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Roasted Lemon-Herb Turkey Breast

Fresh lemon, fresh parsley, and lots of dried herbs tucked between the skin and the meat infuse this turkey with sensational flavors. If there is leftover turkey, you can use it in Turkey Stew (page 167).

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Serves 12; 3 ounces turkey per serving

Ingredients

Cooking spray
2 medium lemons
1/2 cup snipped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon dried basil, crumbled
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (lowest sodium available)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons dried oregano, crumbled
1/2 teaspoon pepper (coarsely ground preferred)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 5-pound turkey breast with skin
Paprika to taste

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat the oven to 325°F. Lightly spray a roasting pan and baking rack with cooking spray.

    Step 2

    Cut the lemons in half. Squeeze about 1/4 cup juice into a small bowl. Set aside the lemon halves.

    Step 3

    Whisk the parsley, basil, mustard, oil, oregano, pepper, and garlic powder into the lemon juice.

    Step 4

    Using a tablespoon or your fingers, carefully separate the skin from the meat of the turkey. Spread the lemon juice mixture between the skin and meat over as much area as possible, being careful not to tear the skin. Gently pull the skin over the top and sides. Put the turkey on the rack in the pan. Put the lemon halves in the pan, directly under the turkey. Sprinkle the top of the turkey with the paprika.

    Step 5

    Roast the turkey for 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, or until the thickest part of the breast registers about 155°F on an instant-read thermometer. Remove from the oven and lightly cover. Let stand for 15 minutes to continue cooking (the breast should reach at least 165°F) and for easier slicing. Discard the skin and lemons before slicing the turkey.

  2. Nutrition Information

    Step 6

    (Per serving)

    Step 7

    Calories: 181

    Step 8

    Total fat: 2.0g

    Step 9

    Saturated: 0.5g

    Step 10

    Trans: 0.0g

    Step 11

    Polyunsaturated: 0.5g

    Step 12

    Monounsaturated: 1.0g

    Step 13

    Cholesterol: 93mg

    Step 14

    Sodium: 100mg

    Step 15

    Carbohydrates: 1g

    Step 16

    Fiber: 0g

    Step 17

    Sugars: 0g

    Step 18

    Protein: 37g

    Step 19

    Calcium: 29mg

    Step 20

    Potassium: 475mg

  3. Dietary Exchanges

    Step 21

    4 very lean meat

American Heart Association Low-Salt Cookbook, 4th Edition
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