• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Strength and Sunshine
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Celiac Disease & Food Allergies
  • Coaching
  • Media & Press
  • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Celiac Disease & Food Allergies
  • Coaching
  • Media & Press
  • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
×
Home » Main Dish » Lentil Quinoa Meatballs and Zucchini Noodles

Lentil Quinoa Meatballs and Zucchini Noodles

Published: Feb 12, 2014 · Modified: Aug 27, 2025 by Rebecca Pytell · This post may contain affiliate links.

Jump to Recipe

Lentil Quinoa Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles is an easy, plant-based, and veggie-packed meal the whole family will love! Protein-packed vegan meatballs with a chunky veggie bolognese sauce served over a bed of zucchini noodles (zoodles)! Gluten-free and allergy-free, this healthy weeknight dinner idea will leave you full and satisfied.

vegan meatballs and zucchini noodles on plate.

A simple batch of lentil and quinoa based vegan meatballs with a delicious chunky vegetable bolognese-style sauce, all served over a bed of fresh spiralized zucchini noodles! A simple meal that packs a huge dose of veggies, plant-based protein, and fiber, so even the meat-eaters in the family will leave the table satisfied! Naturally vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-free, this meal is easy to meal prep ahead of time, and leftovers make a fantastic lunch idea!

There are so many versions of spaghetti and meatballs to enjoy as a vegan and celiac. From these high-protein vegan meatballs and your favorite gluten-free spaghetti, to beanballs and spaghetti squash, to spiralized sweet potato noodles and chicken meatballs for the meat-eaters! Zucchini noodles (aka zoodles) are a classic low-carb noodle option, and all you need is a high-quality spiralizer. I always recommend the Paderno World Cuisine brand, the only brand I use. Cheap handheld ones are not the vibe!

More Spiralizer Recipes:

  • Spiralized Sweet Potato Crust Pizza
  • Spicy Spiralized Sweet Potato Fries
  • Smoky Spiralized Purple Sweet Potato Fries
  • Raw Spiralized Thai Salad
  • Balsamic Tahini Beet Noodles
  • Sunshine Spiralized Beet Salad

vegan meatballs and bolognese sauce with zucchini noodles.

Print

Lentil Quinoa Meatballs and Zucchini Noodles

vegan meatballs and zucchini noodles on plate.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Lentil Quinoa Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles is an easy, plant-based, and veggie-packed meal the whole family will love! Protein-packed vegan meatballs with a chunky veggie bolognese sauce served over a bed of zucchini noodles (zoodles)! Gluten-free and allergy-free, this healthy weeknight dinner idea will leave you full and satisfied.

  • Author: Rebecca Pytell
  • Prep Time: 30 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 Minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 Servings 1x
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Stove-Top, Bake
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 Medium Zucchini (1 per serving)

Meatballs:

  • ½ Cup Uncooked Quinoa
  • ½ Cup Uncooked Brown Lentils
  • 1 TB Ground Flax Seed (mixed with 1 TB water)
  • 1 TB Nutritional Yeast
  • 1 Tsp Dried Parsley
  • 1 Tsp Dried Basil
  • 1 Tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 Tsp Dried Marjoram
  • ½ Tsp Onion Powder
  • ½ Tsp Garlic Powder
  • ½ Tsp Smoked Paprika
  • ½ Tsp Black Pepper

Bolognese Sauce:

  • 1 15 oz Can No Salt-Added Plain Tomato Sauce
  • 1 15 oz Can No-Salt- Added Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes
  • 2 Cups Chopped Eggplant
  • 1 ½ Cups Chopped Portobello Mushrooms
  • ¼ Cup Diced Shallots
  • 2 TB Nutritional Yeast
  • 1 Tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 Tsp Dried Basil
  • 1 Tsp Dried Marjoram
  • ½ Tsp Garlic Powder
  • Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)

Instructions

For The Zucchini Noodles:

  1. Cut the ends off each zucchini and place it on the Spiralizer using the ¼-inch blade. Spiralize each zucchini and set aside each individual portion.

For The Meatballs:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  2. In a large sauce pot, add the ½ cup of quinoa and ½ cup of lentils along with 2 ⅓ cups of water. Bring the pot to a boil before covering and reducing the heat to a simmer. Cook for 20-30 minutes, until all the water is absorbed.
  3. In a blender or food processor, add the cooked quinoa and lentils, all the meatball spices, herbs, nutritional yeast, and gelled flaxseed. Blend everything together into a slightly lumpy dough.
  4. Grease a large 9x13 inch baking pan or line a baking sheet with a Silpat. Roll 2 tablespoon-sized balls using your hands for each meatball and space them out on the baking sheet. Aim for 3-4 meatballs per person (4 servings). Bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes, until the meatballs are golden brown.

For The Bolognese Sauce:

  1. In a large sauce pot, add all the sauce ingredients and stir together. Cover the pot and allow the sauce to cook for about 15 minutes over medium heat, until the veggies have softened.
  2. Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and gently stir before allowing everything to simmer together for about 5 minutes, uncovered.
  3. Serve the 3-4 meatballs and sauce over each portion of zucchini noodles you prepared and garnish with extra parsley, vegan parmesan, and serve with a side of gluten-free garlic bread if desired!

Notes

  • Make-Ahead: If prepping the meal ahead of time, leave the sauce separate from the baked meatballs and, before serving, simply warm the sauce on the stove when you add the meatballs to simmer. You can also prep the zoodles in advance.
  • Leftovers: Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days. Warm the sauce with meatballs back up on the stove or quickly in the microwave.
  • If you don't like zucchini noodles, you can always serve the meatballs and sauce over any type of spaghetti or noodles!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Serving

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @rebeccagf666 on Instagram and hashtag it #strengthandsunshine

This hearty meal won't leave you feeling sluggish! It's a perfect vegan comfort food meal that takes boring spaghetti and meatballs up 10 notches!

So tell me:

+ What's your favorite way to serve zoodles?

———————————————-

Stay connected:
Facebook: Strength and Sunshine
Twitter: @RebeccaGF666
Instagram: @rebeccagf666
Pinterest: RebeccaGF666
TikTok: @strengthandsunshine

Related

« Valentine's Day Pancakes (Heart Shaped Pancakes)
Vitamins, Supplements, and a Health Update »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. superfabulouslife

    March 03, 2014 at 8:58 am

    Those look absolutely divine and the way that you garnished them brings such a wonderful presentation. I am definitely going to try this recipe!

    Reply
    • Strength and Sunshine

      March 03, 2014 at 2:48 pm

      Thank you so much! It is one of those "looks complicated" but is actually pretty easy recipes!

      Reply
  2. Molly

    February 25, 2014 at 10:02 pm

    It’s always nice to see a plant-based “meatball” with no seitan involved! The sauce sounds great, too.

    Reply
    • Strength and Sunshine

      February 25, 2014 at 11:27 pm

      That's my job 😉 I need it gluten free and soy free too!

      Reply
  3. Deborah Smikle-Davis

    February 25, 2014 at 1:27 pm

    Hi Rebecca,
    This recipe my just become my favorite plant-based "comfort food" recipe!
    Thank you so much for sharing this healthy and delicious recipe on the Healthy, Happy, Green & Natural Blog Hop! I appreciate it!

    Reply
    • Strength and Sunshine

      February 25, 2014 at 3:13 pm

      I'm so happy you like it!

      Reply
  4. CJ Huang

    February 24, 2014 at 12:40 pm

    It looks like such fun to make your own "noodles" out of just about anything. 🙂

    Reply
    • Strength and Sunshine

      February 24, 2014 at 12:46 pm

      Haha, it is! I had a hard time stopping!

      Reply
  5. zsudever

    February 19, 2014 at 8:47 pm

    Looks really great! Especially those zucchini noodles
    Zsu @ Zsu’s Vegan Pantry

    Reply
    • Strength and Sunshine

      February 19, 2014 at 9:08 pm

      Thank you! They are so fun to make...and eat 🙂

      Reply
  6. Kierston

    February 15, 2014 at 5:06 pm

    Okay, you've inspiralized me 😉

    Reply
    • Strength and Sunshine

      February 15, 2014 at 5:08 pm

      Hahaha! Mission accomplished 🙂

      Reply
  7. Nicole

    February 15, 2014 at 8:57 am

    I'm new to lentils and quinoa so I always appreciate when someone shares a recipe that gives me new ways to use both of those ingredients.

    Reply
    • Strength and Sunshine

      February 15, 2014 at 8:59 am

      I'm glad I could show you some versatility with them instead of just plain cooking them! They are a perfect source of plant-based protein!

      Reply
  8. Becca

    February 14, 2014 at 12:46 pm

    Oh my gosh! That looks DELISH!!

    Reply
    • Strength and Sunshine

      February 14, 2014 at 1:18 pm

      Thank you Becca!

      Reply
  9. fittingintovegan

    February 14, 2014 at 10:37 am

    Yum, this looks great! Almost guilt-free!

    Reply
    • Strength and Sunshine

      February 14, 2014 at 10:47 am

      Almost guilt-free? Real food has no guilt!

      Reply
  10. Phoebe @ Lou Messugo

    February 14, 2014 at 4:26 am

    I've heard so many good things about spiralizers I think I might just have to get one. Your photos had me salivating! Commenting from SITS

    Reply
    • Strength and Sunshine

      February 14, 2014 at 5:20 am

      Thank you Phoebe! Drooling is always good 😉 I would totally encourage you to buy one! It is definitely worth it if you love a quick easy way to make healthy dishes!

      Reply
  11. Teresa Britton

    February 13, 2014 at 4:43 pm

    Oh wow, this looks great! I've been a vegetarian for about 20 years, but I am still finding new ideas. I can't wait to try this 🙂

    Reply
    • Strength and Sunshine

      February 13, 2014 at 4:47 pm

      20 years, that is awesome! You can never stop learning about food, cooking, and recipes! That is why I love it so much 🙂

      Reply
  12. @thetravelguru_

    February 13, 2014 at 3:26 pm

    I never have before but this look absolutely lush so I may have to go buy one! #SITS

    Reply
    • Strength and Sunshine

      February 13, 2014 at 3:27 pm

      You will love it! You can use any veggie really, from beets, to potatoes, to carrots. So many possibilities!

      Reply
  13. Alli

    February 13, 2014 at 12:00 pm

    That look so yummy, I can't wait to try out those meatballs. I've been on the hunt for meatless meal ideas that I think my family will eat, and these are topping my list of must try now. My boys love meatballs, maybe they'll love these too! (following from the SITS group!)

    Reply
    • Strength and Sunshine

      February 13, 2014 at 12:01 pm

      I bet they will! They really do look like "real" meatballs...maybe they won't even know, haha! Thanks for stopping by 🙂

      Reply
  14. Rachel

    February 13, 2014 at 10:08 am

    We love making noodles and I don't eat meat so I have to try these meatballs too!

    Reply
    • Strength and Sunshine

      February 13, 2014 at 10:36 am

      I hope you do! It is a fun a rewarding recipe when done 🙂

      Reply
  15. Miranda

    February 12, 2014 at 8:52 pm

    This looks so YUMMY. I haven't found a good vegan alternative to meatballs yet, and I'm looking forward to trying your lentil quinoa! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Strength and Sunshine

      February 12, 2014 at 8:59 pm

      You will be happy with these! They are so good and just like a "real" meatball...except better, more nutritious, and cruelty-free!

      Reply
  16. lovenataliemarie

    February 12, 2014 at 8:16 pm

    I wish I had a spiralizer. Oh the recipes I would create! I think I may invest in one soon. 😀

    This looks so delicious. Mouth watering. Divine. Yum.

    Reply
    • Strength and Sunshine

      February 12, 2014 at 8:58 pm

      Thanks Natalie!! You can get the best one for under $35 on Amazon!

      Reply
  17. Meredith @ Peachy Clean Eats

    February 12, 2014 at 6:00 pm

    Love the idea for the meatballs! I make regular quinoa balls but so keen on the lentil idea 🙂 thanks for sharing

    Reply
    • Strength and Sunshine

      February 12, 2014 at 6:31 pm

      It adds even more excellent plant-based protein! I love lentils and they are so satisfying and nutrient dense!

      Reply
  18. eatgreatbegreat

    February 12, 2014 at 11:04 am

    I really need to get a spiralizer! I love the idea of making zucchini noodles. Looks amazing!

    Reply
    • Strength and Sunshine

      February 12, 2014 at 12:24 pm

      You should! They are super cheap and totally worth it!

      Reply
  19. Ashley

    February 12, 2014 at 10:23 am

    I’m so happy that I came across your blog on Instagram! It looks like you have so many delicious recipes. I can’t wait to try some. I definitely need to try this one!
    Ashley, Married to the Game

    Reply
    • Strength and Sunshine

      February 12, 2014 at 10:29 am

      Thanks Ashley! I'm glad you found me 🙂 Let me know if you give any recipes a try!

      Reply
  20. Inspiralized

    February 12, 2014 at 8:25 am

    Looks great! Beautiful photos, too!

    Reply
    • Strength and Sunshine

      February 12, 2014 at 10:28 am

      Thank you! 🙂 Your blog is so perfect for spiralizing inspiration and info 😉

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Hey there, welcome to Strength and Sunshine! I’m Rebecca and I'm so glad you're here! This is your go-to destination for delicious, fun, and (mostly) healthy gluten-free and allergy-free recipes, tips & tricks, advice, as well as celiac and food allergy coaching services! More about me



Search

Never Miss A Post

Categories

Recent Posts

  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cupcakes (Vegan)
  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Banana Bread (Vegan)
  • Vegan Coconut Chewies
  • Cold Middle Eastern Lentil Salad
  • Vegan Grape Salad

Trending Posts

  • Cold Italian Pasta Salad (Gluten-Free, Vegan, Allergy-Free)
  • Slow Cooker Apple Butter (No Peeling Required!)
  • Slow Cooker Applesauce | Easy, Simple, No Added Sugar
  • Healthy Lemonade Recipe (Sugar-Free, Homemade, 3-Ingredients)
  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donut Holes (Vegan, Allergy-Free)
  • How-To Cook Beans In A Rice Cooker

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • About Rebecca
  • Privacy Policy

Newsletter

  • Sign up for our weekly newsletter!

Contact

  • Contact
  • Services
  • Media & Press

Copyright © 2025 Strength and Sunshine LLC

What To Avoid With An Egg Allergy 🚫🥚🍳 Eg What To Avoid With An Egg Allergy 🚫🥚🍳

Egg is hiding in more than just baked goods and pasta! Learn all the ingredient and food terms you need to lookout for when reading labels and menus! Also specific cooking terms that typically mean egg is involved! 🍳

🟥 Red flag = contains egg (full stop, do not pass go!)
🟨 Yellow flag = might contain egg (check manufactoring, contact brands, sourcing, don’t assume!)

🤝 Share to spread awareness and save lives
🔁 Save for reference
💬 Tag someone who needs to see this

#eggallergy #eggfree #foodallergies #foodallergy #foodallergyawareness #foodallergymom #eggfreebaking #noegg #noeggs #allergyfree
The best moist, soft, fluffy gluten-free vegan pum The best moist, soft, fluffy gluten-free vegan pumpkin cupcakes! 🎃🧁
*
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cupcakes (Vegan, Allergy-Free) 🎃😋
*
These Perfect Pumpkin Party Cakes are:👇
Gluten-Free ❤️
Allergy-Free 🧡
Vegan 💛
Easy, Quick, Simple Ingredients 💚
Make-Ahead + Freezer-Friendly 💙
Perfect Dessert For Halloween, Thanksgiving, and All Fall Celebrations 💜
*
The best Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cupcakes are vegan, allergy-free, and so easy to make! Made with real pumpkin and cozy spices, these moist and fluffy eggless pumpkin cupcakes are topped with a sweet and tangy dairy-free cream cheese frosting! Baked in 20 minutes with simple ingredients, everyone will love this homemade recipe! 🎉
*
Click the link in my bio @rebeccagf666 for the full recipe on the blog! 👆👆👆
https://strengthandsunshine.com/gluten-free-pumpkin-cupcakes-vegan/
*
#pumpkincupcakes #cupcakes #vegancupcakes #egglesscupcakes #glutenfree #vegan #allergyfree #creamcheesefrosting #pumpkin #pumpkinrecipes
The best moist, soft, fluffy gluten-free vegan pum The best moist, soft, fluffy gluten-free vegan pumpkin cupcakes! 🎃🧁
*
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cupcakes (Vegan, Allergy-Free) 😋
*
These Perfect Pumpkin Party Cakes are:👇
Gluten-Free ❤️
Allergy-Free 🧡
Vegan 💛
Easy, Quick, Simple Ingredients 💚
Make-Ahead + Freezer-Friendly 💙
Perfect Dessert For Halloween, Thanksgiving, and All Fall Celebrations 💜
*
The best Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cupcakes are vegan, allergy-free, and so easy to make! Made with real pumpkin and cozy spices, these moist and fluffy eggless pumpkin cupcakes are topped with a sweet and tangy dairy-free cream cheese frosting! Baked in 20 minutes with simple ingredients, everyone will love this homemade recipe! 🎉
*
Click the link in my bio @rebeccagf666 for the full recipe on the blog! 👆👆👆
https://strengthandsunshine.com/gluten-free-pumpkin-cupcakes-vegan/
*
#pumpkincupcakes #cupcakes #vegancupcakes #egglesscupcakes #glutenfree #vegan #allergyfree #creamcheesefrosting #pumpkin #pumpkinrecipes
What To Avoid With A Dairy Allergy 🚫🥛 Dairy What To Avoid With A Dairy Allergy 🚫🥛

Dairy is hiding in more than just milk and cheese! Learn all the ingredient and food terms you need to lookout for when reading labels and menus! Also specific cooking terms that typically mean dairy is involved! 🥛🧀🧈🍨

🟥 Red flag = contains dairy (full stop, do not pass go!)
🟨 Yellow flag = might contain dairy (check manufactoring, contact brands, sourcing, don’t assume!)

🤝 Share to spread awareness and save lives
🔁 Save for reference
💬 Tag someone who needs to see this

#dairyallergy #dairyfree #foodallergies #foodallergy #foodallergyawareness #foodallergymom #dairyfreelife #dairyfreeliving #nodairy
Sweet, buttery, caramely, chewy, coconutty goodnes Sweet, buttery, caramely, chewy, coconutty goodness in one nostalgic bite! 🥥
*
Vegan Coconut Chewies (Chewy Coconut Bars) 😋
*
These Chewy Coconutty Bars Of Bliss are:👇
Gluten-Free ❤️
Allergy-Free 🧡
Vegan 💛
Easy, One-Bowl, Simple 7 Ingredients💚
Make-Ahead + Freezer-Friendly💙
Perfect Dessert For Potlucks & Occasions 💜
*
Coconut Chewies are the sweet, buttery, chewy coconut bars just like grandma used to make! This easy one-bowl dessert recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-free! Made with rich dairy-free brown butter, caramely brown sugar, and loads of shredded coconut, these coconut blondies are ultra chewy on the inside and crisp on the outside! 🎉
*
Click the link in my bio @rebeccagf666 for the full recipe on the blog!
https://strengthandsunshine.com/vegan-coconut-chewies/
*
#coconutchewies #coconut #blondies #vegandessert #glutenfreedessert #glutenfree #vegan #allergyfree
When you can’t decide between pumpkin bread vs b When you can’t decide between pumpkin bread vs banana bread...🎃🍌🍞
*
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Banana Bread (Vegan, Allergy-Free) 🤤🎃🍌🍞
*
This Pumpkiny Bananany Loaf is 👇
Gluten-Free ❤️
Allergy-Free 🧡
Vegan & Vegetarian 💛
Kid-Friendly 💚
Quick & Easy, 9 Simple Ingredients 💙
Make-Ahead & Freezer-Friendly 💜
Perfect Fall Breakfast, Dessert, or Snack 💗
*
Literally, what are we doing if we’re not combining the two coziest quick breads into one? Naturally moist and sweet from real pumpkin and ripe bananas, which makes it perfect for a gluten-free recipe that needs extra moisture and an eggless recipe since pumpkin and banana are OG vegan egg replacements! This gluten-free pumpkin banana bread is a blank slate for any cozy add-ins you can dream of, but its simplicity is what makes it shine on its own! 😋🙌
*
CLICK the LINK in my BIO @rebeccagf666 for the FULL RECIPE on the BLOG! 👆👆
https://strengthandsunshine.com/gluten-free-pumpkin-banana-bread/
*
#pumpkinbread #bananabread #pumpkinbananabread #fallbaking #glutenfree #vegan #allergyfree #glutenfreebaking #veganbaking
When you can’t decide between pumpkin bread vs b When you can’t decide between pumpkin bread vs banana bread...🎃🍌🍞
*
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Banana Bread (Vegan, Allergy-Free) 🤤🎃🍌🍞
*
This Pumpkiny Bananany Loaf is 👇
Gluten-Free ❤️
Allergy-Free 🧡
Vegan & Vegetarian 💛
Kid-Friendly 💚
Quick & Easy, 9 Simple Ingredients 💙
Make-Ahead & Freezer-Friendly 💜
Perfect Fall Breakfast, Dessert, or Snack 💗
*
Literally, what are we doing if we’re not combining the two coziest quick breads into one? Naturally moist and sweet from real pumpkin and ripe bananas, which makes it perfect for a gluten-free recipe that needs extra moisture and an eggless recipe since pumpkin and banana are OG vegan egg replacements! This gluten-free pumpkin banana bread is a blank slate for any cozy add-ins you can dream of, but its simplicity is what makes it shine on its own! 😋🙌
*
CLICK the LINK in my BIO @rebeccagf666 for the FULL RECIPE on the BLOG! 👆👆
https://strengthandsunshine.com/gluten-free-pumpkin-banana-bread/
*
#pumpkinbread #bananabread #pumpkinbananabread #fallbaking #glutenfree #vegan #allergyfree #glutenfreebaking #veganbaking
Celiac Disease is NOT a food allergy 🚫🍞 So Celiac Disease is NOT a food allergy 🚫🍞

So many people still confuse the two, but it’s an autoimmune disease, not an allergy. That means gluten doesn’t cause an immediate allergic reaction resulting in hives or swelling…it causes your immune system to attack your small intestine longterm. 

This distinction matters because:
👉 There’s no medication or quick fix
👉 The only treatment is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet
👉 Mislabeling it as an “allergy” is scientifically incorrect. There is no such thing as a gluten allergy.

Swipe through to learn why the distinction is inportant and why accurate education and awareness is paramount. Let’s set the record straight and not mislabel our disease when speaking about it. 💛

🤝 Share with someone misusing the term
🔁 Save for reference and education
💬 Tag someone who needs to see this


#celiacdisease #celiacawareness #autoimmune #celiac #autoimmunedisease #glutenfree #glutenfreeliving #glutenfreelifestyle #glutenfreelife
collage image of lentil meatballs with zucchini noodles.