
Grilled Turkey Skewers with Zucchini, Fresh Cranberries, and Ricotta Sage Lemon Marinade
Original grilled turkey skewers marinated in a creamy ricotta, lemon, and sage mixture, threaded with zucchini and fresh cranberries for a balance of herbal, citrusy, and tart-fruity flavors. A distinctive and elegant choice for the grill.
Ingredients
- 600 g turkey breast, cubed (1.25 inch)
- 280 g zucchini (en medias lunas gruesas)
- 120 g fresh cranberries (whole)
- 120 g ricotta cheese (for the adobo)
- 30 ml olive oil (divided)
- 45 ml lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 4 g lemon zest (finely grated)
- 9 g garlic (chopped finely)
- 6 g fresh sage (chopped)
- 15 ml honey (for equilibrar the acidez)
- 6 g salt (or to taste)
- 2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 g extra sage leaves (for terminar, optional)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
- 2
In a large bowl, mix the ricotta, 1 tablespoon olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped sage, honey, salt, and black pepper until you have a smooth, creamy marinade.
- 3
Add the turkey cubes to the bowl and coat them well with the ricotta marinade. Let rest in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
- 4
Meanwhile, place the zucchini in another bowl and toss it with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and an extra pinch of salt. Keep the fresh cranberries ready for threading.
- 5
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, about 425 °F / 220 °C. Clean and lightly oil the grates.
- 6
Assemble the skewers by alternating marinated turkey, zucchini, and fresh cranberries until all ingredients are used. Discard any leftover marinade that touched the raw turkey.
- 7
Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for 12 to 14 minutes at 425 °F / 220 °C, turning every 3 to 4 minutes so the turkey browns evenly and the zucchini becomes tender.
- 8
Remove the skewers when the turkey is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F / 74 °C.
- 9
Transfer the skewers to a platter and finish with the extra chopped sage leaves, if using. Serve immediately.
Chef tips
To thread the cranberries more easily, carefully pierce them through the center. Do not overcrowd each skewer so heat can circulate and the turkey cooks evenly.
Substitutions
You can substitute ricotta with well-drained requesón or blended cottage cheese. Sage can be replaced with fresh thyme, and fresh cranberries can be swapped for firm blackberries for a different flavor profile.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
Illustrative imageVictorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife
Chopping, slicing and cutting strips
- The knife I use most when cooking
- Chops, slices and cuts into strips
- Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
Illustrative imageTeakhaus Teak Cutting Board
Stable base for chopping
- Stable surface for chopping
- Gentle on your knife edge
- Hand-wash and let it dry
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