Zucchini Noodles with Plant-Based Meatballs
Zucchini noodles twirled in fragrant basil pesto are paired with tender plant-based meatballs for a vibrant, satisfying plate. Juicy blistered grape tomatoes and crunchy roasted almonds add bursts of sweetness and texture, while a sprinkle of Parmesan brings savory richness. Serve Zucchini Noodles with Plant-Based Meatballs for a light weeknight dinner or a fresh summer meal.
- Prep10 mins
- Cook15 mins
- Serves6
- DifficultyEasy
easyChef Pro health score
Calculated from USDA-referenced nutrient data for the ingredients in Zucchini Noodles with Plant-Based Meatballs, not estimated by an AI model. The same recipe returns the same score every time.
- Glycemic ImpactFair
- 56 / 100
- Carb quality, not quantity. Higher is better.
- Nutritional DensityPoor
- 0 / 100
- Nutrients per calorie. Higher is better.
- Energy DensityGood
- 91 / 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.
- 33
- Heart Health
- 78
- Metabolic
- 28
- Digestive
- 26
- Inflammatory
- 36
- Performance
- 44
- General Wellness
- 1
Heat a large (12-inch) nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, then add the meatballs. Cook, turning often, until evenly golden brown and hot in the center, 8 to 10 minutes total. Transfer them from the skillet to a plate lined with paper towels. When the skillet is cool enough to handle, wipe it clean with a paper towel.
- 2
Set the skillet back over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon olive oil, the tomatoes, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until lightly golden and just tender (not burst). Transfer to a plate.
- 3
Add the remaining 1 teaspoon olive oil, then add the zucchini noodles. Season with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and stir very gently to coat. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes, or until the zoodles are slightly tender. Add the pesto and stir gently to combine.
- 4
Move everything to a large serving platter and top with the meatballs, tomatoes, roasted almonds, and Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve right away.
- Calories 258.52 kcal Moderate 13%
- Protein 9.66 g Moderate 19%
- Carbohydrate 10.38 g 4%
- Total Fat 19.87 g High 25%
- Saturated Fat 4.2 g High 21%
- Trans Fat 0.02 g High --
- Cholesterol 23.59 mg Moderate 8%
- Sodium 382.37 mg Moderate 17%
- Dietary Fiber 3.53 g Moderate 13%
- Total Sugars 3.31 g --
- Added Sugars 0.0 g Low Source 0%
- Calcium 103.69 mg Low Source 8%
- Iron 1.76 mg Low Source 10%
- Potassium 705.82 mg Moderate 15%
- Vitamin A 11.04 mcg Low Source 1%
- Vitamin C 5.82 mg Low Source 6%
- Vitamin D 0.0 mcg Low Source 0%
Values are per serving. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
- Tree Nuts 🌰
- Milk 🥛
- Tomatoes 🍅
About This Recipe
Zucchini Noodles with Plant Based Meatballs is made with 8 ingredients and serves 6. It takes about 25 mins and is rated easy. Key ingredients include Almonds, Basil Pesto, Grape Tomato, and Grated Parmesan Cheese. Each serving provides about 258.52 kcal.
Recipe Questions
- What is Zucchini Noodles with Plant-Based Meatballs made of?
- The main ingredients are Almonds, Basil Pesto, Grape Tomato, Grated Parmesan Cheese, Meatballs. The full list of 8 is above.
- How long does it take to make Zucchini Noodles with Plant-Based Meatballs?
- About 25 mins in total: 10 mins to prepare and 15 mins to cook.
- How many calories are in one serving?
- One serving provides about 258.52 kcal. The full nutrition breakdown is above.
- Is Zucchini Noodles with Plant-Based Meatballs easy to make?
- This recipe is rated easy, with 8 ingredients and 4 steps.
- Is Zucchini Noodles with Plant-Based Meatballs healthy?
- Zucchini Noodles with Plant-Based Meatballs has an easyChef Pro health score of 45/100. Per serving, it provides 258.52 calories and 9.66 g of protein, or 19% of the Daily Value. Worth noting per serving: sodium at 382.37 mg (17% of the Daily Value) and saturated fat at 4.2 g (21% of the Daily Value). It contains Tree Nuts, Milk and Tomatoes, 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.
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