Turkey Zucchini Meatballs are a healthy, light, and delicious option that combines lean ground turkey with grated zucchini for added moisture and nutrients. These meatballs are flavorful and perfect for serving with pasta, as a sandwich filling, or on their own with your favorite sauce. The zucchini helps keep the meatballs tender without adding excess fat.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey (lean or extra lean)
- 1 medium zucchini, grated
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for a gluten-free option)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for pan-frying)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Zucchini:
- Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and squeeze out excess moisture to prevent soggy meatballs.
- Mix the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, grated zucchini, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese (if using), egg, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together gently until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can result in tough meatballs.
- Form the Meatballs:
- Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place them on a plate or tray. You should get about 12-16 meatballs, depending on size.
- Cook the Meatballs:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them.
- Cook the meatballs for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). You can also bake the meatballs in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve:
- Serve the meatballs with your favorite sauce (such as marinara or tzatziki) over pasta, rice, or in a sandwich. They’re also great on their own as a healthy snack or appetizer.
These Turkey Zucchini Meatballs are light, flavorful, and packed with protein and veggies, making them a great addition to your meal rotation!
