Skip to main content

Chicken Meatballs With Whipped Tahini and Arugula

4.5

(8)

Chicken Meatballs in a bowl with Whipped Tahini and Arugula.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Kaitlin Wayne

These chicken meatballs get their moisture from shredded zucchini and plenty of finely chopped onion instead of the typical breadcrumbs, which makes them a win for a carbohydrate-conscious, diabetes-friendly diet. Use dark meat for maximum flavor, and work quickly when forming the meatballs, as the mixture will be looser than usual without the crumbs. Preheating the oven to 450°F helps the meatballs crisp and hold their shape as soon as you pop them in to bake.

The whipped tahini is inspired by the one often served at Los Angeles restaurant Botanica, but I’ve doubled down on the lemon juice to balance out the earthy roasted mushrooms and sesame seeds.

This recipe has been selected as Type 2 diabetes–friendly by Vandana Sheth, RDN, CDCES, FAND; talk to your care provider about whether it’s right for you.

What you’ll need

Read More
Give your favorite breakfast sausage a makeover with ground chicken. A blend of spices (fennel, smoked paprika) and some maple syrup makes these patties shine.
This fragrant salad uses bulgur wheat as its base, an endlessly versatile, slightly chewy grain that’s very popular throughout the eastern Mediterranean.
Who says ground chicken is boring? Two whole bunches of mint and some aromatics give these chicken meatballs their bracingly herby flavor.
This sauce is slightly magical. The texture cloaks pasta much like a traditional meat sauce does, and the flavors are deep and rich, but it’s actually vegan!
Spiced chicken, charred peppers, and gooey cheese—these never-soggy quesadillas are a favorite for a reason.
Celebrate the best of the season—zucchini, tomatoes, corn, and more—all in one pot.
A take on Persian joojeh kebabs, these grilled saffron yogurt chicken thighs with herby labneh are vibrant, flavorful, and perfect for your next cookout.
A slow-simmering, comforting braise delivering healing to both body and soul.