Delight in the savory flavors of our herb turkey breast recipe, perfect for a health-conscious diet. This dish features garlic, olive oil, fresh herbs, and lemon, promising a tender and aromatic feast.

Back when I was starting my health journey, I realized that flavor often came with too many calories. That’s when I stumbled upon this gem: an herb turkey breast recipe that’s not only mouth-wateringly delicious but also diet-friendly. This recipe was a game changer for me during Thanksgiving one year. Instead of feeling bloated and guilty, I felt nourished and light. Every bite of the turkey, infused with garlic and herbs, and perfectly complimented by lemon, reminded me of the possibility of healthy yet flavorful eating. It’s a recipe that has not only graced my table on holidays but has also become a staple for any day when I need a comforting yet healthy choice.

Herb-roasted turkey breast sliced on a plate, garnished with thyme and parsley, showcasing a golden-brown crust and juicy interior.

Why You’ll Love This herb turkey breast

If you’re on the lookout for a recipe that marries health with taste, this herb turkey breast is your go-to. It’s not just any turkey dish; it’s a revelation in healthy eating without sacrificing flavor.

Flavorful and Healthy: Loaded with garlic and herbs, this turkey is a powerhouse of flavor without the heaviness of traditional recipes.
Diet-friendly: With controlled portions of olive oil and natural ingredients, it fits right into a calorie-conscious meal plan.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it on a festive occasion or a simple family dinner; it adapts to both with ease.
Easy to Prepare: Despite its gourmet appeal, the recipe is straightforward and manageable even for beginners.

Ingredients Notes

Knowing your ingredients is as crucial as following the steps. Here’s a quick guide on the key ingredients of this herb turkey breast recipe:

Garlic: Don’t skimp on this! Garlic not only adds depth and aroma but also health benefits like improved heart health.
Fresh Herbs: Opt for fresh parsley, thyme, and sage for a burst of freshness. If fresh isn’t available, dried herbs work but remember, they’re more concentrated in flavor.
Olive Oil: A little goes a long way. Use high-quality olive oil for the best taste and health benefits.
Lemon: It adds a fresh, zesty kick to the turkey, balancing the robust flavors of the herbs and garlic.

How to prepare herb turkey breast for a diet

Let’s break down the cooking process into simple steps that you can follow for a flawless cooking experience.

Prepare the Garlic: Start by preheating your oven and preparing your garlic as described. This roasted garlic will form the base of your flavor-packed herb paste.
Make the Herb Paste: Once your garlic is roasted and cool, mash it with herbs, salt, and pepper. This paste is what you’ll rub under and over the turkey skin for that irresistible flavor.
Prepare the Turkey: Arrange lemon slices and herbs in your baking dish, then carefully loosen the turkey skin to spread the paste underneath. This ensures every bite is infused with herby goodness.
Roasting: Roast the turkey while regularly checking and adding water to avoid drying out. This step is crucial for a moist, juicy breast.
Rest and Serve: Letting the turkey rest before carving is vital. It locks in the juices and flavors, making your slices tender and delicious.

Storage Options

Once your herb turkey breast is cooked, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Ensure it’s wrapped tightly in foil or stored in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and flavors. If you need to store it longer, the turkey can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight when ready to eat and reheat gently to retain its texture.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to various tastes and dietary needs.

Herbs: While parsley, thyme, and sage are my go-tos, feel free to experiment with rosemary or basil for a different flavor profile.
Citrus: Orange slices can replace lemon for a sweeter, richer citrus note.
Oil-Free: If you’re avoiding oil, use a bit of chicken or vegetable broth to make the herb paste for a healthier alternative.
Vegan Adaptation: Not into turkey? Apply the same herb and garlic technique to a cauliflower steak or a whole roasted cauliflower for a plant-based feast.

Print Recipe

How to prepare herb turkey breast for a diet

Enjoy a succulent herb turkey breast, perfectly seasoned with a blend of garlic, fresh herbs, and lemon for a delicious and healthy meal.

Prep Time15

Cook Time2

Total Time2 15

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: herb turkey breast

Servings: 5

Ingredients

One head of garlic
One tablespoon of olive oil
One tablespoon of freshly chopped herbs such as parsley thyme, and/or sage, with additional whole sprigs for garnish, or one teaspoon of dried herbs if fresh are unavailable
Half a teaspoon of salt
A quarter teaspoon of ground black pepper
One lemon sliced
One turkey breast half bone-in, weighing approximately 3.5 to 4 pounds
One cup of water with additional amounts as needed

Instructions

Preparation of the Oven and Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Begin by removing the excess papery skin from the garlic head without detaching the cloves. Slice off the top of the head to expose the tops of the cloves. Position the garlic on a sheet of aluminum foil, drizzle it with olive oil, and securely wrap the foil around it. Roast in the preheated oven until the garlic turns golden brown and soft, approximately 45 minutes. Once cooled, squeeze the cloves and any residual oil into a small mixing bowl.
Creating the Herb Paste: To the bowl containing the roasted garlic, add the chopped or dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Using a fork, mash the ingredients together until a cohesive paste is formed.
Preparation of the Roasting Pan: Arrange the slices of lemon and sprigs of herbs, if using, in the base of a 9×13-inch roasting or baking pan.
Seasoning the Turkey: Gently loosen the skin on the turkey breast and evenly distribute all but one teaspoon of the prepared garlic herb paste beneath it, massaging the paste into the meat for deeper flavor penetration. Apply the remaining paste on the underside of the turkey breast's skin.
Roasting the Turkey: Place the seasoned turkey breast in the prepared pan and add one cup of water. Transfer to the oven to roast, periodically checking every 30 minutes. Should the pan appear dry, incrementally add water, half a cup at a time, until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the breast (ensuring not to touch the bone) reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Resting and Serving: Remove the turkey breast from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before carving. This resting period ensures the juices are reabsorbed and the meat remains moist. Prior to serving, discard the skin if preferred and skim any excess fat from the pan drippings. Optionally, the drippings can be drizzled over the carved turkey to enhance flavor.