Summertime is finally here, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to enjoy a succulent turkey breast.
Turkey breast goes excellent at lunch or dinner or for any occasion. While the turkey breast can easily be a star of the show, but is very difficult to find out what to serve with turkey breast in summer?
Look no further. We have covered here some amazing side dishes that are perfect for serving with turkey breast in summer.
Whether you’re hosting a family get-together or throwing a barbecue party, these easy-to-make and mouth-watering dishes will make your summer dinner a memorable one!
What is turkey breast? What does turkey breast taste like?
Turkey breast is the meat from the breast of a turkey. It is usually sold in pre-sliced pieces, as a whole cutlet, or as part of a turkey roast.
It has a mild flavor and can be used in many recipes, such as sandwiches, salads, soups, wraps and casseroles.
Turkey breast is generally considered to have a slightly sweet taste with subtle hints of nuttiness when cooked.
The texture of the meat is tender yet firm, and it absorbs marinades well for an added boost of flavor.
Turkey breast can be roasted, grilled, fried, prepared in the slow cooker or pressure cooker, and even canned.
It is a lean protein choice that contains iron and zinc as well as vitamins like B6 and B12.
Additionally, it is low in calories, fat, and cholesterol compared to red meat options such as beef.
When selecting turkey breast for purchase or cooking needs, look for pieces with an even coloration throughout with no signs of spoilage or discoloration.
Store it properly in the refrigerator until ready to prepare and enjoy!
Turkey breast can be used in many recipes, both sweet and savory. For a simple entree option, try roasting a turkey cutlet with herbs like rosemary or thyme for added flavor.
19 Best Sides to serve with turkey breast in summer
1. Grilled Peach and Arugula Salad
Grilled Peach and Arugula Salad are the perfect combinations of sweet and tangy flavors.
Start by grilling sliced peaches until they are caramelized and slightly charred.
Then toss them into a bowl with fresh arugula leaves, goat cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It’s a refreshing and light option to serve with your turkey breast.
2. Stuffed Mushroom Caps
Stuffed mushroom caps are a great side dish that is packed with flavor.
Simply remove the stems from the mushrooms and fill them with a mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and herbs.
Bake them in the oven until they are golden brown, and serve them alongside your turkey breast.
Discover More: What to serve with stuffed mushrooms- 22 Quick Side dishes
3. Garlic Butter Green Beans
If you’re looking for a simple and quick dish, garlic butter green beans are the way to go.
Blanch the green beans for a few minutes, then toss them in a pan with garlic, butter, salt, and pepper. This side dish is quick, easy, and incredibly tasty.
4. Caprese Salad Skewers
Caprese salad skewers are a fun and delicious way to serve your guests.
Thread cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves into skewers and mizzle them with a balsamic glaze.
Not only are they visually appealing, but they’re also the perfect bite-size side dish to enjoy with your turkey breast.
5. Grilled Potato Salad
Potato salad is an ideal classic side dish, but why not give it a summertime twist? Grilled potato salad is easy to make and packs plenty of smoky flavors.
Slice the potatoes into rounds, grill them until they’re crispy, and then toss them in a dressing of mustard, vinegar, and herbs. Serve with your turkey breast for a hearty and delicious meal.
6. Watermelon Feta Salad
Watermelon Feta Salad is a quintessential summer dish. Toss cubed watermelon with crumbled feta cheese, mint leaves, and a drizzle of honey.
This sweet and salty combination is refreshing and easy to make, plus it accompanies perfectly with turkey breast.
7. Grilled Zucchini
Grilled zucchini is a quick and easy vegetable side dish. Slice the zucchini in half and brush it with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Grill each side for a few minutes until it’s tender and slightly charred. It makes a great addition to any summer meal.
8. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are a perfectly healthy and tasty alternative to regular fries.
Slice the sweet potatoes into wedges and toss them in olive oil, salt, and paprika. Bake them in the oven until they’re crispy, and serve them alongside your turkey breast for a filling and nutritious meal.
9. Cucumber Tomato Salad
Cucumber Tomato salad is a perfect light and refreshing side dish that complements the rich flavor of turkey breast.
Combine sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese in a bowl, and then dress it with a simple lemon and olive oil vinaigrette.
10. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn on the cob is an ideal staple summer dish that’s perfect for serving with turkey breast.
Coat the corn with butter and salt, and then grill it until it’s slightly charred. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and fun to eat!
11. Mediterranean Greek Salad
Mediterranean Greek Salad is a light and refreshing salad consisting of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, oregano, garlic and lemon juice, all served over a bed of lettuce and topped with slices of grilled turkey breast.
12. Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus is an ideal easy side dish that is the perfect accompaniment to any summer meal featuring turkey breast.
Simply wrap strips of bacon around fresh asparagus spears, then roast in the oven until crisp alongside garlic cloves, thyme and rosemary sprigs for added flavor.
13. Turkey Breast & Spinach Orzo
Turkey Breast & Spinach Orzo is a simple one-pan dish that combines turkey breast, sautéed spinach, garlic and flavorful orzo for a healthy summer meal that is absolute for lunch or dinner.
14. Summer Harvest Salad
Create a delicious salad using fresh ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, corn, olives, feta cheese and grilled turkey breast, all tossed together with a light vinaigrette dressing.
15. Avocado-Turkey BLT Sandwich
A classic BLT sandwich featuring slices of turkey breast alongside bacon, lettuce, tomato and avocado on toasted sourdough bread is perfect for a summer lunch.
Explore More: What to serve with BLT Sandwiches -23 sides with Twist
16. Caramelized Onion & Turkey Breast Pita Pockets
Pack nutritious pita pockets with caramelized onions, spinach and slices of turkey breast for an easy and flavorful meal on the go.
17. Grilled Vegetable Skewers
Create colorful kebabs using an assortment of vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers and zucchini, then serve alongside marinated turkey breast for a light and healthy dinner. (Recipe)
18. BBQ Chicken Quesadillas with Roasted Jalapeno
BBQ Chicken Quesadillas with Roasted Jalapeno is excellent to serve with turkey breast in summer.
Start by making a zesty roasted jalapeno salsa to use as the base of your quesadillas, then add your favorite BBQ chicken and roasted slices of turkey breast for an extra protein boost.
19. Cold Turkey & Avocado Wraps
Enjoy a cool and satisfying wrap using slices of turkey breast, creamy avocado, lettuce, cheese and a light mayonnaise-based sauce, all wrapped in a toasted tortilla. (Recipe)
This is a great lunch or dinner idea to enjoy with turkey breast in summer. Enjoy!
What are the best flavors to go with a turkey breast?
Turkey breast is a very versatile meat that pairs well with many different flavors. A classic option is to season the turkey breast with sage, thyme, and garlic for an earthy flavor.
For a more robust flavor combination, try combining cumin, paprika, oregano, and chili powder for a unique smoky taste.
If you are looking for something sweet and savory, try marinating the turkey breast in a mixture of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and rosemary.
Finally, if you want to add some freshness to your turkey breast dish, combine lemon juice and parsley or garlic chives for an exciting zesty flavor.
With these simple ingredients, you can prepare a delicious meal with the perfect balance of flavors complementing the natural flavors of the turkey breast.
How do you jazz up turkey breast?
You can jazz up turkey breast by marinating it in a flavorful liquid, such as buttermilk or olive oil and lemon juice and seasoning it with herbs, spices, garlic, or onion.
Then coat it with a dry rub which often includes paprika and other spices; baste the meat while cooking to keep it moist, or add some other type of sauce.
Other ideas include stuffing the turkey breast with vegetables and nuts before roasting or grilling.
You could also slice the breast into cutlets for stir-frying with your favorite vegetables.
However, you choose to prepare your turkey breasts, they can be spiced up in endless ways to make them delicious!
Learn More: Perfect Side Dishes to Compliment Grilled Turkey Breast
How do you display turkey breast on a platter?
Turkey breasts can be displayed on a platter in a few different ways.
The most classic presentation is to carve the turkey breast into slices and arrange them on the platter in an overlapping pattern.
Alternatively, you can also cut the turkey breast into cubes or strips and arrange them in rows or in a decorative pattern.
For an even more eye-catching presentation, make sure to garnish the platter with sprigs of fresh herbs and colorful vegetables like tomatoes, olives, peppers, or mushrooms.
To add even more flavor and depth to your dish, add a drizzle of flavorful sauces such as cranberry sauce or honey mustard over top of the turkey before placing it on the platter.
Explore More: 13 Delightful Sides to Serve with Your Turkey
What To Serve With Smoked Turkey Breast in Summer
1. Roasted Vegetables
Roasting vegetables in the cookstove with olive oil, salt, and pepper brings out their natural sweetness and creates a perfect dish to accompany smoked turkey breast.
2. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Asparagus is a great summer vegetable that pairs well with smoked turkey breast when wrapped in bacon for added flavor.
3. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Fire up the grill and enjoy sweet corn on the cob as an accompaniment to your smoked turkey breast.
4. Creamy Potato Salad
Creamy Potato Salad is a classic summer side dish, creamy potato salad is sure to be a hit alongside smoked turkey breast.
5. Caesar Salad
Fresh greens tossed with a creamy Caesar dressing are an easy side for any meal, including smoked turkey breast.
Find Out More: 13 Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Caesar Salad
6. Summer Fruit Salad
Enjoy a medley of seasonal fruits like watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew as a light side to your smoked turkey breast dinner.
7. Baked Macaroni & Cheese
Everyone’s favorite gooey cheese pasta dish is sure to make any meal more enjoyable, especially when served with smoked turkey breast!
8. Biscuits or Cornbread
Warm fluffy biscuits or sweet cornbread are always a welcome addition to any plate of smoked turkey breast!
9. Green Beans and Caramelized Onions
Add some pizazz to green beans by pairing them with caramelized onions for an amazing side dish that goes well with smoked turkey breast!
10. Coleslaw
With its crunchy texture and tangy dressing, coleslaw is the perfect complement to any piece of smoked turkey breast!
11. Loaded Baked Potatoes
Sprinkle cheese, bacon bits, sour cream and chives over baked potatoes for one of the best sides that pair perfectly with smoked turkey!
Wrap Up on what to serve with turkey breast in summer.
These side dishes are easy to make and packed with flavor, making them perfect for pairing with turkey breast.
Whether you’re hosting a big summer party or having an intimate family dinner, these dishes will ensure a memorable meal that everyone will enjoy.
Get ready to impress your guests with these quick and amazing side dishes!
FAQs
How much turkey breast per person?
Typically, it is recommended that each person consume around 4 ounces of turkey breast per serving.
The exact amount can alter depending on the individual’s caloric needs and dietary preferences.
Turkey breast is a lean meat that provides a high-quality source of protein without as much fat or cholesterol as other meats.
It is also an excellent source of various vitamins and minerals, including phosphorus, selenium, zinc, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin B6.
In addition to being high in protein content, turkey breast contains immune-boosting antioxidant benefits to help support a healthy body.
What is a popular accompaniment for turkey breast in summer?
One of the most popular accompaniments for turkey breast in summer is a light, crisp salad.
A traditional green salad tossed with olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic is a perfect complement to the flavor of the roasted turkey.
Another great option is a colorful fruit salad of seasonal berries like strawberries and blueberries, along with sliced apples or pears.
For added crunch and flavor, you can include toasted nuts like almonds or pecans.
Another tasty side dish might be some roasted vegetables like zucchini or squash.
For something extra special, you could top your turkey with slices of fresh mango or papaya drizzled with honey for a touch of sweet-tart flavor.
