Summertime is upon us, and now is the perfect time to start planning delicious meals with friends and family.
While many people might think of roasting a turkey for Thanksgiving as the traditional way to enjoy it during cooler months, plenty of great dishes can be served alongside roasted turkey during those warm summer days.
In this blog post, we’ll share some ideas for what to serve with turkey in the summer so you can whip up a scrumptious meal while still enjoying the beautiful weather outdoors!
What Is Turkey?
Turkey is the common name for a large bird native to North America and was introduced into Europe as a food source.
It can be found in many parts of the world, with more than 50 different breeds.
They are best known for their roasted meat which has become popular worldwide, especially during Thanksgiving celebrations.
Turkey meat is also commonly used in sandwiches and casseroles.
Other parts of the turkey, such as its feathers, are used for craft projects and decorations.
Turkeys can also be kept as pets or raised for their eggs and meat.
They are social birds forming strong bonds with other turkeys and humans. With proper care, they can live up to 10 years!
What To Serve With Turkey In The Summer?
When it comes to summer side dishes, plenty of options pair well with turkey. Below are some ideas for what to serve with turkey in the summer.
Pork Stuffing
Pork stuffing is a savory side dish typically served with turkey during the summer. It consists of ground pork, onions, celery, bread crumbs and spices.
Combining these ingredients creates a delicious and flavourful filling that pairs perfectly with the juicy roast turkey.
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In addition to being an important part of the meal, pork stuffing adds texture and complexity to the turkey.
It helps to keep the bird moist, tender and juicy while providing a hint of smoky flavor.
Pork stuffing is also a great way to stretch the meal since it can be served as a main course when combined with potatoes, vegetables or rice.
Fried Rice
Fried Rice is a classic dish that consists of cooked rice stir-fried with various ingredients such as vegetables, eggs, and meat.
It is typically served with soy sauce or other seasonings.
Fried Rice is often served alongside roast turkey in the summer to provide a delicious contrast between the fried rice’s savory flavors and the turkey’s succulence.
The dish can also be made with various meats and vegetables, providing different textures and flavors.
Fried Rice is a popular dish that is perfect for enjoying with family and friends during warm weather months.
Roasted Cabbage
Roasted cabbage is a simple side dish that pairs perfectly with turkey during the summer months.
It’s made by cutting the head of cabbage into wedges, lightly coating it in olive oil and salt, and then baking it in the oven until golden brown.
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The result is tender-crisp wedges that are slightly sweet, earthy, and nutty.
Roasted cabbage is a great alternative to steamed or boiled cabbage and can be served alongside turkey for a light summer meal.
It’s also an excellent way to get your daily intake of cruciferous veggies without the traditional bitterness that can come with raw or cooked cabbage.
Serve roasted cabbage as a side dish with grilled turkey burgers or alongside a classic summer turkey dinner for a tasty, nutritious meal.
Roasted Asparagus
Roasted asparagus is a simple yet delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with many summer meals, especially turkey.
Roasting asparagus brings out its natural flavor and texture while adding a layer of complexity to the dish.
When roasted correctly, it has a slightly nutty flavor and a subtle crunchy texture. Asparagus is high in fiber and vitamins, making it a nutritious addition to any meal.
It can be served hot or cold, as an accompaniment to the main dish or as part of a larger salad.
Roasted asparagus goes particularly well with turkey because the flavors complement each other perfectly.
The nutty flavor of roasted asparagus pairs nicely with the richness of turkey, creating a delicious dish ideal for any summer gathering.
Potato Salad
Potato salad is a side dish typically made with boiled potatoes, mayonnaise or another type of dressing, chopped pickles, onions, hard-boiled egg and other ingredients.
It is usually served cold or at room temperature as part of a meal or snack.
Potato salad is ideal for summer meals like barbecues and picnics because of its simple preparation and long shelf life.
It pairs particularly well with turkey because the creamy, sweet flavors in potato salad match nicely with the savory flavor of cooked turkey.
Additionally, the potatoes’ texture contrasts nicely with the lean meat from a roasted or grilled turkey.
Fruit Salad
Fruit salad is made with chopped or sliced fruits, typically combined with other ingredients such as nuts, yogurt, cream cheese, and sweeteners.
It can be served as an appetizer, side dish, dessert, or breakfast.
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Fruit salads are popular in the summertime because they make a light and refreshing alternative to heavier dishes.
They are a great accompaniment to turkey, as they complement the meat’s richness and provide a light balance.
Combining sweet and savory flavors makes for an interesting and delicious pairing.
Adding different fruits to your salad can also add interesting flavor combinations and help brighten up any summer table.
Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is a popular dish served cold or at room temperature.
It typically consists of cooked pasta (such as macaroni, rotini, or bowtie) and other ingredients such as vegetables, cheeses, meats, and dressings.
It is often served with turkey during the summer months due to its light, refreshing flavor, and ability to easily be served at picnics.
This dish is an excellent way to combine the flavors of different ingredients into one delicious meal.
Mac And Cheese
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food dish from cooked macaroni noodles and creamy cheese sauce.
It’s often served as a side dish but can also be enjoyed as a main course.
The combination of turkey and mac and cheese in the summer is popular because it combines two flavors mild enough to enjoy in the heat of the summer yet heartier than a salad.
The creamy cheese sauce helps to balance out the light, refreshing flavor of the turkey and the pasta provides texture for an overall satisfying meal.
Additionally, mac and cheese is a dish that can easily be customized with vegetables or spices to cater to individual tastes.
Thus, it’s perfect for family dinners when everyone has different dietary preferences.
Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is a tart and sweet condiment made from cranberries, sugar, and other flavorings.
It can be served as a side dish or topping for many dishes, but it is often served with roasted turkey in summer.
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The sauce’s sweetness helps to bring out the earthy flavors of the turkey, while the tartness of the cranberries complements its richness.
Cranberry sauce also helps to add moisture and flavor to a roasted turkey, making it a delicious addition to any summer meal.
Additionally, cranberry sauce can be used in many recipes, such as salads, stuffings, and desserts.
FAQs
What Vegetables To Serve With Turkey In The Summer?
Roasted or grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, peppers, onions, and mushrooms, are a flavorful addition to a summer turkey meal.
Corn on the cob and roasted potatoes are popular side dishes that complement many turkey recipes.
What Dipping Sauces To Serve With Turkey In The Summer?
In the summer, you can serve a variety of dipping sauces with your turkey.
Some popular choices include BBQ sauce, honey mustard, ranch dressing, mayonnaise, and teriyaki sauce.
Other traditional options include ketchup and cranberry sauce.
What Wine To Serve With Turkey In The Summer?
Turkey is a versatile protein that can be enjoyed in any season.
In the summertime, you may want to choose a light, refreshing white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
For red wines, opt for something less tannic, like a Beaujolais or Chianti Classico.
Conclusion
Now you should know what to serve with turkey in the summer. Turkey is a great option for summer meals, as it is flavorful yet light enough to enjoy in hot weather.
Many delicious sides pair well with turkey to create a complete and satisfying meal.
Potato salad, fruit salad, pasta salad, mac and cheese, and cranberry sauce make excellent accompaniments to roasted or grilled turkey.
These dishes are light, flavorful, and can be customized to suit individual tastes. With these sides, you’ll have a delectable summer meal that everyone will enjoy.
