The Mediterranean Marvel Olive Oil Roasted Turkey

Juicy Olive Oil Roast Turkey Mediterranean Lemon Herb

By SandraOctober 4, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: The Mediterranean Marvel

Ever found yourself staring at a turkey, wondering how to make it, well, amazing ? This roast turkey with olive oil recipe is your answer.

Get ready to ditch those dry, bland birds of Thanksgivings past. This Mediterranean style Olive oil roasted turkey is about to become your new holiday centerpiece.

A Taste of the Sunny Mediterranean

This crispy skin turkey hails from my love of the Med. It combines fresh herbs and vibrant citrus to create the perfect holiday turkey with olive oil .

It's not just food; it's a flavour adventure, and a nod to sun-soaked shores with every bite. It may sound fancy, but don't stress.

This is a pretty easy turkey recipe with a difficulty level of medium and takes 2 hour 30 minutes - 26 hour 30 minutes total time.

This recipe yields 8-12 servings.

Benefits That Go Beyond Flavor

Honestly, the best thing about this Mediterranean turkey recipe is the health boost. Using olive oil means you're getting those healthy fats, unlike butter soaked birds.

The lemon and herbs offer a lovely freshness that cuts through the richness of the turkey, leaving you feeling satisfied, not stuffed.

It is also a great Thanksgiving turkey recipe to make!

This particular lemon herb turkey is special because it's fool proof. You'll get a juicy, flavourful turkey with crispy skin every time.

It's perfect for impressing your mates at your next dinner party, without slaving away in the kitchen for days. Ready to grab those ingredients and get cooking?

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!

Right, are you ready to make the most delicious roast turkey with olive oil you've ever had? Great! Let's talk about what you'll need.

Honestly, it's not as scary as it looks. Anyone can make the Perfect Holiday turkey with olive oil !

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter

Here's what you'll need. I always go for the best quality I can afford, especially with the turkey itself. You know, free range and all that. Makes a difference, it really does.

Turkey: 1 (12-14 pound) whole turkey, thawed. Key Quality: Look for plump, healthy looking skin.
Olive Oil: 1/2 cup ( 120 ml ) extra virgin. More for drizzling, obviously!
Lemon: 1 large, zested and juiced.
Garlic: 6 cloves, minced.
Rosemary: 1/4 cup (about 10g ), fresh, chopped.
Thyme: 1/4 cup (about 10g ), fresh, chopped.
Salt: 2 tablespoons ( 30g ) kosher salt.
Black Pepper: 1 tablespoon ( 15g ).
Onion: 1 large yellow onion, quartered.
Carrots: 2, roughly chopped.
Celery: 2 stalks, roughly chopped.
Broth: 1 cup ( 240ml ) chicken or vegetable broth.

Optional Brine:

Water: 1 gallon ( 3.8 liters ).
Salt: 1 cup ( 200g ) kosher salt.
Sugar: 1/2 cup ( 100g ) granulated sugar.
Orange: 1, quartered.
Rosemary: 4 sprigs.
Garlic: 6 cloves, smashed.

Seasoning Notes: Mediterranean Magic

Let's talk about flavour, shall we? This Mediterranean turkey recipe leans heavily on the classic combo of lemon, garlic, rosemary, and thyme.

It’s amazing ! If you want to try something a bit different try a Garlic rosemary turkey , you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky vibe.

Experiment. Also adding a Lemon herb turkey would be fantastic!

If you don't have fresh herbs, dried will do in a pinch but remember to use half the amount. I've done it many a time.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need a fancy kitchen to make this roast turkey with olive oil . Honestly, just the basics.

Large roasting pan with roasting rack. If you're feeling fancy, a V-rack is nice.
Meat thermometer. This is essential . Seriously, don't skip this!
Basting brush. Optional, but handy.
Kitchen twine. Optional, for trussing.

If you don't have a roasting rack, you can use chopped vegetables (like carrots and celery) to create a makeshift one.

That will work if you wish to make a crispy skin turkey . Just make sure they're thick enough to lift the turkey off the bottom of the pan.

Ready to become the hero of your next dinner party? This Easy turkey recipe for a roast turkey with olive oil will make you legendary!

The Mediterranean Marvel: Cooking the Perfect Roast Turkey with Olive Oil

Honestly, who wants another dry, boring Thanksgiving turkey recipe ? This year, let's ditch the usual butter soaked bird and embrace some Mediterranean sunshine.

We're talking about a roast turkey with olive oil , lemon, and herbs. Trust me; it's a total game changer. This easy turkey recipe is simple, delicious, and will have everyone singing your praises.

Prep Like a Pro: Your Essential Mise en Place

Right then, first things first. We need our ingredients prepped and ready. Chop your yellow onion, carrots, and celery . Mince your garlic , and chop your fresh rosemary and thyme .

Zest and juice a lemon. Oh my gosh, the aromas already! Get your (12-14 pound) whole turkey thawed! If you're dry brining, salt the day before.

A dry skin is the key to crispy perfection! .

Olive Oil Roast Turkey: step-by-step to Deliciousness

Mix the Magic: In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup olive oil , lemon zest and juice, 6 cloves minced garlic , 1/4 cup rosemary , 1/4 cup thyme , 2 tablespoons kosher salt , and 1 tablespoon black pepper.
Rub it Down: Generously rub this mixture all over the turkey, even under the skin of the breast. Go on; get in there!
Stuff It: Stuff the cavity with the chopped onion, carrots, and celery .
Roast it High: Place the turkey in a roasting pan and blast it at 450° F ( 230° C) for 30 minutes . This helps crisp the skin.
Turn Down the Heat: Reduce the oven temperature to 325° F ( 160° C) and continue roasting, basting with pan juices every 30 minutes, until the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165° F ( 74° C).
Rest Up: Remove from the oven and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. Don't skip this step! It's crucial for a juicy bird.

Pro Tips for a Crispy Skin Turkey

Don't overcrowd the pan . This will allow the heat to circulate better for even cooking and crispy skin.
Use a meat thermometer . Don't guess! Aim for 165° F ( 74° C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
If you want to go Mediterranean turkey recipe with extra deliciousness, add a generous glug of olive oil after basting.

Cooking a holiday turkey with olive oil doesn't have to be intimidating. This lemon herb turkey recipe is straightforward, flavorful, and perfect for impressing your family and friends.

Say goodbye to dry turkey forever. Now go on, give it a go, and let me know how you get on.

You won't regret it!.

Right then, let's chat about some extra bits and bobs for your Mediterranean turkey recipe , or more particularly, your roast turkey with olive oil .

Honestly, these are the things that can take your bird from good to absolutely brilliant.

Recipe Notes

Serving Like a Pro

Okay, so you've roasted this magnificent olive oil roasted turkey . Now what? First impressions count! Plating is key. Arrange slices artfully on a platter.

A scattering of fresh herbs, like rosemary or thyme, just elevates it.

For sides, think about complementary flavours. Roasted root vegetables parsnips, carrots, even sweet potatoes are a classic for a reason.

And don't forget the booze! A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir pairs beautifully. Remember presentation makes the dish, and the crispy skin turkey will be gone in a flash!

Storage Shenanigans

Leftovers? What leftovers? Only joking! If, by some miracle, you have any Thanksgiving turkey recipe remaining, get it in the fridge within two hours.

Store in an airtight container for up to three days.

Freezing is an option too. Slice the turkey and store it in freezer bags, removing as much air as possible.

It'll keep for a couple of months. To reheat, I always add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.

No one likes dry turkey.

Time for a Twist

Fancy a change? How about a lemon herb turkey with a bit of spice? A pinch of red pepper flakes in the olive oil rub adds a lovely kick.

If you're catering for dietary needs, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. You can easily adapt it to be dairy-free by swapping out any butter based side dishes with dairy-free alternatives.

Simple as that. A holiday turkey with olive oil will be remembered by all.

Nutrition Nitty Gritty

Okay, I'm no nutritionist, but let's keep it real. We’re aiming for about 450-550 calories per serving. You're getting a good whack of protein, around 50-60 grams.

Obviously, it varies depending on portion size and how much crispy skin you snaffle!

Remember, roast turkey with olive oil is a lean source of protein, and olive oil is a healthier fat. So go ahead, enjoy it! Using olive oil roasted turkey is better for you than using tons of butter, you know? Don't forget to use the turkey brine recipe to get the best flavor.

Right, get in the kitchen, give it a whirl, and don’t be afraid to experiment. You've got this! Don't get too stressed out about getting it perfect.

As long as it tastes good, that's all that matters. This easy turkey recipe is a winner!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I roast turkey with olive oil instead of butter? Is it really better?

Roasting your turkey with olive oil, especially like in this Mediterranean Marvel recipe, gives you a wonderfully crispy skin and a lighter, brighter flavour compared to butter. Think of it as swapping a heavy Sunday roast for a sun-kissed Italian holiday both are great, but different!

Plus, olive oil is generally considered a healthier fat choice.

My roast turkey always comes out dry! How can I avoid a desert dry bird when I roast turkey with olive oil?

Ah, the age-old turkey dryness dilemma! Firstly, don't skip the brining step (wet or dry). Secondly, make sure you're using a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking aim for 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.

Finally, and this is crucial, let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. That resting period is key to juicy deliciousness!

Can I use different herbs and spices when I'm making this roast turkey with olive oil recipe? What flavors go well?

Absolutely! While rosemary and thyme are classic Mediterranean flavours, feel free to experiment. Garlic powder, smoked paprika (for a smoky flavour), oregano, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat all work well with olive oil.

Think about flavours you'd enjoy in a Greek salad or Italian pasta those will generally complement the turkey and olive oil beautifully.

How long will leftover roast turkey with olive oil keep, and what's the best way to store it?

Leftover turkey, if stored properly, will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to cool the turkey down as quickly as possible (within a couple of hours) and store it in an airtight container.

You can also freeze cooked turkey for longer storage (up to 2-3 months), but be aware that the texture might change slightly after thawing. Turkey sandwiches for days!

Is roast turkey with olive oil healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?

Turkey is a great source of lean protein, and using olive oil adds healthy fats. This recipe is generally lower in saturated fat compared to traditional butter basted turkeys. As long as you are using a high-quality olive oil, you are in for a treat, and you’ll also be getting some antioxidants and healthy fats.

I don't have a roasting rack. Can I still make this roast turkey with olive oil?

Yes, you can still make a delicious olive oil roasted turkey without a roasting rack. You can create a makeshift rack by layering chopped vegetables (like carrots, celery, and onions) on the bottom of the roasting pan.

This will lift the turkey slightly, allowing for air circulation and preventing the bottom from getting soggy. Just make sure to keep an eye on the veggies to prevent them from burning.