Mild, savory flavor with a hint of sweetness, turkey breasts taste richer than chicken breast. This festive main entree can be served with fall or winter sides or vegetables or a glass of wine to enhance the flavor.
The breast meat resembles that of a chicken, but with a bit of difference. They both have a similar texture and tend to be relatively mild in flavor compared to traditional game birds, which makes it easier to pair with a variety of dishes.
What to serve with turkey breast? Turkey breast is generally dry and has a recognizably bland taste, therefore herbs and spices are used to roast or cook for added flavor and succulence.
These herb and spices include sage, bay leaf, allspices, cardamom, cinnamon, cumin, garam masala, parsley, rosemary, thyme, and tarragon.
Furthermore, roasted vegetables such as carrots, celery, potatoes, sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts taste amazing and helps the meat stay moist and juicy.
Pairing foods to eat with turkey typically involves multiple side dishes, sauces and accoutrements. From turkey stock gravy to cranberry sauce, there are endless garnishments you can add to turkey breast.
In this article, we focus attention on what to serve with turkey breast. Answered below are frequently asked questions about what foods to eat with turkey breast to make a complete and fulfilling meal.
What goes well with turkey breast?
Turkey breasts go well with stir-fry, tabbouleh, turkey sandwiches and salads when prepared well with other ingredients including fruits, nuts, herbs, spices, cheese, wine, and condiments.
Here are what goes well with turkey breast:
- Fruits: apples, cranberries, dried figs, white grapes, lemon, lime, orange, yellow raisins
- Nuts: chestnuts, pine nuts, walnuts
- Herbs: bay leaf, parsley, rosemary, sage, thyme, tarragon
- Spices: allspice, cardamom, cinnamon, cumin, garam masala, chili peppers, juniper berries
- Cheese: sheep, goat, feta
- Condiments: kosher salt, soy sauce, sugar, yogurt
- Oil: canola, grapeseed, peanut, vegetable, olive
- Wine: dry white, rosé
What to have with turkey breast?
Turkey breast goes well with most side dishes to make a complete meal. It adds a savory touch and valid protein source for many recipes.
Here are chef’s favorite items to have with turkey breast:
- Sausage: Italian
- Mushroom: wild, chanterelles
- Pepper: black, white
- Stocks: chicken, turkey
- Innards: turkey heart, liver
- Bacon
- Bread crumbs
- Chili peppers: dried red, fresh green
- Sauce: gravy, cranberry sauce
What are the healthy sides of turkey breast?
Due to its bland and subtle taste, turkey breast goes well with variety of sides. If you are looking for healthy options to pair with turkey breast, here are classic dishes to consider:
- Green salad: From romaine to Mediterranean salad, turkey breast goes well with variety of salad bases, cheeses and salad dressings. These complex salad add nutritional value to your diet and help to enjoy turkey breast in a healthy way.
- Mashed potatoes: Whether it is slices of turkey breast or roasted turkey as a whole, mashed potatoes are fantastic way to keep every bite moist and enjoyable. On top of that, adding herbs and butter into the dish with gravy is extra bonus.
- Coleslaw: Hint of vinegar and mustard with crunchy fresh vegetables, coleslaw not only goes well with BBQ, but also grilled turkey breasts. They can be added on the side or simply added to a sandwich with breast meat and thousand island dressing.
- Stuffing: Whether it is festive holiday or hearty fall winter meal, stuffing is great side addition to turkey breast. A juicy stuffing complements well with the meat to fully enjoy the sauce and veggies inside.
- Roasted vegetables: Simply cook brussels sprouts, green beans, carrots, onions, potatoes, there are many vegetables that can be roasted with olive oil, butter, salt, and pepper. They can be cooked together or separately to serve on the side with turkey breast.
- Bread: Garlic bread or cornbread not only goes well with turkey breast, but it pairs wonderfully with butter in a simple toasted bread. Buttery and herby taste of bread complements well with mild savory flavored turkey breast.
Vegetables to serve with turkey breast
Serving vegetables with turkey helps to round out a meal and make it feel even more complete. A healthy side of vegetable with turkey breast makes the meal wholesome and delicious.
Some vegetables to pair with turkey beasts include:
- carrots
- celery
- leeks
- sweet or white onions
- parsnips
- potatoes
- shallots
- spinach
- paprika
- brussels sprouts
- green beans
- sweet potatoes
Eat With Turkey Breast: Conclusion
Turkey breast is an easy, yet perfect option for a holiday meal or everyday dinner. Its typically served with classic side dishes to complement its savory flavor.
Turkey meat pairs wonderfully with vegetables, fruits, nuts, herbs, spices, cheese, condiments, and wine. When prepared with right ingredients, you can accomplish fresh green salad, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, stuffing, roasted vegetables, and bread to serve with turkey breast in a healthy way.
When it comes to side dishes, turkey breast goes well when served with bacon, sausage, mushrooms, pepper, meat stocks, innards, sauce, and bread crumbs. These helps to keep the dry meat soft, moist, and juicy.
Use these tips and flavor combinations to help you prepare dishes like sandwiches for lunch or fulfilling dinner plates to enjoy a wholesome meal with turkey breast.