10 Turkey Deli Meat Recipes for a Quick Homemade Lunch & Dinner (2024)

FAQs

What to use sliced turkey for? ›

There are a few kinds of deli meat that are healthier choices: turkey, chicken or roast beef, Crumble Smith says. Salami, bologna, pepperoni and pastrami, for example, have more sodium and are generally more processed.

The FDA defines 2 ounces as a serving size in regards to deli meat. That being said, one pound of product would equal 8 servings per pound.

Pairing turkey with ingredients like Kalamata olives and feta gives off some serious Mediterranean vibes. Add a smoky Greek yogurt sauce and you might just feel like you're lunching on these Little Greek Lettuce Boats at a café in Athens rather than at your work in the office. They also make great post-workout snacks.

"Deli meats, such as turkey or chicken breast, can be a good source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall health," says Best.

Yes, some of these recipes are for sandwiches, but others fold the protein into appetizers, pot pies, and even breakfast casseroles. You're bound to find fresh inspiration in one of these tasty dishes that will help you waste not, and put leftover deli meat to good use.

For this reason, Cleveland Clinic recommends purchasing from a deli, as these meats are more likely to contain natural nitrates and are often significantly less processed than packaged lunch meats. Also taking into consideration what type of meat you are buying can also be of importance.

The sliced-to-order meat you get at the deli counter can be a healthier option, but still contains more sodium than anything you'd make yourself. If making your own cold cuts isn't in the cards for you, stick with fresh-cut, low-sodium, lean cuts of meat.

Choose lean cuts

“Choose the leanest cut of meat like turkey breast, roast beef, and lean ham,” says Levinson.

Favorite Meats

Choices abound when it comes to which meat you should pile up on your sandwich, but what are the most popular cold cuts? Turkey, ham, bologna, salami, and corned beef, not to mention all of the many different flavors and variations of these meats.

What deli meat lasts the longest? ›

Deli Meats That Last the Longest

According to Beauchamp, this includes deli meats that are fermented (like pepperoni and salami) or dried (like capicola or prosciutto).

Wondering how much deli meat you should order on your next visit? Here's a good rule of thumb: 1 pound of deli meat, sliced sandwich style, makes about 5 – 6 sandwiches. Cheese slices should be ordered thinner than deli meat, so you'll have more cheese slices to layer on.

When ordering deli meat, the first thing you need is the number of people you will be serving. Or, you can calculate how many sandwiches you can expect to make that week for school lunches. The general rule of thumb is to purchase two to three ounces of deli meat for each sandwich you will make. Yes, it is that simple.

Palm = 3 oz.of meat

Two servings, or 6 oz., of lean meat (poultry, fish, shellfish, beef) should be a part of a daily diet. Measure the right amount with your palm. One palm size portion equals 3 oz., or one serving.

If you're looking for the healthiest lunch meat option, choose the leanest cuts of deli meat possible, such as turkey, chicken breast, lean ham or roast beef. “These types of deli meat have the least amount of fat and provide a better nutrient value compared to others,” Zumpano says.

The Best Way to Store Lunch Meat

It's generally fine to consume prepackaged lunch meat seven to 10 days after the sell-by date. Once open, however, it should be eaten within five days. Freshly sliced deli meat should also be eaten within five days.

Arrange the slices in a single layer in shallow pans or baking dishes and drape a clean kitchen towel over the top of each. Bring some chicken broth to a simmer, then gently pour it over the towel just until it is wet. Wrap each entire dish in foil and bake until the turkey reaches 165°F.

How long do the turkey and trimmings stay safe in the refrigerator or freezer? The answer is simple: leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for three to four days. This means you have until the Monday after Thanksgiving to eat all those delicious leftovers or place them in the freezer to enjoy later.