Paleo Pesto Turkey Meatballs {Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30}

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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

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Paleo Pesto Turkey Meatballs

Paleo pesto turkey meatballs are so tender and juicy. They are bursting with flavor from the homemade dairy-free basil pesto sauce. Super easy to make in less than 40 minutes.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Keyword gluten-free meatballs

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Servings 45 meat balls

Calories 87 kcal

Author Audrey from Mama Knows Gluten Free

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

1. Preheat oven to 425º F.

Pesto Sauce:

1. In a food processor chop fresh basil. If using dried basil add to the food processor when you add the cashews.
2. Add cashews to the food and chop until fully combined with basil.
3. Add minced garlic, salt, lemon juice and olive oil to the cashew mixture and chop until fully combined.

Meatballs:

1. In a large bowl whisk eggs.
2. Add ground turkey, almond flour, onion powder and pesto sauce. Mix together with a large spoon or your hand until fully combined.
3. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
4. 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.
5. Cook for 30 minutes.
6. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Mama says, "Check your labels!"

Nutrition Facts

Paleo Pesto Turkey Meatballs

Amount Per Serving (6 meatballs)

Calories 87 Calories from Fat 45

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 5g 8%

Cholesterol 23mg 8%

Sodium 71mg 3%

Potassium 137mg 4%

Total Carbohydrates 2g 1%

Protein 8g 16%

Vitamin A 7%

Vitamin C 2%

Calcium 2.1%

Iron 4.3%

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

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Thank you for sharing this recipe!