Roast Turkey Sandwich
A simple, wholesome sandwich featuring freshly roasted turkey breast, crisp lettuce, and cool cucumber on low-sodium bread. This recipe avoids high-sodium deli meats, making it a perfect choice for a healthy, kidney-friendly lunch.
For 4 servings
Preheat oven and prepare the turkey.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the turkey breast dry with a paper towel.
- Rub the turkey all over with olive oil, then season with black pepper and dried oregano.
- Place the seasoned turkey breast on a small baking sheet.
TIPAvoid adding salt to keep the sodium content low. The herbs and pepper will provide plenty of flavor.Roast the turkey breast.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the turkey is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
TIPUsing a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure the turkey is cooked perfectly without drying it out.Rest and slice the turkey.
Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist. Once rested, slice the turkey thinly against the grain.
Assemble the sandwiches.
- Lay out the 8 slices of low-sodium bread.
- Spread 1 tsp of mayonnaise and 1 tsp of mustard on each of the 4 bottom slices.
- Divide the sliced turkey evenly among the 4 sandwiches.
- Top with 2 lettuce leaves and a few slices of cucumber.
- Place the top slice of bread on each sandwich.
Serve immediately.
Cut the sandwiches in half if desired and serve right away for the best texture.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra flavor without salt, rub the turkey with a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder before roasting.
- 2You can roast the turkey breast ahead of time as part of your meal prep. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- 3Make sure to buy bread specifically labeled 'low-sodium' as regular bread can be a significant source of hidden salt.
- 4If you don't have oregano, dried thyme or a salt-free Italian seasoning blend also works well with turkey.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthy
Swap the mayonnaise for an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt or mashed avocado for a different flavor and healthier fats.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Cut the sandwich into fun shapes using cookie cutters and serve with a side of apple slices.
quickQuick
If you're short on time, you can pan-sear thin turkey cutlets for 3-4 minutes per side instead of roasting the whole breast.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Source
Freshly roasted turkey breast is an excellent source of high-quality lean protein, which is essential for muscle maintenance and repair.
Low in Sodium
This recipe is specifically designed to be low in sodium by using fresh meat and low-sodium ingredients, supporting kidney health and blood pressure management.
Controlled Phosphorus
By avoiding processed meats and dairy, this sandwich helps manage phosphorus intake, which is crucial for a kidney-friendly diet.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this version is very healthy. By roasting your own turkey breast, you avoid the high sodium and preservatives found in deli meats. It's a great source of lean protein, and using low-sodium bread and condiments keeps it heart and kidney-friendly.