Paleo pesto turkey meatballs are so tender and juicy. They are bursting with flavor from the homemade dairy-free basil pesto sauce. Gluten-free and dairy-free.
Paleo
Our family is trying to eat more Paleo meals. Paleo means gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free and no refined sugars. We eat a lot of ground turkey in my house, so I am always trying new and creative ways to fix it for dinner.
We are trying to eat more grain-free, so I wanted to create a Paleo turkey meatball recipe that I knew my family will love. I wanted to create an Italian style turkey meatball but with a twist.
Dairy-Free Basil Pesto Sauce
My husband, our youngest son, and I are also dairy-free, so I wanted to create a Pesto sauce that did not include cheese. I substituted cashews for the Parmesan cheese that you find in traditional pesto sauce.
The cashews mimic the flavor and texture of the Parmesan cheese beautifully. Paleo pesto sauce is a mixture of fresh basil, minced garlic, cashews, lemon juice and olive oil.
The Paleo pesto turkey meatballs are so tender and juicy. They are bursting with flavor from the homemade dairy-free basil pesto sauce. Serve over zucchini noodles (zoodles) or with your favorite side dish. These Paleo pesto turkey meatballs would also be a perfect appetizer served at your next party.
Looking for other Paleo dinner recipes? Check out these gluten-free dinner recipes.
- Crispy Chicken Thighs One Pan Meal
- Slow-Cooker Savory Pot Roast with Gravy
- Easy Beef Stew
- Honey Lemon Ginger Chicken
- Gluten-Free Tumeric Coconut Chicken Curry
Paleo Pesto Turkey Meatballs
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 3 pounds ground turkey
- 2 eggs whisked
- 2/3 cup almond flour
- 2 tablespoons of onion powder
Pesto Sauce:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 10 oz package of fresh basil leaves or 4 tablespoons of dried basil
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cashews
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425º F.
Pesto Sauce:
- In a food processor chop fresh basil. If using dried basil add to the food processor when you add the cashews.
- Add cashews to the food and chop until fully combined with basil.
- Add minced garlic, salt, lemon juice and olive oil to the cashew mixture and chop until fully combined.
Meatballs:
- In a large bowl whisk eggs.
- Add ground turkey, almond flour, onion powder and pesto sauce. Mix together with a large spoon or your hand until fully combined.
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Using a medium cookie scoop ( 1 1/2 teaspoon) or a heaping tablespoon scoop meatball mixture out to form a ball and place on the baking sheet.
- Cook for 30 minutes.
- Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Mama says, "Check your labels!"
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Sarah says
March 18, 2018 at 12:38 pmWhat would be the best egg substitute for the pesto turkey meatballs?
Audrey says
March 18, 2018 at 2:51 pmHi Sarah! I have not tried egg replacements in this recipe. My friend Nicole from the Allerlicious does egg-free recipes. This is a link to her recommendations. https://allergylicious.com/egg-free-baking I hope that it helps. Please let me know if you try them egg-free and how they came out.
Arlene says
September 18, 2018 at 11:29 amWhen you say 10 oz of basil is that by weight or volume?
Audrey says
September 18, 2018 at 4:05 pmHi Arlene! I used a 10oz package of fresh basil in the recipe. I hope you enjoy the Pesto turkey meatballs.
Kariq says
December 16, 2018 at 12:55 pmSince my daughter has a nut allergy, I plan to use regular pesto. Could you tell me how much I would use to be the equivalent of the pesto you make in your recipe? Thanks so much! It looks delicious!
Audrey says
December 17, 2018 at 7:29 amHi Kariq I would start with 1/2 cup since the Paleo pesto is thicker than regular pesto. Id the meatballs are not moist enough when you mix them, you could try and add 1/4 cup more to add more moisture. I hope you enjoy the meatballs!
Lorraine says
May 3, 2019 at 3:12 pmHi! My family and I have enjoyed a few of your recipes! I wanted to make these turkey meatballs however I don’t have almond flour can I use regular gluten free flour?
Audrey says
May 3, 2019 at 3:48 pmHi Lorraine! I would recommend using gluten-free bread crumbs instead of the almond flour. I am so happy to hear that you have enjoyed a few of my recipes. I hope you enjoy the turkey meatballs!
Lorraine says
May 3, 2019 at 5:31 pmThank you!! I just made the pie crust!! It’s sitting in the fridge now!! I’m so happy that I found you as my husband is both gluten and dairy free!! It can be quite challenging to find good recipes!
Audrey says
May 4, 2019 at 9:08 pmYou are so welcome Lorraine, I love sharing what I make for my! I hope you enjoy the pie as well. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement.