Heart Healthy Roasted Turkey Breast

Turkey breast has a bad reputation for being healthy only when it’s dry and bland. However, let’s dive into the reasons why this moist and flavorful roasted turkey breast recipe is healthy:

• Protein Powerhouse: Turkey breast is a fantastic source of lean protein, essential for building and maintaining muscle mass. And when it comes to calories for turkey breast, you’ll be happy to know that 4 ounces clocks in at just over 200 calories!
• Reduced Fat: Removing the skin before roasting eliminates a significant source of fat, making this a heart-healthy meal. Worried that removing the skin will dry out the turkey? Have no fear because the bone helps keep the turkey moist while roasting.
• Nutrient Bonanza: Turkey breast is a great heart-healthy recipe. It’s packed with B vitamins and minerals, such as zinc, selenium, phosphorus, and iron. It’s also a great source of potassium, which is good for heart health.
• Gluten-Free Modification: While turkey breast is naturally gluten free, you can make the gravy gluten-free by simply using all-purpose gluten-free flour instead of traditional wheat flour.

Roasted turkey breast is easy to cook! Here are a few tips and tricks to make sure your roasted turkey breast is moist and flavorful:

• Type Matters: Use bone-in and not boneless turkey breast. Since the skin is being removed, the bone is needed to keep the turkey moist. If you can only find bone-in turkey breast with the skin, just remove it before preparing the turkey for roasting.
• Temperature Matters: When roasting a turkey breast, use a meat thermometer and aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast. This ensures the turkey is cooked through while remaining juicy.
• Tent with Foil Strategically: Tenting the turkey breast with foil during the initial roasting helps trap moisture and prevent drying out. 
• Basting Adds Flavor: Basting the turkey breast with pan drippings every 30-40 minutes during roasting adds moisture and flavor to the turkey breast. Use a spoon to baste the drippings over the breast.
• Let it Rest: Letting the cooked turkey breast rest for at least 20 minutes after removing it from the oven is crucial. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird. Slicing too early can cause the juices to run out, leaving you with a dry turkey breast. This is the perfect time to prepare the sides!

Roasted turkey breast with low sodium gravy tastes absolutely delicious on its own. However, here are a few easy sides that are great to serve with it for a complete heart healthy meal:

• These Roasted Vegetables are a classic side that can be cooked at the same time as the turkey breast. Just watch the time since the vegetables don’t take as long to cook.
• For a kid-friendly (or kid at heart) side, this Healthy Macaroni and Cheese recipe is the perfect option.
• You will never go wrong with Hearty Mashed Potatoes or lower carb Mashed Cauliflower to enjoy with the pan gravy.
• Want bread with your meal? This gluten-free Homemade Cornbread will definitely hit the spot.
• If you’re looking for other healthy turkey breast recipes, try this Roasted Turkey Breast with Root Vegetables - it already has scrumptious veggies in the dish!