Description
Fresh Herb and Citrus Grilled Turkey is a juicy, flavorful turkey dish marinated with fresh lemon, orange, garlic, olive oil, and a blend of herbs before being grilled to perfection. This light and protein-rich recipe is ideal for summer dinners, BBQs, or meal prep, delivering vibrant Mediterranean-inspired flavors with a healthy twist.
Ingredients
Turkey and Marinade
- 1½ lbs boneless turkey breast or turkey cutlets
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Turkey: Place the turkey between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound it to an even thickness if needed to ensure uniform cooking.
- Make the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, orange juice, lemon zest, orange zest, minced garlic, chopped parsley, rosemary, thyme, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the Turkey: Place the turkey in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Toss to coat the turkey evenly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours, allowing flavors to infuse.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400–425°F) to prepare for cooking.
- Grill the Turkey: Remove turkey from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill the turkey for 4–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until it is nicely browned and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Rest the Turkey: Transfer the grilled turkey to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve: Slice the turkey and garnish with additional fresh herbs and citrus wedges before serving to enhance flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Turkey cutlets cook quickly, so watch them closely to prevent overcooking and drying out.
- Chicken breast can be used as a substitute for turkey.
- Do not marinate the turkey for more than 4 hours as the citrus may alter the texture.
- Pair with grilled vegetables, couscous, quinoa, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Leftover grilled turkey works well in sandwiches, wraps, salads, and grain bowls.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Dinner, Grilling, Summer Recipes
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired, American
