Plated + Served: Mini Quinoa Meatballs with Avocado Dipping Sauce
This is one holiday party appetizer you won’t feel guilty about eating… in fact, it’s actually good for you!
You can’t go wrong with quinoa, that sweet, light South American gluten-free grain that’s packed with protein. Mix it with ground turkey, add a light avocado dipping sauce, and you’ve got a delicious and healthy appetizer: Mini Quinoa and Meatballs with Avocado Dipping Sauce.
You can also serve this on top of pasta with your favorite sauce for a great family dinner.
These little guys are so tasty that, even though they’re low in fat and calories, it’s still going to be tough to practice portion control!
Mini Quinoa Meatballs with Avocado Dipping Sauce
prep: 20 minutes
bake: 10 to 12 minutes
serves: 24 (2 meatballs each)
for the meatballs you’ll need…
2 cups cooked quinoa
1 lb. ground turkey
2 large eggs, slightly beaten
½ cup minced red pepper
½ cup minced green pepper
¼ cup minced onion
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
for the avocado dipping sauce you’ll need…
1 large ripe avocado
½ cup fat-free plain yogurt
¼ cup chopped bell pepper
¼ cup chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons lemon
1 tablespoon onion
1 garlic clove
½ cup water
let’s get to it…
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Heat the oven to 450°F.
Place quinoa, turkey, eggs, red and green pepper, onion, chili powder and salt in a large bowl. With your hands or a spoon, mix until well blended. Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place on the baking sheets.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until light brown. Serve hot or at room temperature.
Avocado Dipping Sauce…
Place avocado, yogurt, bell pepper, cilantro, lemon, onion, garlic and water in a blender container or food processor. Pulse 10 to 15 times.
Stir mixture with a rubber spatula to distribute evenly. Blend for 1 minute or until smooth. If mixture is too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time until at desired consistency.
cooking know how: These meatballs freeze beautifully! Double the meatball recipe and bake as directed. When cool, place half in a Ziploc® Brand Double Guard® Freezer Bag and freeze. To reheat, remove meatballs from bag and place on a foiled-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes.
I never knew to mix quinoa into a meatball. That is pretty interesting. And I love anything having to do with avocado. Can’t wait to give this recipe a try.
I was amazed as well that it worked without falling apart. Also works with ground chicken, ground pork and ground beef! Thanks for hanging out!
Wow, thanks for sharing this wonderful recipe, I will definitely try it because I buy ground turkey or ground chicken every week and look for ways to fix it differently.
I’m really happy the kids like them! Thanks for stopping by!