Coconut Lime Chicken Meatballs + Rainbow Veggie Bowls 🥥🍋

(Gluten-Free • Dairy-Free • Paleo • Meal Prep Friendly)

There’s something about the start of a new year that makes everyone want to “do better.”

Eat cleaner. Move more. Get organized. Drink the water. Stop snacking at 9pm like it’s a sport. 😅

And I’m all for fresh starts…

But I’ve learned something the hard way over the years:
the healthiest routine is the one you can actually stick to.

Not the one that requires 2 hours of cooking, a sink full of dishes, and a grocery list that looks like you’re opening a restaurant.

Because real life still happens in January.

Kids still need things. Work is still busy. You’re still tired. And dinner still shows up every single night like:
“Hey 👋 what’s the plan?”

That’s why I’m obsessed with meals like this one.

These Coconut Lime Chicken Meatballs are one of those recipes that feel fresh and healthy… but still taste like something you’d order from a place that charges $18 for a bowl and calls it “vibrant.” 😂

They’re juicy, flavorful, and loaded with bright citrus and garlic. Then you build the bowl with crunchy veggies, creamy avocado, and a quick coconut lime drizzle that pulls everything together.

It’s simple. It’s satisfying. And it’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like:
“Okay… I can actually do this healthy thing.”

Why You’ll Love These Bowls

✔️ Gluten-free & dairy-free
✔️ High protein + fiber = keeps you full longer
✔️ Fresh, bright flavor (not bland diet food)
✔️ Perfect for meal prep lunches
✔️ Family-friendly + customizable

🥥 Coconut Lime Chicken Meatballs + Rainbow Veggie Bowls

⏱ Quick Stats

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total: 35 minutes

• Serves: 4

🛒 Ingredients

For the Chicken Meatballs

• 1½ lbs ground chicken

• ½ cup shredded unsweetened coconut (or ¼ cup coconut flour)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp fresh ginger (or ½ tsp ground ginger)

• Zest of 1 lime

• 2 tbsp lime juice

• 2 tbsp coconut aminos

• 1 tsp sea salt

• ½ tsp paprika

• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro (optional but so good)

• 1 tbsp avocado oil (for cooking)

For the Bowl

• 2 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix

• 1 cup shredded carrots

• 1 cup cucumber, sliced

• 1 avocado, sliced

• 2 cups cauliflower rice or jasmine rice

Optional toppings: green onion + sesame seeds + extra lime

For the Creamy Coconut Lime Drizzle (DF)

• ½ cup coconut milk (full fat works best)

• 1 tbsp lime juice

• 1 tbsp coconut aminos

• 1 tsp honey (optional)

• Pinch of salt

👩‍🍳 Easy Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, add:

ground chicken, shredded coconut, garlic, ginger, lime zest, lime juice, coconut aminos, salt, paprika, and cilantro.

Mix gently until combined.

✅ Tip: Don’t overmix—overmixing can make meatballs dense. We want them juicy!

Step 2: Roll the Meatballs

Use your hands or a scoop to form 12–16 meatballs, about golf-ball sized.

Place them on a plate while you heat your pan.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs (2 options)

Option A: Skillet (best flavor)

Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Add meatballs and cook 8–10 minutes, turning every couple minutes so they brown on all sides.

Cook until the center reaches 165°F.

Option B: Oven (easy + hands-off)

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Place meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake 15–18 minutes, until cooked through.

Step 4: Mix the Sauce

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together:

coconut milk, lime juice, coconut aminos, honey (optional), and salt.

Taste and adjust:

• More lime = brighter

• More coconut aminos = more savory

• Honey = balances the tang

Step 5: Build Your Bowls

Start with your base:

• cauliflower rice

• jasmine rice

• or greens

Then add:

• cabbage

• carrots

• cucumber

• avocado

• meatballs

Finish with:
✨ coconut lime drizzle + sesame seeds + green onion + squeeze of lime

🔥 Meal Prep Tips (Because This is the Real Win)

If you want to make this a “healthy week” without thinking too hard:

✅ Cook meatballs ahead
✅ Chop veggies and store in containers
✅ Make sauce and keep it in a jar

Then you can throw together a bowl in 2 minutes and feel like you have your life together 😄

Final Thoughts 💛

If your goal this year is to eat healthier in a way that feels realistic, doable, and enjoyable… this is a perfect place to start.

Because a healthy year isn’t built on restriction.

It’s built on meals that make you feel good enough to keep going.

If you make these bowls, let me know — I’d love to hear what you paired them with! 🙌