1 tablespoon parsley, remaining 1 tablespoon basil, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

2 min
9

Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter and drizzle with the herb sauce.

3 min
10

Serve immediately with your choice of non-starchy vegetables such as steamed broccoli, cauliflower rice, or a mixed green salad to complete your Lean & Green meal.

Frequently Asked Questions