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turkey skewers

turkey skewers

Turkey skewers are perfect for a quick, healthy meal. Juicy turkey cubes, veggies, and spices create an irresistible combo!
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Total Time 36 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g turkey breast, cut into cubes
  • 1 unit red bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 unit zucchini, sliced thick
  • 1 unit red onion, cut into petals
  • 1 colher de sopa olive oil
  • 1 colher de chá smoked paprika
  • 0.5 colher de chá garlic powder
  • 0.5 colher de chá dried oregano
  • 1 colher de chá salt, or to taste
  • 0.5 colher de chá black pepper, or to taste
  • 1 colher de sopa lemon juice

Method
 

  1. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning, if using wooden ones.
  2. In a bowl, combine turkey cubes, olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat all pieces evenly.
  3. Add the chopped bell pepper, zucchini, and red onion to the marinade. Toss gently so the vegetables are flavored as well.
  4. Assemble the skewers by alternating turkey, bell pepper, zucchini, and onion chunks onto each skewer.
  5. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, lightly oil the grill grates.
  6. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the turkey is cooked through, golden, and juicy.
  7. Remove from the heat and let rest for 2 minutes before serving. Enjoy immediately!

Notes

Turkey skewers are a wonderfully versatile recipe: perfect for quick weeknight dinners, backyard barbecues, or as healthy party bites. Their combination of lean protein and vibrant vegetables makes them a favorite for those who want both flavor and balanced nutrition.

Practical Tips & Flavorful Tricks

For extra-juicy turkey, choose turkey breast fillets cut into even-sized cubes. This ensures all the pieces cook uniformly, keeping the meat succulent. If you don’t have turkey, chicken breast makes a great substitute and works perfectly with the same marinade.
Double-marinate for deeper flavor: You can marinate the turkey and vegetables together, but for a more intense taste, marinate the turkey alone for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight in the fridge) before adding the vegetables just prior to skewering. This avoids over-softening the veggies.

Preparation Techniques

If using wooden skewers, always soak them in water for 20–30 minutes to keep them from burning on the grill. Try threading the turkey and vegetables tightly for even cooking, but leave just enough space for air to circulate. Don’t overcrowd the grill—space out the skewers so they cook and brown nicely.
For a smokier flavor, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or try a touch of cumin in the marinade. If you love spicy food, a pinch of chili flakes ups the excitement without overshadowing the turkey’s tenderness.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

Serve your turkey skewers with a side of lemon rice, couscous, or a crisp Greek salad. They’re also delicious wrapped in pita bread with a tangy yogurt sauce or tzatziki.
Feel free to swap or expand your skewer vegetables. Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or small eggplant chunks add color and flavor. For a plant-based twist, try using firm tofu or halloumi alongside the veggies and adjust cooking time as needed.
These skewers are at their best hot off the grill, but they also pack well for meal preps and lunchboxes. Enjoy experimenting, and make each skewer your own!