I have a surprise for you. Thanksgiving is only seven days away, so I’ll be posting a new Thanksgiving recipe each day until the holiday. Follow along and you’ll be able to assemble a full Paleo-approved Thanksgiving menu that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or comfort. It’s going to be fun—and delicious.
Below are photos that show the steps and ingredients used in this recipe:
This year, your holiday meal doesn’t need to be heavy or leave you feeling uncomfortable. With thoughtful ingredient choices and simple techniques, you can enjoy a satisfying, lighter Thanksgiving that still feels indulgent. Over the next seven days I’ll share Paleo-friendly takes on classic dishes—first up is my Rosemary Apple Turkey. Happy roasting!
7 Paleo Thanksgiving Recipes (1 of 7) – Rosemary Apple Turkey
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- Author: Mariel Lewis
- Total Time: 5 hrs
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
This is the first recipe in a seven-part Paleo Thanksgiving series: Rosemary Apple Turkey. The turkey is tender, aromatic, and full of natural flavor—perfect for a Paleo-friendly holiday centerpiece.
Ingredients
- 1 turkey (about 16 lb)
- 3/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp sea salt
- 10 apples (halved and cored)
- 5 sprigs rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F and position the rack as low as possible.
- Remove the turkey’s gizzards.
- Rinse the turkey and pat it dry with paper towels. Truss the legs with kitchen twine.
- Place the turkey breast-side up in a roasting pan.
- Put the rosemary and two apple halves inside the cavity. Drizzle the turkey with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then sprinkle with sea salt to taste.
- Arrange the remaining apple wedges around the turkey in the roasting pan.
- Roast the turkey for about 4 hours (approximately 15 minutes per pound). If the skin browns too quickly, tent the turkey loosely with foil.
- Check doneness with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh; it should read 175°F when the turkey is fully cooked.
- Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20–30 minutes before carving and serving.
- Prep Time: 1 hr
- Cook Time: 4 hrs
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American