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Keto Turkey Meatballs with Dairy-Free Pesto

4.4 stars, average of 39 ratings

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Meatballs are one of my favourite low carb dinner go-tos... and these ones will not disappoint. Packed with flavour and super easy to make. Serve with the dairy free basil pesto for a real crowd pleaser.

Can be baked or pan fried and freeze really well so you can make up a big batch for when you’re busy and need something Keto-friendly on the quick.

Enjoy as a side or picnic food now the weather’s getting warmer or why not serve with some low carb mash or courgette (zucchini) noodles? Weekday winner dinner right here!

Hands-on Overall

Serving size 4-5 meatballs

Allergy information for Keto Turkey Meatballs with Dairy-Free Pesto

✔  Gluten free
✔  Dairy free
✔  Egg free
✔  Avocado free
✔  Coconut free
✔  Fish free
✔  Shellfish free
✔  Beef free

Nutritional values (per serving, 4-5 meatballs)

Net carbs3.2 grams
Protein25.6 grams
Fat40.7 grams
Calories479 kcal
Calories from carbs 3%, protein 21%, fat 76%
Total carbs4.5 gramsFiber1.3 gramsSugars1.3 gramsSaturated fat9.5 gramsSodium367 mg(16% RDA)Magnesium65 mg(16% RDA)Potassium517 mg(26% EMR)

Ingredients (makes 4 servings, 16-20 meatballs)

Meatballs:
  • 300 g good quality ground turkey (10.6 oz)
  • 250 g good quality ground pork, 20% fat (8.8 oz)
  • 1 small red onion (45 g/ 1.6 oz)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley (15 g/ 0.5 oz), plus extra for garnish
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp of paprika
  • Optional: fresh chilli to taste
  • pinch sea salt and black pepper
  • extra virgin olive oil or duck fat for frying
Dairy free basil pesto:
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts (45 g/ 1.6 oz)
  • 1 cup fresh basil (35 g/ 1.2 oz)
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 3 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil (45 ml)
  • 1 1/2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • pinch sea salt

Note: you can try other keto-friendly pesto sauces.

Instructions

  1. Simply place all the ingredients in a high speed food processor. Blitz until combined. It should still have textured, so not too smooth. Keto Turkey Meatballs with Dairy-Free Pesto
  2. Peel and finely dice the onion and garlic. Zest the lemon. Finely chop the parsley.
  3. Place the mince, onion, garlic, lemon zest, parsley, paprika and optional chilli in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper and mix well with your hands. Shape into 16 to 20 meatballs.
  4. To pan fry - Add a little olive oil to a non stick frying pan. When hot add the meatballs. Fry for 15 minutes, turning regularly until golden on the outside and cooked through. Alternatively you can place on a greaseproof lined baking tray and roast in the oven (190 C fan assisted/ 375 F) for 20 - 30 minutes until lovely and golden brown. Keto Turkey Meatballs with Dairy-Free Pesto
  5. Drain the juices after about 15 minutes and turn. Serve the pesto over the meatballs or on the side for dipping. Keto Turkey Meatballs with Dairy-Free Pesto

Ingredient nutritional breakdown (per serving, 4-5 meatballs)

Net carbsProteinFatCalories
Turkey, ground, 12% fat, raw
0 g12.7 g9.4 g135 kcal
Pork, minced (ground), 20% fat, raw
0 g10.6 g13.2 g164 kcal
Onion, red, fresh
0.7 g0.1 g0 g4 kcal
Parsley, fresh (spices)
0.1 g0.1 g0 g1 kcal
Garlic, fresh
0.5 g0.1 g0 g2 kcal
Lemon zest (peel), fresh
0.1 g0 g0 g1 kcal
Paprika, spices
0.1 g0.1 g0.1 g2 kcal
Salt, pink Himalayan rock salt
0 g0 g0 g0 kcal
Pepper, black, spices
0 g0 g0 g0 kcal
Pine nuts
1.1 g1.5 g7.7 g76 kcal
Basil, fresh
0.1 g0.3 g0.1 g2 kcal
Garlic, fresh
0.2 g0 g0 g1 kcal
Olive oil, extra virgin
0 g0 g10.1 g90 kcal
Lemon juice, fresh
0.3 g0 g0 g1 kcal
Total per serving, 4-5 meatballs
3.2 g25.6 g40.7 g479 kcal

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Jo Harding
Creator of ModernFoodStories.com

Jo Harding

Food is one of life’s most powerful medicines. I’m a true testament that once you find the right approach for you, you can overcome poor health through the healing power of food.

I believe the secret to radiant health starts and ends with a healthy gut so my recipes are all grain, gluten and refined sugar free. Most are also dairy-free.

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Comments (4)

These look amazing and are going on the meal plan next week!

This looks like something I will love. Making it tonight.

Trying this tonight!

I can't wait to try this recipe - sounds great!