9 Reasons to Make Turkey a Year-Round Staple (Not Just a Holiday Tradition)
By Nutritional Weight and Wellness Staff
November 25, 2024
Turkey dinner usually takes the spotlight on Thanksgiving, but this lean, protein-packed, and versatile meat deserves a place on your plate all year round!
Whether you’re looking to shake up your weekly meal plan, make a heart-healthy choice, or support sustainable farms, turkey has a lot to offer.
We recently had a great podcast episode with Ferndale Market talking all things turkey. Check out that conversation...
Here is just a small snapshot from that larger conversation...
9 reasons to keep turkey in your rotation every season—and ideas for making the most out of it even after the Thanksgiving meal.
1. Lean, High-Quality Protein
If adding more protein to your diet is on your list, turkey is a fantastic choice. Almost 9 in 10 Americans eat turkey during the national holiday of Thanksgiving. But beyond roast turkey as a popular choice on Thanksgiving day, we want to highlight its nutritional benefits and encourage you to consider it as a protein source throughout the year.
Protein Power:
Turkey is loaded with protein, without the saturated fat of some other meats, so it’s gentle on your heart and waistline.
A 3-ounce serving of turkey packs about 25 grams of protein—more than enough to keep you full and fueled between meals.
Protein helps build and maintain muscle, boosts your metabolism, and can keep you feeling satisfied longer. If you’re working on losing or maintaining weight, turkey’s protein content can help curb hunger without adding empty calories.
2. Nutrients Galore! Turkey Is Packed with Vitamins and Minerals
Turkey is a nutrient-dense food, meaning it’s full of vitamins and minerals that support your energy, immune system, and even your mood. When you eat turkey, here’s what you get with every bite:
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B Vitamins: Turkey is rich in B3 and B6, essential for brain health and energy. B vitamins support energy production, helping you power through your day.
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Iron: This mineral is key for keeping fatigue at bay and supporting oxygen flow throughout your body.
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Zinc & Selenium for immune strength: These powerhouse nutrients are fantastic for helping your immune system stay strong and ready to tackle anything.
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Tryptophan for mood boosting: Known for boosting serotonin, tryptophan supports mental well-being and helps you regulate your mood.
Turkey gives your body a great variety of nutrients it needs to stay healthy and feel good.
3. Versatile
Turkey’s versatility makes it easy to love, and it goes way beyond holiday roasts. From ground turkey to smoked turkey breast, there’s no end to how you can prepare it. Turkey’s mild taste makes it the perfect blank canvas for all kinds of cuisines and flavors. Its adaptability means you can fit it into any meal, for any occasion, whether you’re cooking for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner.
Here are just a few ideas to use turkey:
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Ground Turkey for Tacos and Meatballs: Turkey’s mild flavor absorbs spices beautifully, making it perfect for taco fillings or meatballs with any flavor profile. Season ground turkey with cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder for a taco night twist.
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Smoked Turkey for Salads: Toss smoked turkey with mixed greens, avocado, and vinaigrette for a quick, no-cook meal. Or try our Turkey Quinoa Salad.
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Turkey Chili & Soups: Ground turkey adds protein to soups and chilis without overpowering other flavors. Try our Turkey Quinoa Stew Recipe.
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Turkey Meatballs: Turkey meatballs are perfect for pasta or even in grain bowls. Make extras to freeze for easy meals.
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Turkey Breakfast Sausage: A popular recipe, we use ground turkey in this yummy homemade breakfast sausage recipe.
With so many options, turkey can fit into nearly any meal plan, and helps you keep variety in your meals.
4. Ideal for Meal Prep and Freezer Meals
Turkey is meal-prep magic. It freezes and reheats like a dream, making it a lifesaver on busy days. Preparing a Thanksgiving turkey in advance can also save time and stress during the holiday season. Don't forget to use those leftovers and bones!
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Batch Cooking with Turkey Meatballs: Make a big batch of turkey meatballs, freeze them, and you’re ready for an easy weeknight dinner anytime.
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Freezer-Friendly White Turkey Chili: Cook a big pot of chili and freeze it in individual portions. It’s the ultimate grab-and-go lunch or dinner. Sub turkey for chicken in our White Chicken Chili Recipe
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Ground Turkey Shepherd's Pie: Make a pan for now and freeze a pan for later. You'll have dinner read for those busy nights!
Prepping meals in advance helps you stick to healthy choices, even when your schedule gets hectic and turkey is a great protein for pre-prepped meals and snacks!
5. What Labels to Look for on Your Turkey
Choosing high-quality turkey not only improves your health, but it’s also better for the environment. Look for labels like free-range, antibiotic-free, and naturally processed to get the best quality and peace of mind.
Free-Range and Pasture-Raised: Free-range turkeys get to roam freely outdoors. Farms like Ferndale Market even give their turkeys fresh pastures to enjoy in the summer.
Antibiotic-Free: Turkeys raised without antibiotics stay healthy naturally, reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance in our food supply.
Naturally Processed: Avoid fillers and additives. This way, you’re getting pure turkey and nothing extra.
Choosing ethical farming practices gives you a cleaner, nutrient-rich protein...and tastier too!
Tip: We love Ferndale Market for their ethical practices and delicious turkey...give them a look!
6. Local Farms and Sustainable Choices Matter
Buying turkey from local farms not only supports small businesses but also reduces the environmental impact of your food. Plus, farms that are transparent about their practices make it easier for you to make informed choices.
Sustainable farms like Ferndale Market invite people to tour their facilities and learn about their practices firsthand. This is a great way to learn about where your food comes from (bring the kids!) but also help you choose where to source your meat.
Buying local helps strengthen small farms and keeps money in your community, benefiting everyone. Supporting local farms means you’re eating healthier, fresher food while making a positive impact on the environment and your local economy.
7. Make a Nutritious Turkey Bone Broth
Don’t toss those leftover turkey bones after you eat the meat! Use them to make a nutrient-dense bone broth that’s perfect for sipping or adding to soups. Bone broth is a fantastic way to use every part of the turkey, adding extra nutrition and flavor to your meals with minimal effort.
How to Make Turkey Bone Broth:
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Simmer: Combine turkey bones with garlic, onions, carrots, and celery, and let it simmer for several hours.
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Benefits: Turkey bone broth is high in collagen, which supports joint health, skin elasticity, and gut health.
For a full recipe and video instructions on making bone broth: How To Make Bone Broth Instructions
8. Perfect for Grilling Season
Turkey is amazing on the grill! It’s lean, juicy, and absorbs marinades and spices beautifully, making it a perfect choice for summer barbecues. Grilling turkey gives it a delicious smoky flavor, and it’s a great alternative to beef if you’re looking to keep things lighter.
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Grilled Turkey Burgers: Mix ground turkey with your favorite spices and herbs, form patties, and grill for a lean, flavorful burger.
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Grilled Turkey Breast: Marinate turkey breast with olive oil, garlic, and rosemary, then grill until it’s juicy and has the perfect grill marks.
Love to Grill? Check out our How to Cook: Grilling article for great tips on healthy grilling tricks & techniques.
9. Affordable and Accessible
Turkey isn’t just healthy and delicious; it’s also affordable. Turkey’s affordability and accessibility mean everyone can enjoy this healthy protein, without breaking the bank.
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Affordable Meals: Turkey’s affordability makes it a cost-effective protein choice, ideal for families and budget-conscious shoppers.
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Easily Available: From fresh cuts to pre-cooked options, turkey is accessible for all kinds of meals and recipes. It's a great meat that easily subs for ground beef or chicken.
Eat turkey all year...not just for your Thanksgiving meal.
Turkey is more than a holiday mainstay—it’s a nutritious, versatile, and sustainable protein that should be included in our meal planning all year long.
By choosing quality, local, and sustainably raised turkey, you’re investing in your health, supporting ethical farming, and helping the environment.
From tacos to bone broth to the summer grill, turkey can fit into a variety of recipes and budgets. Next time you’re planning out your meals, think beyond Thanksgiving and consider all the ways turkey can bring flavor, nutrition, and variety to your table.
