Roast Turkey

Roast Turkey is a large, whole bird seasoned and cooked slowly in an oven until golden brown and juicy, serving as the quintessential centerpiece for Thanksgiving dinners across North America. The dish typically features a whole turkey seasoned with herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary, often stuffed with savory bread or cornbread dressing and served with gravy. Originating from colonial American traditions, it has become a symbol of harvest celebrations and family gatherings in the United States and Canada.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Roast Turkey is a high-protein, low-carbohydrate dish that provides essential nutrients such as B vitamins (especially niacin and B6), selenium, and phosphorus. A typical 3-ounce serving of roasted turkey breast without skin contains approximately 130-150 calories, with minimal fat and no carbohydrates, making it a lean and nutrient-dense option.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	135 kcal
Protein	30 g
Carbs	0 g
Fat	1 g
Fiber	0 g
Sugar	0 g
Sodium	65 mg
Niacin (B3)	7.5 mg
Vitamin B6	0.6 mg
Vitamin B12	0.5 mcg
Selenium	28 mcg
Phosphorus	210 mg
Zinc	2.5 mg
Potassium	280 mg
Tryptophan	350 mg

Per 3 oz (85 g) cooked meat, skinless · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, roast turkey has become an iconic symbol of American Thanksgiving, representing gratitude and abundance, while nutritionally, it stands out as one of the leanest sources of protein among common meats, often recommended for muscle maintenance and heart-healthy diets.