Tender and Juicy Holiday Turkey with 4 Simple Ingredients

Español A few years ago, I watched one of my aunts prepare a Christmas turkey using a bottle of salad dressing as a marinade. I was blown away—the turkey turned out perfectly seasoned and absolutely delicious.

This year, I decided to recreate that experiment and bring my YouTube followers, whether first-time turkey cooks or seasoned pros, an easy, affordable, and quick way to season a turkey for Christmas dinner or Thanksgiving.

I’m a big fan of Greek food, and of course, as a proud Mexican, I’m even more in love with traditional Mexican flavors. So, I combined the best of both worlds—Greek salad dressing and chipotle peppers. The result? The juiciest, most tender turkey I’ve ever made!

The best part? You only need four ingredients! And let me tell you, even my neighbors got to try this turkey—they were amazed! This season, we cooked three turkeys to create new recipes for you, so don’t forget to check out my Pavo a la Naranja, Pavo Enchilado, and Pavo Adobado recipes too.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of Ken’s Steakhouse Greek Dressing (Use your favorite Greek Salad dressing)
• 2 canned chipotle peppers
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 head of garlic
• 1 apple, quartered (optional)

Instructions:

1. Blend the Marinade: In a blender, combine the Greek dressing, 8 peeled garlic cloves, chipotle peppers, black pepper, and salt. Blend until smooth and set aside.

1. Prepare the Turkey: Gently separate the skin from the meat using a spoon, being careful not to tear the skin. This allows the marinade to penetrate deeper. Make sure you have removed the turkey neck and giblets from inside the turkey cavity.

1. Marinate the Turkey: Pour the marinade between the skin and the meat, spreading it as far as possible. Place the turkey in a roasting pan or bag and pour the remaining marinade over it. Massage the turkey to ensure it’s fully coated.

1. Add Flavor to the Cavity: Inside the turkey cavity, add the leftover marinade, the quartered apple, and half a head of garlic. This keeps the turkey moist and enhances its flavor.
2. Use a Roasting Bag: If using a roasting bag, add a tablespoon of flour to the bag and shake to coat. Place the turkey inside and seal it. This method not only saves fridge space but also keeps the turkey juicy.

1. Roast the Turkey: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the turkey in a baking tray and roast for 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on its weight. To check if it’s fully cooked, use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F. I recommend basting the turkey with its own juices every hour to keep it extra moist and to achieve a beautifully golden, crisp skin

1. Rest, Serve, and Enjoy: Let the turkey rest for a few minutes before carving. Serve it alongside your favorite side dishes and enjoy this flavorful and juicy masterpiece!