This Turkey Tenderloin recipe is a juicy turkey breast slathered with herb butter then roasted in under an hour until perfection. Afterwards you make a flavorful turkey gravy with the drippings to pour over top. It’s the ideal size to make for your Thanksgiving for two.
Problem is there’s no such thing as a small whole turkey. The smallest I’ve seen is 10 pounds. Probably 9 pounds too many.
But sometimes you just want a no-fuss turkey recipe. One where you don’t have to stuff it, baste it, marinate it, or anything labor intensive.
It’s a juicy, boneless turkey breast with an herb butter rub that’s roasted in under an hour then served with turkey gravy.
Although brining and marinating can bring more flavor, you also need extra time to sit. And I don’t know about you, but I’m terrible at that.
Nothing like making the sauce for your meat, just to find out it needs to sit for 8 hours.
Not here. Once you slather your tenderloin with homemade herb butter, place it on a roasting pan and immediately start baking it.
To complete your herb butter turkey, you’ll have about a tablespoon or so of drippings when you’re done.
It may not seem like much, but it’s flavorful enough to make turkey gravy from drippings out of it.
Turkey tenderloin is a lean, tender cut of meat that makes for a delicious and healthy main course. However, the right side dishes can take your turkey tenderloin meal from good to great. The key is to pick sides that will complement the flavor of the turkey while also providing a nice contrast in texture.
In this article I’ll suggest 15 of the best side dishes to serve with turkey tenderloin. I’ll cover a range of options, from hearty classics like mashed potatoes to lighter sides like salads and roasted veggies. For each side I’ll explain why it pairs so well with turkey tenderloin. Let’s get started!
Classic Side Dishes for Turkey Tenderloin
These classic side dishes have stood the test of time as perfect pairings for turkey tenderloin
Mashed Potatoes
Smooth, creamy mashed potatoes are one of the most popular side dishes for turkey. The soft, buttery potatoes contrast nicely with the lean turkey meat. Flavor your mashed potatoes with garlic, cheese, or herbs to complement the turkey.
Stuffing
Bread stuffing is a Thanksgiving staple, so why not serve it alongside turkey tenderloin? The mixture of bread, veggies, and warm spices soaks up the turkey juices. Stuffing provides the perfect texture contrast to tender turkey.
Cranberry Sauce
The bright acidity of cranberry sauce balances the richness of the turkey. Whole berry sauce offers little bursts of tart flavor. For a smoother accompaniment, opt for jellied cranberry sauce.
Gravy
A flavorful gravy ties everything on your turkey tenderloin dinner plate together. Use the pan drippings from the turkey to make the gravy for maximum flavor. Herb gravy or mushroom gravy also pair nicely with turkey.
Green Bean Casserole
The classic Thanksgiving green bean casserole, with its crunchy fried onions and creamy mushroom sauce, is right at home next to turkey tenderloin. Fresh green beans lend nice texture and color contrast.
Veggie Sides for Turkey Tenderloin
Serve one of these tasty veggie sides for a delicious dose of nutrients with your turkey tenderloin dinner:
Roasted Root Vegetables
Earthy, nutty roasted root veggies like carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts add color to your plate. Toss the veggies in olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs for maximum flavor. Roasting caramelizes their natural sugars.
Glazed Carrots
For a pop of color, serve glazed carrots flavored with honey or maple syrup. The natural sweetness of the carrots complements the savory turkey tenderloin. Toasted nuts add crunch.
Roasted Broccoli
Broccoli florets, tossed in olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, roast up crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Roasted broccoli adds texture contrast and plenty of vitamins.
Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach offers a creamy complement to sliced turkey tenderloin. The mild spinach taste won’t compete with the turkey. Stir in nutmeg and garlic to amp up the flavor.
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Brussels sprouts caramelize beautifully when roasted. For extra richness, cook them with crumbled bacon. The savory, smoky bacon flavor enhances the sprouts’ nutty taste.
Salad Sides for Turkey Tenderloin
A salad on the side will add color, crunch, and brightness to your turkey tenderloin meal:
Kale Salad with Citrus Dressing
Massaged kale transforms from tough to tender. Toss with a zesty citrus vinaigrette and sweet fruits like oranges or dried cranberries. The salad cuts the richness of the turkey.
Caesar Salad
A classic Caesar salad with creamy dressing, croutons, and Parmesan is always a crowd-pleaser. The crunchy romaine lettuce contrasts the tender turkey meat.
Greek Salad
A Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese offers a refreshing accompaniment to turkey tenderloin. The briny olives and salty feta offset the turkey’s mildness.
Apple Walnut Salad
For crunch, serve an apple and walnut salad with balsamic vinaigrette. Tart apples, crunchy walnuts, and peppery arugula balance the turkey’s texture and flavor.
Starchy Sides for Turkey Tenderloin
Round out your turkey tenderloin dinner with one of these satisfying starchy sides:
Scalloped Potatoes
For an indulgent treat, make scalloped potatoes au gratin, layered with cream and cheese. The tender layers of potatoes complement the sliced turkey tenderloin.
Wild Rice Pilaf
Nutty wild rice teams up with savory mushrooms, herbs, and vegetables in this easy pilaf. The chewy rice provides substance alongside the lean turkey meat.
Quinoa with Kale and Feta
Protein-packed quinoa tossed with earthy kale and briny feta makes a hearty, nutrient-dense side for turkey tenderloin. The grains offer a satisfying contrast.
Polenta Cakes with Tomato Sauce
Crispy fried polenta cakes served with tangy tomato sauce provide texture contrast and bright acidic flavor to balance the turkey.
Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries make a fun and healthier spin on regular fries. Baked sweet potato wedges turn crispy outside and stay soft inside. Kids will love them!
Best Practices for Cooking Turkey Tenderloin
To get perfect results from your turkey tenderloin, keep these tips in mind:
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Brine the turkey tenderloin before cooking for extra moisture and flavor.
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Roast the tenderloin in a 400°F oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
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Baste the turkey with olive oil or butter as it cooks for added moisture and browning.
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Let the tenderloin rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing for juicy results.
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Slice the tenderloin across the grain for the most tender bites.
Sample Turkey Tenderloin Dinner Menu
Here is one example of how to put together a delicious turkey tenderloin dinner:
- Herb-Roasted Turkey Tenderloin
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
- Cranberry-Walnut Salad
- Dinner Rolls with Butter
How To Cook Turkey Tenderloin
To make your roasted turkey tenderloin recipe, first gather a roasting pan with a rack. Line it with foil then lightly grease both the rack and foil with cooking spray.
The rack allows the turkey breast to cook underneath while the juices drip down (which you’ll use later to make turkey gravy).
Don’t have one? You can make one by placing a cooling rack on top of a rimmed baking sheet.
Now it’s time to cook your turkey!
- Mix together the butter, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper until smooth and spreadable. Evenly rub over both tenderloins then place on top of the roasting rack.
- Bake at 400F for 40-45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165F and juices are clear. Rest for 10 minutes before serving.
That’s it! While the meat is resting, use the juices to make your turkey gravy and pour over top.
Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Ingredients For Turkey Tenderloin
To make this simple turkey tenderloin recipe, gather the following ingredients:
- Turkey tenderloin: Often sold in pre-sealed 1.5 pound packages, this is boneless, skinless turkey, not bone-in skin-on turkey breast (although you can certainly cut your own tenderloin).
- Butter: Use unsalted butter or your rub may be too salty.
- Garlic: Aromatic to make the rub more flavorful
- Herbs: Use a hearty herb like thyme, rosemary, or sage. You can use one variety or buy a pack that contains all three (labeled as a poultry bouquet).
- Salt and pepper: Seasonings to flavor the butter
How to Cook Turkey Tenderloins
FAQ
What sides go well with tenderloin?
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Classic options:Garlic mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus are traditional choices that complement the richness of the tenderloin well.
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Creamy textures:Dishes like creamed spinach, butternut squash risotto, and dauphinoise potatoes add a smooth richness to the meal.
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Bright flavors:A Caesar salad or citrus glazed carrots can provide a contrasting tanginess.
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Roasted vegetables:Roasted Brussels sprouts or other roasted vegetables add a depth of flavor and texture.
What does turkey pair well with?
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Cranberry sauceThe tartness of cranberries complements the blander taste of turkey. -
Mashed potatoesA classic side dish that pairs well with turkey.
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Green beansYou can try green beans with bacon and brown sugar for a flavorful side.
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Sweet potato casseroleA crowd-pleaser that contrasts well with crispy turkey skin.
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Cornbread stuffingA Thanksgiving staple that can be made with sausage.
Is turkey tenderloin the same as turkey breast?
Turkey tenderloin is a smaller, leaner, and more tender cut from the inside of the turkey breast, while turkey breast refers to the entire breast, which is larger and can include bones and skin. Both are lean, but I find the tenderloin to be so much more tender.
Is turkey tenderloin good for you?
Make any meal an instant favorite with easy-to-prepare 99% Fat Free Turkey Breast Tenderloins. With 28g of protein and 1g of fat per serving, it’s a feel-good way to feed your family. Simply season and make a sheet pan dinner or throw them on the grill for an easy dinner.