Turkey dinner with stuffing
A classic North American holiday centerpiece, this dish features a whole roasted turkey, often filled with a savory bread-based stuffing (or dressing) made with herbs, onions, celery, and broth. It's the traditional main course for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners in the United States and Canada.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This is a high-protein meal from the turkey, with a significant amount of fat, especially if dark meat and skin are consumed. The stuffing adds substantial carbohydrates, and a typical serving with sides can range from 500 to 800 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 550 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbs | 45 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 950 mg |
| Potassium | 650 mg |
| Iron | 4.5 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.8 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 12 mg |
| Zinc | 5 mg |
| Selenium | 40 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 400 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 1.5 mcg |
Per 1 plate (350 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The tradition is deeply tied to harvest festivals and family gatherings, making it as much a cultural ritual as a meal. Nutritionally, turkey is a lean source of tryptophan, an amino acid often popularly (though inaccurately) linked to post-meal drowsiness.
