1. Roasted Turkey Breast with Citrus & Herbs
Serves: 6 | Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 1½ hours
Ingredients:
- 1 whole turkey breast (about 3–4 lbs, bone-in)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 orange, zested and sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and orange zest.
- Pat turkey dry and rub the mixture evenly under and over the skin.
- Place orange and lemon slices under the skin or on top for added aroma.
- Put turkey on a roasting rack in a baking pan, pour broth into the pan.
- Roast uncovered 1½ hours or until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing.
Tip: Use leftover drippings to make a light citrus pan sauce by simmering with a splash of broth and cornstarch.
2. Baked Lemon-Dill Salmon with Roasted Asparagus
Serves: 4 | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 20 mins
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 lb asparagus, trimmed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Arrange salmon and asparagus on the pan; drizzle everything with olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.
- Sprinkle dill, salt, and pepper over the top.
- Bake 15–20 minutes or until salmon flakes easily and asparagus is tender.
Variation: Add cherry tomatoes or sliced lemon rounds for a festive touch.
3. Beef Tenderloin with Red Wine & Mushroom Sauce
Serves: 6 | Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 35 mins
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef tenderloin, trimmed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt & ½ tsp pepper
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 2 shallots, minced
- 1 cup dry red wine
- ½ cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Season beef with salt and pepper, sear in a hot skillet with olive oil for 2–3 mins per side.
- Transfer to a baking dish and roast 20–25 mins for medium doneness.
- In the same skillet, sauté mushrooms and shallots until browned.
- Add wine and broth; simmer until reduced by half. Stir in mustard and thyme.
- Slice beef and spoon sauce on top.
Tip: This looks elegant but is much lighter than creamy sauces or gravies.
4. Stuffed Acorn Squash with Quinoa, Cranberries & Pecans
Serves: 4 | Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 45 mins
Ingredients:
- 2 acorn squash, halved and seeded
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- ½ cup chopped kale or spinach
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush squash halves with olive oil and roast cut-side down on a baking sheet for 25–30 mins until tender.
- Meanwhile, cook quinoa in vegetable broth.
- Stir in kale, cranberries, pecans, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
- Flip roasted squash and fill with quinoa mixture.
- Return to oven for 10 more minutes to warm through.
Variation: Add feta cheese or chickpeas for more protein.

