Looking for a delicious and healthy option for your Christmas dinner? Look no further! This roast turkey with herb and citrus rub is sure to be a hit with your friends and family. The succulent turkey is packed with protein and is flavored with a tantalizing blend of herbs and citrus. And with a variety of healthy side dishes to choose from, such as roasted vegetables, garlic mashed cauliflower, and a quinoa salad with roasted vegetables, there’s something for everyone. So why wait? Start cooking up this festive and nutritious meal today!
Roast Turkey with Herb and Citrus Rub
Ingredients:
- 1 (4-5 pound) turkey breast
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a small bowl, mix together the garlic, lemon zest and juice, orange zest and juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
- Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan and rub the herb and citrus mixture all over the turkey.
- Roast the turkey for about 1 1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F when measured with a meat thermometer.
- Let the turkey rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Roasted Vegetables:
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds mixed vegetables (such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
- Cut the vegetables into small, evenly sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, toss the vegetables with the olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the vegetables out on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast the vegetables for 20-30 minutes, or until they are tender and lightly browned.
Garlic Mashed Cauliflower:
Ingredients:
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for about 10 minutes, or until they are tender.
- Drain the cauliflower and transfer it to a food processor or blender. Add the garlic, butter or olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Process or blend the mixture until it is smooth and creamy.
- Transfer the mashed cauliflower to a serving dish and serve hot.
Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups mixed roasted vegetables (such as bell peppers, onions, and zucchini)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
- Rinse the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and add it to a medium saucepan with the water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the water has been absorbed.
- Transfer the cooked quinoa to a large bowl and add the roasted vegetables, cherry tomatoes, parsley, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss the mixture until it is well combined.
- Serve the quinoa salad at room temperature or chilled.
Grocery List
- Turkey breast
- Garlic
- Lemon
- Orange
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Mixed vegetables (such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes)
- Cauliflower
- Butter or olive oil
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh parsley
- Quinoa
- Bell peppers
- Onions
- Zucchini
Tips and Healthy Substitutions:
- Instead of a traditional roast turkey, you could also try grilling or smoking a turkey for a healthier option.
- For a lower carb option, skip the roast potatoes and serve the turkey with a side of roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or asparagus.
- For a vegetarian option, try substituting the turkey with a protein-rich alternative such as tofu or tempeh.
- Instead of making a traditional gravy with flour and butter, try using a lower fat option such as chicken or vegetable broth as a base.
- For a healthier dessert option, try serving sliced fruit or a fruit salad instead of a rich, creamy dessert