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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
Zucchini Noodles with Plant-Based Meatballs

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.

45 Health Score
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. 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. 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. 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. 4

    Move everything to a large serving platter and top with the meatballs, tomatoes, roasted almonds, and Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve right away.

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.

How easyChef Pro scores recipes and products

easyChef Pro analyzes up to 41 nutrients using data sourced from USDA and other verified food databases. Its scoring method uses the nutrients relevant to nutrition quality, calorie density, processing level, and your selected health goal. Recipes and food products get a health score from 0 to 100, calculated using consistent rules instead of being estimated by AI. The same nutrition data, serving size and health goal will produce the same result.

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.

Your health goal also matters. easyChef Pro evaluates recipes and products across six health areas and adjusts their importance for your selected goal. This means the same food may be a better fit for one health goal than another.

For recipes, changing an ingredient, quantity or serving size changes the nutrition and may change the score. Remix the recipe in easyChef Pro to calculate fresh nutrition and scores for the version you actually make. Product scores are based on the nutrition and serving information associated with that specific product.

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