Last updated on September 10th, 2024
Turkey is a Thanksgiving icon, but it absolutely has its time to shine in other seasons of the year. After all, this delicious bird SHOULD be eaten whenever you please! It’s too good for you not to. Despite being the complete opposite time of the year, turkey can be (and must be, in my opinion) enjoyed thoroughly in summer. Here’s what to serve with turkey in the summer season- prepare for a delicious meal!
30 Great Pairings for Turkey for Summer
The main issue with turkey outside of colder months is that no one wants to be eating a huge feast during the summer while it is hot. People tend to want to eat refreshing and easy meals won’t lock you in a food coma under the heat, if possible.
There are a lot of side dishes you can pair with turkey that can result in a light meal that you can enjoy on even the hottest of days.
Roasted Green Beans And Goat Cheese Salad
Fresh, creamy, and light roasted green beans and goat’s cheese salad. Perfect for the hot weather that summer brings.
For this delicious meal pairing, you will only need green beans, goat’s cheese, and a few flavorings such as almonds, cranberries, and parsley.
If you top this all off with a vinaigrette made from red wine, minced garlic, salt, and olive oil, then you will have a superbly tasty side dish.
Sweet Potatoes
If you haven’t tried this combo, you should seriously consider pairing them with turkey.
Sweet potatoes are just as filling as regular potatoes, yet they have a lighter and sweeter flavor. If they are roasted in olive oil and garlic, these potatoes will be an incredibly addictive side dish to perfectly complement your turkey.
You can even eat turkey on the side of our Grandma’s Sweet Potato Pie recipe!
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Not a fan of sweet potato? Let’s go with the traditional mash.
Mashed potatoes are amazing; there is no doubt about that.
However, what if we could make them even better? Introducing the lovely addition of roasted garlic.
This flavoring will be subtle and gentle, yet it will flagrantly flavor the entirety of your side dish, leaving it smelling and tasting better than you could ever imagine.
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Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is a classic. While it may not be technically a side dish, it is still served with turkey, so it counts!
Cranberry sauce might is also often seen during Thanksgiving, but I’m of the opinion that it too can be used all year round as it is so delicious. Also, the fruity flavors of the sauce perfectly complement the warm summer breeze!
It truly is a match made in heaven.
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Honey Macadamia Stuffing
Making a simple stuffing from honey and macadamia nuts is very easy and can be stuffed inside the turkey.
This stuffing will flavor the entire turkey and also create a very light aroma to accompany the bird.
Bruschetta
Simple – toasted bread rubbed with garlic and topped with diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and extra virgin olive oil.
Consider grilling the bread slices instead of toasting them. This imparts a smoky flavor that complements the fresh toppings and adds depth to the side.
Caprese Skewers
Summer means BBQs and eating things in skewers. So why not skewer your salad too?
Caprese skewers offer a portable version of the classic Italian salad.
To prepare, thread cherry tomatoes, small mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves onto small skewers.
This appetizer is refreshing and light. For visual appeal and added flavor variety, consider using heirloom cherry tomatoes in different colors.
Cool Cucumber Dip
To make this dip, blend Greek yogurt with finely diced cucumber, lemon juice, and fresh dill. The result is a tangy, cool dip that pairs well with raw vegetable sticks or pita chips.
This dip can be prepared in advance and refrigerated.
Coconut Lime Rice
Coconut lime rice is prepared by substituting coconut milk for water. Adding fresh lime juice and zest introduces acidity, which balances the richness of the coconut milk.
Prepare in advance and reheat before serving, so it’s super convenient for summer meals.
The mild flavors of coconut and lime complement both grilled and roasted turkey without overwhelming the palate in this warm weather.
Mango Salsa
For mango salsa combine ripe mangoes for sweetness, red bell peppers for crunch, and red onions for aromatics. Cilantro and lime juice add herbal and citrus notes as well.
The recipe can be adjusted to individual preferences by including jalapeños for spiciness.
As a no-cook recipe, you can prepare this when experiencing hot weather, but it can also be made in advance. The acidity and enzymes from the lime and mango can help in tenderizing the turkey, so you’ll get more flavorful and juicy meat.
Provencal Vegetable Tian
Provencal vegetable tian is a layered vegetable dish originating from the Provence region of France. It typically consists of thinly sliced zucchini, eggplant, and tomatoes, seasoned with herbs de Provence, a blend of dried herbs common in French cuisine.
The preparation involves arranging the vegetable slices in a baking dish, drizzling with olive oil, and baking until tender. Baking them all at once is what differentiates the tian from the more popular ratatouille!
Watermelon Feta Bites
Ccube watermelon and top each piece with a small amount of feta cheese and a mint leaf.
Making this combines sweet, salty, and minty flavors, providing a refreshing start to any meal. The lightness of this dish ensures it won’t overshadow the turkey.
Couscous Salad
Couscous may not be on everyone’s mind. While that is understandable, couscous is majorly underappreciated, and this needs to end.
A couscous salad is filling and hearty without giving you the feeling of being bloated in the sun. It is delicious and easy to prepare, and it could be an absolute game changer with the right vinaigrette or spices.
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Arugula and Pear Salad
Arugula has a robust, peppery flavor that complements turkey well. The pears provide sweetness to balance the peppery arugula, while goat cheese adds a tangy richness that enhances the turkey’s flavor profile.
Combine arugula leaves with sliced pears, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted walnuts. A light honey-mustard vinaigrette serves as an ideal dressing.
Spinach and Strawberry Salad
Baby spinach leaves paired with fresh strawberries and sliced almonds create a refreshing summer salad. Adding crumbled feta cheese introduces a salty element, and a poppy seed vinaigrette ties the flavors together.
The mild flavor of spinach allows the turkey to remain the focus of the dish, while strawberries contribute a fresh, summery taste.
Kale and Quinoa Salad
For a more substantial option, consider a kale and quinoa salad.
Tuscan kale, when massaged with lemon juice and olive oil, becomes more tender and palatable. Combine this with cooked quinoa, diced cucumber, and cherry tomatoes. Add turkey and sprinkle with sunflower seeds for added texture. A light lemon-herb dressing complements these ingredients well.
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Pesto Pasta Salad
Pesto pasta salad is easy.
Cook pasta, cool it quickly, then mix with fresh or high-quality store-bought pesto. Add halved cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
Lemony Orzo Salad
Want something less oily than pesto?
Cook orzo, cool it, then dress with lemon juice, zest, and olive oil. Add diced cucumber, chopped red onion, and fresh dill. Incorporate crumbled feta for richness.
Greek-Inspired Pasta Salad
For this, we’re using sturdier pasta like penne or rigatoni.
Combine cooled pasta with diced cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and Kalamata olives. Add chopped romaine for crunch and cubed feta for creaminess. Dress with a mixture of red wine vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, and Dijon mustard.
- No hydrogenated fats or high fructose corn syrup allowed in any food
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Bay Roasted Smashed Potatoes
Making smashed potatoes requires a lot less effort than mashed potatoes. So it’s perfect for those days when you don’t want to be in the kitchen for very long.
Make smashed potatoes by roasting them and then squishing them with a potato masher(or fork) 20 minutes before they are fully cooked. You’ll get a brilliantly roasted shell with fluffy and slightly cooked insides.
If you throw a few bay leaves in the pan with your potatoes before the 20 minutes of additional cooking, alongside some olive oil, you will be left with a gorgeously fragrant dish.
Roasted Vegetables
There is no need to overcomplicate things. If you want a nice and easy side dish to accompany a roasted turkey you already spent a lot of time cooking, roasting some vegetables in olive oil with some sea salt cracked over them, put in the over alongside your roast, is a surefire way to get the best side for the littlest amount of time.
Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Pair brussels sprouts with balsamic vinegar.
After sprouts have been roasted and cooked, drizzle some balsamic on them and be amazed.
Fruit and Veggie Skewers
A popular combination of fruit and vegetable skewers is pineapple chunks paired with bell pepper pieces. The sweetness and slight acidity of pineapple complement the crisp texture of bell peppers.
In addition to it, consider adding:
- Cherry tomatoes for added freshness
- Zucchini or yellow squash for more vegetable variety
- Strawberries or grapes for additional sweetness
Rocket Coleslaw
Rocket salad is perfect for summer. It has a great taste and is incredibly light. Pairing this with the sensational sauce that coleslaw is made from, there’s nothing better.
Coleslaw is normally made with carrots, red cabbage, and other vegetables. However, if you buy some rocket salad and use that instead of the carrots and cabbages, you will create an even lighter and more delicious side dish for your turkey.
Quinoa Salad
To create a refreshing quinoa salad, combine cooked and cooled quinoa with diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs such as mint and parsley. A lemon vinaigrette dressing complements these flavors well.
For enhanced flavor, consider toasting the quinoa before cooking. This step brings out a nutty taste that adds depth to the salad.
Bulgur Salad
Mix the cooked grain with roasted vegetables and crumbled feta cheese. Adding za’atar, a Middle Eastern spice blend, introduces complex flavors to the dish.
This combination creates a salad with Mediterranean-inspired tastes that pairs well with turkey.
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Farro Salad
A summer-appropriate farro salad can include grilled peaches, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted pecans.
A honey-balsamic dressing complements these ingredients well.
Chilled Gazpacho
Gazpacho is an excellent cold soup to serve with turkey in summer. Blends raw vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, and garlic with olive oil and vinegar. Served chilled, gazpacho offers a refreshing contrast to turkey, its acidity and freshness balancing the meat’s richness.
For an elegant touch, serve it in small glasses as an appetizer or side dish.
Cucumber Soup
Cucumber soup is a milder alternative to gazpacho. Made by blending cucumbers with yogurt or sour cream, it’s hydrating and cooling – perfect for hot days. The addition of herbs like dill or mint enhances its refreshing qualities.
Watermelon Gazpacho
Adding watermelon to regular gazpacho gives it a fun summer twist. The sweet watermelon mixes nicely with tangy tomatoes and cool cucumbers. This mix of flavors tastes great with turkey. It’s like a refreshing soup that’s perfect for hot days.
Plus, its bright color looks pretty on the table.
Refreshing Drinks
Lemonade
For a twist on the classic, try lavender-infused lemonade for a subtle floral note, or pineapple-mint for a tropical flavor.
Iced Tea
For a unique version of iced tea, brew green tea, cool it, then add sliced cucumbers and a touch of honey.
Mocktails
A virgin mojito with muddled berries, mint, lime juice, and sparkling water creates an interesting and super refreshing flavor combination.
Light Cocktails
Light cocktails can absolutely enhance a summer turkey dinner (or any dinner party, to be honest!).
White wine spritzers are simple yet effective: mix crisp white wine with soda water and a squeeze of lemon. Another option is a gin and tonic with a grapefruit twist.
Turkey Sandwich Ideas
One popular combination is turkey with avocado and sprouts. Start with whole-grain bread for added nutritional value. Spread mashed avocado on the bread, which provides healthy fats and a creamy texture. Layer thinly sliced turkey for lean protein, and top with fresh sprouts for a crisp texture and additional veggies.
How about a Mediterranean-inspired option? Combine turkey with feta cheese, sliced cucumbers, and tzatziki sauce. Tzatziki, a yogurt-based sauce with cucumber and herbs, complements the turkey well and adds a tangy flavor profile.
Create a spicy spread by mixing sriracha sauce with mayonnaise. Layer this with turkey, pepper jack cheese, and pickled jalapeños.
The choice of bread can significantly impact the sandwich. Traditional white or wheat bread works well, but try ciabatta rolls for a different texture, or wraps for a lower-carb option. Lettuce wraps are great for a low-calorie alternative that introduces veggies seamlessly.
Is Turkey Good in The Summer?
Even on the hottest summer days, turkey can find its place if you do it right!
No one is lining up for a roast dinner in the blistering heat. But you can easily use turkey to make a light meal perfect for your summer! Try any of the sides in today’s post- you won’t be sorry!
Let us know if you try some of these ideas for what to serve with turkey in the summer!
FAQs on What to Serve with Turkey in the Summer
What food goes good with turkey?
Turkey goes great with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes. An iconic pairing is cranberry sauce, which can be enjoyed all year round. Other than this, salads and vinaigrettes are also great at going alongside your turkey.
What vegetable goes good with turkey?
Brussel sprouts, carrots, parsnips, and salads go amazing with turkey. Any turkey dinner can be complemented by adding some sprouts and parsnips, especially if they are roasted in honey.
What does turkey breast go with?
Turkey breast goes with a lot of different side dishes. For something light, slice the breast and lay it on top of a rocket salad, and drizzle both olive oil and a red wine vinaigrette over it.
Can you eat turkey in summer?
Turkey can certainly be eaten in the summer. While it may not be as traditional as it is to eat in the winter, it still works and can taste amazing without making you feel bloated and overheated. It is best to pair it with a light dish for hot days.
