Basil Pesto Turkey Meatballs
These turkey meatballs combine basil pesto, Pecorino Romano, and black pepper for a fragrant, Italian-inspired flavor, while panko and egg help bind the mixture. Quick to prepare and family-friendly, they make an easy weeknight main dish served with pasta, tucked into sandwiches, or paired with a simple side.
- Prep10 mins
- Cook20 mins
- Serves6
- DifficultyEasy
easyChef Pro health score
Calculated from USDA-referenced nutrient data for the ingredients in Basil Pesto Turkey Meatballs, not estimated by an AI model. The same recipe returns the same score every time.
- Glycemic ImpactFair
- 52 / 100
- Carb quality, not quantity. Higher is better.
- Nutritional DensityPoor
- 14 / 100
- Nutrients per calorie. Higher is better.
- Energy DensityFair
- 49 / 100
- Calories by weight. Higher means more food for fewer calories.
- NOVA Processed Culinary Ingredients
- 2 / 4
- Processing level, 1 (whole) to 4 (ultra-processed). Lower is better.
How it scores for each health goal
The same recipe scores differently against different goals, because the goal changes the calculation rather than filtering a list. Set your goal in easyChef Pro and every recipe is scored against it.
- 8
- Heart Health
- 59
- Metabolic
- 16
- Digestive
- 29
- Inflammatory
- 52
- Performance
- 31
- General Wellness
- 1
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a sheet pan.
- 2
Combine turkey, bread crumbs, pesto, Pecorino Romano cheese, egg, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl, and mix with your hands until well combined.
- 3
Roll the mixture into small, walnut-sized meatballs. Place them on the prepared pan.
- 4
Bake in the preheated oven until no longer pink in the centers, 20 to 25 minutes.
- Calories 370.27 kcal Moderate 19%
- Protein 34.95 g Good Source 70%
- Carbohydrate 23.82 g 9%
- Total Fat 14.57 g Moderate 19%
- Saturated Fat 4.68 g High 23%
- Trans Fat 0.05 g High --
- Cholesterol 132.98 mg High 44%
- Sodium 542.45 mg High 24%
- Dietary Fiber 1.18 g Low Source 4%
- Total Sugars 1.15 g --
- Added Sugars 0.0 g Low Source 0%
- Calcium 93.81 mg Low Source 7%
- Iron 0.72 mg Low Source 4%
- Potassium 64.81 mg Low Source 1%
- Vitamin A 37.84 mcg Low Source 4%
- Vitamin C 0.07 mg Low Source 0%
- Vitamin D 0.17 mcg Low Source 1%
Values are per serving. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
- Tree Nuts 🌰
- Eggs 🥚
- Milk 🥛
- Wheat 🌾
- Gluten
- Garlic 🧄
About This Recipe
Basil Pesto Turkey Meatballs is made with 8 ingredients and serves 6. It takes about 30 mins and is rated easy. Key ingredients include Basil Pesto, Black Pepper, Cooked Turkey, and Eggs. Each serving provides about 370.27 kcal, and is a good source of protein.
Recipe Questions
- What is Basil Pesto Turkey Meatballs made of?
- The main ingredients are Basil Pesto, Black Pepper, Cooked Turkey, Eggs, Grated Romano Cheese. The full list of 8 is above.
- How long does it take to make Basil Pesto Turkey Meatballs?
- About 30 mins in total: 10 mins to prepare and 20 mins to cook.
- How many calories are in one serving?
- One serving provides about 370.27 kcal. The full nutrition breakdown is above.
- Is Basil Pesto Turkey Meatballs easy to make?
- This recipe is rated easy, with 8 ingredients and 4 steps.
- Is Basil Pesto Turkey Meatballs healthy?
- Basil Pesto Turkey Meatballs has an easyChef Pro health score of 41/100. Per serving, it provides 370.27 calories and 34.95 g of protein, or 70% of the Daily Value. Worth noting per serving: sodium at 542.45 mg (24% of the Daily Value) and saturated fat at 4.68 g (23% of the Daily Value). It contains Tree Nuts, Eggs, Milk, Wheat, Gluten and Garlic, so it may not be suitable for people with those allergies or dietary restrictions. Whether it fits your goals depends on your complete meal plan and nutritional needs. Remix it in easyChef Pro to adjust the ingredients and generate fresh nutrition and scores.
How easyChef Pro scores recipes and products
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The calculation evaluates nutrients, calorie density, processing level, and how well the food supports your selected health goal. Protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals and other beneficial nutrients can strengthen the score. High amounts of sodium, saturated fat, added sugar and other nutrients may lower it.
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