Thanksgiving Roast Turkey

Thanksgiving Roast Turkey is the centerpiece of the traditional American Thanksgiving dinner, typically a whole bird seasoned with herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary, and often stuffed with a savory bread-based filling. It is slow-roasted to golden perfection, symbolizing harvest and gratitude in North American culture.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is high in protein and moderate in fat, especially if the skin is eaten, while being low in carbohydrates unless served with sugary glazes or stuffing. A standard 3-ounce serving of roasted turkey provides about 130-160 calories, along with key nutrients like selenium, B vitamins, and zinc.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	280 kcal
Protein	30 g
Carbs	0 g
Fat	16 g
Fiber	0 g
Sugar	0 g
Sodium	75 mg
Potassium	320 mg
Phosphorus	220 mg
Niacin (B3)	7.0 mg
Vitamin B6	0.6 mg
Selenium	30 mcg
Zinc	3.5 mg
Iron	1.5 mg
Vitamin B12	0.5 mcg

Per 1 serving (140 g), roasted, dark and white meat with skin · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, the turkey has become an iconic symbol of Thanksgiving, with the U.S. President ceremonially 'pardoning' one each year. Nutritionally, dark meat offers more iron and zinc, while white meat is leaner, making it a versatile choice for different dietary preferences.