Who doesn’t love a good old fashioned, giant meatball on top of their pasta?!  Something about a softball sized meatball just makes my heart happy and feel like a kid again.  But since I don’t have my adolescent metabolism anymore, and still want that big ol’ meatball feel good meal, I had to make some adjustments.

Lo and behold this wonderfully satisfying juicy turkey meatball recipe, atop a nest of ZOODLES.  That’s right people, a perfectly crafted pedestal of zucchini noodles to prop up the most beautiful turkey meatball!

This meal is the real MVP because it tricks your brain into thinking you’re eating spaghetti and meatballs, when you’re actually just eating a bunch of lean protein and vitamins.  This meal is very low carb, high in fiber, and packed with vitamins.  Gluten free, keto, paleo, and whole30 approved… that’s called a win-win-win in my book!

This meal is simple to make and looks so beautiful when serving!  Let’s break it down…

Start by prepping your zoodle nests.  This can be done the night before or at the start of cooking.  Using a spiralizer, slice two large zucchinis and set aside.  If making ahead of time, store in an airtight container in the fridge.

What type of spiralizer should I use?

I use the 1-blade OXO Handheld Spiralizer, which I LOVE because it’s small, easy to store, and even easier to use.  If you plan to spiralize tougher and wider produce at any point (like cabbage, sweet potatoes, onions, etc.), then you may want to consider getting a Heavy Duty Vegetable Spiralizer!  Both work great with zucchini 🙂

At the start of making your meal, begin by forming your zoodle nests.

How to make zucchini noodle nests:

Take a handful of zucchini noodles and pull up off the counter.  Cut the long strands with kitchen scissors, and lay off to the side in a pile.  Using a fork, begin to twirl the pile of noodles at the center.  Using the palm of your opposite hand, twirl the noodles against your palm to form a tight nest.

Once your zoodle nest is formed, gently transfer to a parchment lined, or greased, baking sheet.  I transfer mine by scooping up the bottom with a fork and cupping the outside with my hand.  Form 6 zoodle nests with the noodles from 2 large zucchinis.  

Once transferred to baking sheet, spray the tops with olive oil or avocado oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Set aside to bake at the same time as the turkey meatballs.

Now onto our juicy turkey meatballs!  Take all turkey meatball ingredients and add to a large mixing bowl.  Using both your hands, mix together all ingredients by squeezing and massaging the ground turkey mixture (if you have kids, this is always a fun step for them to participate in!).

Once all ingredients are incorporated, separate into 6 chunks, and using both hands, roll into a large ball.  Place in a greased skillet or frying pan and brown tops and bottoms over medium heat. This shouldn’t take longer than 1-2 min each side.

Take both your zoodle nests and meatballs, and transfer to a 350 degree oven and bake for 25 min (zoodles) and 20 min (turkey meatballs).  Once finished baking, transfer zoodle nests to a plate, top with one meatball and drizzle with Basil Oil Dressing .  

Serve warm and enjoy!

Print Recipe

Juicy Turkey Meatballs on Zoodle Nests

Juicy turkey meatballs in a zucchini noodle (zoodle) nest, drizzled with basil oil dressing. Healthy ingredients, keto, paleo, whole30, and gluten free!

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time30 mins

Total Time40 mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: dressing, healthy, meatball, noodle, turkey, zucchini

Servings: 6 people

Author: Lulu's Table

Ingredients

Turkey Meatballs

• 1 lb ground turkey room temp
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup purple onion finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
• 2 cloves garlic chopped
• 1 tbsp ground flax seed
• 1 tbsp almond flour
• 1 tbsp coconut oil melted
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp salt and pepper each
• 3 tbsp avocado oil

Zoodle Nests

• 2 large zucchinis
• salt and pepper

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  While oven is preheating, prep zucchini noodles and meatballs.

Zoodle Nests

• Using a spiralizer, spiralize zucchini into long noodle like strands.  Once you have both zucchinis cut into noodles, begin to form into "zoodle" nests.  
• To form a nest, grab a handful of zoodles off the counter and cut the extra long strands with kitchen scissors.  Stick a fork in the middle of your zoodle pile and twirl against the inside of your other hand.  Keep twirling until a nest is formed.
• Use the fork to scoop the bottom of your zoodle nest and rest it on a greased baking pan or a baking pan lined with parchment paper.  Continue until all zoodles are gone.
• Spray tops of zoodles with cooking spray, sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper, then set aside.

Turkey Meatballs

• Heat a skillet or frying pan with oil over medium heat.  You will know its ready when the oil runs thin.
• Take all ingredients for the turkey meatballs and dump into a large mixing bowl.  Make sure turkey has warmed up close to room temperature so not to freeze the coconut oil.
• Using both hands, mix ingredients together in bowl to form a large ball.  Divide into 6 pieces and roll into balls for larger meatballs,  or pull out smaller golf ball size pieces to roll into smaller meatballs. 
• Once balls are formed, gently place on stovetop pan and begin browning.  Cook on 2 sides for about 1-2 minutes each.  When both sides are slightly browned, remove from stove stop.
• Transfer to baking safe dish, or use skillet and bake in oven for 20 min.
• Put your zoodle nests in oven for 25 min.  To save time, bake both zoodles and meatballs in the oven at the same time.
• When both are finished baking, transfer zoodles to a plate, top with a meatball, and drizzle basil oil dressing on top.