Vegetarian Walnut Meatballs
with Garlic Tahini Sauce

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These vegetarian meatballs get a triple dose of good fats from luscious walnuts, extra virgin olive oil, and creamy tahini. Serve as an appetizer, entree, or sandwich.

Thanks to California Walnuts for sponsoring this post. 

February is one of my favorite months. It’s all about love and a time when all eyes and ears turn to heart health. This recipe fits right in. These versatile vegetarian walnut meatballs are packed with three of my favorite things – good fats, fiber, and protein!

I’m excited to represent #TeamGoodFat to share this easy recipe. No matter what you’ve heard, fat is not a bad word. When talking about walnuts, it’s actually a good thing. Walnuts are the only tree nut to provide a rich source of plant-based omega-3 ALA. And recent research suggests walnuts are a good choice for the heart. But consistency is key. In one study, eating walnuts one or more times a week was linked to a lower risk of heart disease. Enjoy them as a snack or in everyday recipes for crunch and a dose of good fats!

This recipe was inspired by a “No-Meatball” I enjoyed at Little Goat Diner in Chicago. The ingredient list is a little longer than my usual but it comes together quickly in the food processor. Plus, you can make it ahead – keep the meatballs in the fridge overnight or freeze to cook later.

Walnuts provide a meaty texture and just enough crunch in these vegetarian meatballs. The garlic, onion, and smoked paprika add incredible flavor and the chickpeas help everything combine with ease. The meatballs get another dose of healthy fats from a creamy honey garlic tahini sauce to bring it all together.

Once the meatballs are rolled, you can refrigerate them for 30 minutes to overnight. And once ready to cook, you can pop them into the oven or get a little more browning and crunch by pan searing on the stovetop. I’ve shared both options in the recipe below.

[clickToTweet tweet=”ad: Walnut No-Meatballs with Garlic Tahini Sauce #TeamGoodFat @CaWalnuts” quote=”ad: Walnut No-Meatballs with Garlic Tahini Sauce #TeamGoodFat”]

These vegetarian walnut meatballs make a delicious appetizer or you can add them to a green salad for an entree. Though I prefer them warm, these no-meatballs can also be served at room temperature making them perfect for lunch.

So, here’s the recipe. Be sure to tag me on Instagram (@marisamoore) when you make this recipe and show me how you use it!

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5 from 2 votes

Vegetarian Walnut Meatballs with Garlic Tahini Sauce

These vegetarian meatballs get a triple dose of good fats from luscious walnuts, extra virgin olive oil, and creamy tahini. Serve them as an appetizer, entree, or sandwich!

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Total Time25 minutes mins

Course: Appetizer, Entree

Cuisine: American, Mediterranean

Servings: 8 (3 meatballs + 1 T sauce)

Calories: 247kcal

Author: Marisa Moore

Ingredients

Vegetarian Walnut Meatballs

• ½ cup coarsely chopped onion
• 1 cup walnut pieces
• ¼ cup oat flour
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1½ cup cooked chickpeas (1-15 ounce can, rinsed and drained)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon coarse salt
• 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil for pan searing or baking

Garlic Tahini Sauce

• ¼ cup tahini, lightly salted, room temperature
• ¼ cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice
• ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Optional: toothpicks for serving

Instructions

• Add the onion to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.
• Add the remaining vegetarian meatball ingredients. Pulse until the mixture comes together and is easily formed into a ball. If the mixture is too wet, add a bit more oat flour.
• Roll into 1-inch balls. (Tip: add a little olive oil to your hands for a cleaner rolling process.) Refrigerate 30 minutes up to overnight. The vegetarian meatballs can be cooked on the stovetop or baked in the oven.
• On the stovetop: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the no-meatballs in batches. Turn to brown evenly on all sides, about 10 minutes. 

  In the oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment or prep with olive oil mister generously. Roll each ball in the olive oil. Place onto the baking sheet about 1 inch apart. Bake 25 minutes, turning once halfway through cook time.
• Remove from oven and let cool slightly before assembling.

Garlic Tahini Sauce & Assembly

• Add all tahini sauce ingredients to a medium bowl. Whisk until smooth.
• Place the walnut meatballs on a serving platter. Drizzle with tahini sauce and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Note: The preparation time does not include the inactive time in the refrigerator or freezer. These vegetarian walnut meatballs can also be frozen and thawed for later. Serve them as an appetizer or entree.

Nutrition

Calories: 247kcal