Lighten Up With Canadian Turkey!

You already know that Canadian turkey tastes delicious, but did you know it's a nutritional powerhouse? Turkey is considered a quality protein with about 30 grams of protein in every 100 gram serving – it's lean and nutrient-rich, too. This means that it has a lot of nutrients per calorie. Turkey is a lighter choice compared to some other holiday meats, for example, prime rib. With all the delicious recipes available, your family won't even realize you're making healthier choices!

One way to get more of this power protein into your everyday meals is to "Try It With Turkey!" Just swap Canadian turkey for the meat protein in any of your tried and true recipes. This versatile choice will work with all of your family's favourite dishes, and you'll find that turkey pairs well with a variety of flavour profiles and seasonings, so you can feel free to use it in any recipe!

Your local butcher or grocer will have a variety of turkey parts available so you can try Canadian turkey any day of the week. Thighs, breasts, drumsticks, sausages and ground turkey are all readily available, making it super easy to include turkey in every meal - breakfast, lunch or dinner. Turkey is also very economical, with a single turkey offering options to create several meals for a family of four. After all, who doesn't need help watching dollars and cents! 

It's so easy to cook with nutritious and delicious Canadian turkey that it will become your go-to choice when planning your family meals. Remember to swap Canadian turkey into your upcoming celebration meals, too! Healthy and delicious turkey is perfect for occasions like Mother's Day, Victoria Day, Father's Day, and for festive family gatherings like spring communions, confirmations, and graduations. Just by choosing turkey, you will lighten up any meal, without compromising flavour. Canadian Turkey makes it simple to lighten up your meals with all the recipes and HOW TOs you need. 

Serves: 4

Prep time: 15 mins.

Cook time: 25 mins.

Spring Veggie, Herb Pesto and Turkey Pasta

300 grams penne pasta

1 lb turkey breast, cut into 1 inch chunks

Salt and pepper to taste

¾ cup frozen peas

1 bunch asparagus, 12-14 stalks

1 tbsp butter [optional]

For herb pesto:

¼ cup parsley

¼ cup basil

1 tbsp Parmesan cheese

2 tbsp pumpkin seeds

½ garlic clove

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tbsp olive oil

Season turkey with salt and pepper. Sauté in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat, until browned and cooked through, 4-6 minutes per side. Set aside.
Steam or boil asparagus until cooked through but still a little crisp, 5-7 minutes. Chop roughly.
Cook peas according to package instructions.
Make pesto: blend all ingredients with a food processor or hand blender. Pesto can be made ahead of time.
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before you drain the pasta, make sure to reserve ½ cup of cooked pasta water.
As soon as pasta is drained, toss with butter (if using), 1/3 cup pasta water, vegetables and pesto sauce. Add additional pasta water if pasta starts to dry out.
Serve immediately.

TIP: Double or triple your pesto recipe to keep on hand. It makes a great sauce to top grilled turkey, steamed veggies or a salad. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days after you make it or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Just visit www.canadianturkey.ca for all your cooking inspiration and for more information on the nutritional benefits of using turkey as an alternate OR the preferred protein in your recipes!

Giveaway: 

If you are in Canada you can win $75 e-gift card for Hudson's Bay (also redeemable at Home Outfitters and thebay.com) by entering the giveaway through the rafflecopter below before May 19th. Please follow my social media networks and leave comments to be eligible to win.
Update: The winner is Amy

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Canadian Turkey. All rights reserved on photographs and written content Createwithmom © 2010 - 2017. Please Ask First For reviews and/or sponsored posts on this site I may have received special perks as part of my affiliation. Please note that all opinions and thoughts expressed are my own.