Fruited Turkey Kabobs
Fruited Turkey Kabobs combine tender turkey with sweet fruit and vibrant herbs, perfect for grilling enthusiasts seeking a flavorful, colorful, and healthy meal option for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 12 oz. fresh, uncooked turkey breasts ⓘ
- 1/4 cup lime or lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon molasses or honey ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary leaves ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional) ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne or white pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and cut into 8 chunks ⓘ
- 2 small plums, halved ⓘ
- 2 (1-inch) thick slices fresh pineapple, cut into 4 wedges ⓘ
Instructions
- Prepare the grill or heat the broiler according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Cut the turkey breasts into 1-inch cubes.
- In a glass bowl, combine lime or lemon juice, vegetable oil, molasses or honey, thyme or rosemary leaves, salt (if using), cayenne or white pepper, and garlic powder.
- Add the turkey cubes to the marinade and stir to coat completely. Let stand for about 15 minutes.
- Prepare the bell pepper by seeding and cutting into 8 chunks. Halve the plums. Cut the pineapple slices into 4 wedges.
- Thread the turkey, bell pepper, and fruit alternately onto 8 separate skewers.
- Grill or broil the kabobs about 5 inches from the heat source for 15 to 20 minutes, turning once and basting with the remaining marinade.
- Serve the kabobs warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the turkey cubes longer than 15 minutes if time allows. If you don't have fresh herbs, dried thyme or rosemary can be used, but reduce the quantity to about 1/3. Feel free to substitute with other fruits like peaches or nectarines if plums are unavailable. Experimenting with different vegetables such as zucchini or cherry tomatoes can enhance the kabobs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fruited turkey kabobs with a side of quinoa or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. They also pair beautifully with a yogurt-based dipping sauce or tzatziki. For a fun twist, try serving them alongside the No-Cook Icebox Fruit Cake for dessert, creating a delightful contrast of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover kabobs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat them on a grill for a few minutes to regain their grilled texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruited Turkey Kabobs contains roughly 444 calories, with 11g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (220% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (92% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (86% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1918mg per serving (83% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken instead of turkey for these kabobs?
Yes, chicken is a great substitute for turkey in this recipe. Just ensure that the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F, and you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as chicken may cook faster than turkey.
What can I do if I don't have skewers?
If you don't have skewers, you can grill the turkey and vegetables in a grilling basket or on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Just ensure they are cut into smaller pieces for even cooking and easy flipping.
How can I make these kabobs spicier?
To increase the spiciness, you can add more cayenne or white pepper to the marinade. Alternatively, consider marinating the turkey cubes with a spicy barbecue sauce or adding diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).