Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Spaghetti

Healthy turkey meatballs are simple to make, and when served with zucchini noodles, you’ve got yourself an easy healthy dinner recipe. 

Without fail, you will find me at a gym every Monday-Friday, first thing in the morning. I never skip a day. I never give myself a break. I’m there, crack of dawn, every time.

Over on my Instagram stories lately, I’ve been talking about why I’m so dedicated to my daily workouts.

The older I get, the more obvious it becomes how much my diet and exercise affect me on a day to day basis. To keep my brain and body in a condition that will allow me to sustain my busy lifestyle, I need to make these things a priority.

Only, I’m not so great at the diet part………….

Here’s the problem; when you are a food professional in any capacity, you’re constantly being asked to sample food, test recipes, try a new restaurant……the list goes on and on.

I am not complaining! Food interests me, it excites me, it inspires me. I cannot restrict myself or my art will suffer, this I am sure of. Which means that I have to come up with a plan B.

Since I don’t have total control over my food intake, I am obsessive about my fitness. It’s the way I balance out the not-so-successful parts of my health journey, and it’s my way of showing up for myself each day, and saying, “Thank you body! I love you body!”

Some days the balance doesn’t happen. One workout cannot combat 8 cupcakes, 4 types of crab cakes, and about a dozen bite sized appetizers.

This is why on the days that I am able (a couple times a week maybe?) , I try to eat the cleanest, healthiest food I can possibly prepare.

Turkey meatballs with zucchini spaghetti

Meals like these turkey meatballs with zucchini spaghetti are full of vitamins, protein, fiber, and all the other healthy things my body craves.

I never beat myself up over what I eat. Food has brought a richness to my life that I was missing for a long time. It’s ok to sample and enjoy when you have the opportunity, as long as you also take advantage of the same opportunities for healthy eating and exercise when those arise too.

More easy fast healthy dinner recipes

• Chicken and Vegetable Noodle Stir Fry 
• Vegetable Quinoa Casserole 
• Summer Vegetable Skillet

If you make this recipe be sure to tag @betsylife on Instagram or Facebook so I can see your creations!

3.78 from 18 votes

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Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Spaghetti

Healthy turkey meatballs are simple to make, and when served with zucchini noodles, you've got yourself an easy healthy dinner recipe. 

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Servings 4 servings

Calories 638 kcal

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup onion, diced
• 10 cloves garlic, minced divided
• 1/3 cup olive oil plus 2 Tablespoons, Divided
• 1 1/4 lb ground turkey
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped herbs I used parsley, oregano and chives
• 4 whole zucchini, spiraled
• 1 bunch asparagus
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 cup grated parmesan

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Cook until onions begin to soften, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Cool.
3. In a large bowl combine onion mixture, ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, and herbs. Season generously with salt and pepper. Mix with hands until fully combined. If the mixture is too wet, add additional breadcrumbs.
4. Form mixture into 12 meatballs. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-18 minutes until just cooked through. Turn oven to broil and cook an additional 3-5 minutes until golden brown.
5. Meanwhile, fill a medium saucepan with water and bring to a boil. Trim the ends from the asparagus and chop into 1-inch pieces. Add asparagus to boiling water and cook for 2 minutes. Remove pieces from boiling water (reserve water), and immediately submerge in ice water to stop the cooking.
6. Place spiraled zucchini spaghetti in a large bowl. Pour remaining boiling water over the noodles to lightly cook.
7. Heat remaining olive oil and garlic in large skillet until garlic is fragrant. Add red pepper flakes.
8. Drain zucchini spaghetti and add to skillet with garlic and olive oil. Add asparagus and parmesan cheese. Toss to coat. Serve with meatballs and garnish with fresh herbs.

Nutrition Facts

Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Spaghetti

Amount Per Serving (1 g)

Calories 638 Calories from Fat 423

% Daily Value*

Fat 47g72%

Sodium 615mg26%

Carbohydrates 17g6%

Sugar 9g10%

Protein 47g94%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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