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Fresh Bright Citrus Turkey Meatball Dinner Bowl

citrus turkey meatball dinner bowl - featured image

A quick and easy healthy dinner bowl featuring juicy turkey meatballs infused with bright citrus flavors, served over quinoa or brown rice with fresh veggies and a zesty citrus sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground turkey (preferably lean)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups cooked quinoa or brown rice
  • 1 cup steamed broccoli florets
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • Extra parsley or cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, panko breadcrumbs, orange zest, lemon juice, chopped parsley, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs, about 18-20 meatballs. Place them on a plate or tray.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Cook meatballs in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.
  5. Transfer browned meatballs to the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until cooked through.
  6. While meatballs bake, whisk together orange juice, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
  7. Steam broccoli florets until tender-crisp (about 5 minutes). Cook quinoa or brown rice according to package instructions.
  8. Assemble bowls by layering quinoa or rice, steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, and sliced avocado. Top with warm turkey meatballs and drizzle with citrus sauce. Garnish with parsley or cilantro.
  9. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to avoid tough meatballs. Browning meatballs before baking locks in moisture and adds flavor. Use fresh citrus zest and juice for best flavor. Meatballs can be mixed and formed ahead and refrigerated. Adjust citrus juice amounts to taste. Almond flour can substitute panko for gluten-free option. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free diet. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey meatballs, citrus turkey meatballs, healthy dinner bowl, quick dinner, easy recipe, gluten-free, dairy-free, weeknight meal, quinoa bowl