Savory Fruit Turkey Skewers

Featured in: Retro American Dishes

These skewers combine tender turkey cubes with colorful bell peppers, pineapple, grapes, and red onion. They are grilled over medium-high heat and brushed with a fragrant glaze of maple syrup, fresh herbs, lemon juice, and spices. The balance of sweet fruit and herby glaze creates a delightful contrast to the savory turkey. Perfect for easy summer gatherings, this dish offers a fresh and flavorful main that's naturally gluten- and dairy-free. Serve with a crisp salad or rice, and enjoy the smoky, tangy notes from the grilled glaze.

Updated on Sun, 16 Nov 2025 15:09:00 GMT
Savory Fruit Turkey Skewers, grilled and glazed with herbs, offer a sweet and smoky aroma. Save It
Savory Fruit Turkey Skewers, grilled and glazed with herbs, offer a sweet and smoky aroma. | zetluna.com

Juicy turkey pieces and vibrant fruit are grilled to perfection and brushed with a fragrant herb-maple glaze, creating a deliciously sweet-and-savory main perfect for summer gatherings.

I first made these skewers for a summer barbecue with friends, and they disappeared within minutes. The combination of turkey and fruit with the herby maple glaze was so popular that even the pickiest eaters asked for seconds!

Ingredients

  • Turkey breast: 500 g (1.1 lbs), cut into 2.5 cm (1-inch) cubes
  • Red bell pepper: cut into 2.5 cm (1-inch) pieces
  • Yellow bell pepper: cut into 2.5 cm (1-inch) pieces
  • Red onion: 1 small, cut into wedges
  • Fresh pineapple chunks: 1 cup
  • Seedless grapes: 1 cup, red or green
  • Olive oil: 2 tbsp
  • Kosher salt: 1 tsp
  • Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
  • Maple syrup: 3 tbsp, pure
  • Lemon juice: 2 tbsp, fresh
  • Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped
  • Fresh thyme: 1 tbsp, chopped (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
  • Dijon mustard: 1 tbsp
  • Garlic clove: 1 small, finely minced
  • Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
  • Chili flakes: 1/4 tsp (optional)
  • Salt and pepper: to taste

Instructions

Prepare skewers:
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning.
Mix ingredients:
In a large bowl, toss turkey cubes, bell peppers, onion, pineapple, and grapes with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
Thread skewers:
Thread turkey and fruit alternately onto skewers, distributing ingredients evenly.
Preheat grill:
Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Make glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together all glaze ingredients until well combined.
Grill skewers:
Grill skewers for 12–15 minutes, turning every 3–4 minutes, until turkey is cooked through and lightly charred.
Glaze and finish:
During the last 5 minutes of grilling, brush skewers generously with the herby maple glaze, turning to coat all sides.
Rest and serve:
Remove from grill and let rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.
Save It
| zetluna.com

My kids enjoy building their own skewers, mixing favorite fruits, and the grill time becomes a fun part of our family cookout. Seeing everyone gather around, excited to taste their creations, always makes for memorable meals.

Substitution Ideas

You can easily swap out the turkey for chicken breast or firm tofu. For different flavor twists, try peaches, mangoes, or strawberries in place of pineapple and grapes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these skewers with a crisp green salad or fluffy rice. Pair with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a fruity rosé if you like.

Nutrition Information

Each serving provides about 260 calories, 7 g total fat, 20 g carbohydrates, and 28 g protein.

Golden-brown Savory Fruit Turkey Skewers showcasing tender turkey, vibrant fruit, and a glistening herb glaze. Save It
Golden-brown Savory Fruit Turkey Skewers showcasing tender turkey, vibrant fruit, and a glistening herb glaze. | zetluna.com

Enjoy these savory fruit turkey skewers hot off the grill for a crowd-pleasing summer meal. Their colorful presentation makes them perfect for gatherings indoors or outdoors.

Common Questions About Recipes

How do I prevent skewers from burning on the grill?

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes before grilling to reduce burning risk.

Can I substitute the turkey with other proteins?

Yes, chicken breast or firm tofu work well as alternatives with similar grilling times.

What fruits work best with the herby maple glaze?

Pineapple, grapes, peaches, mangoes, and strawberries complement the glaze’s sweet and savory flavor profile.

How long should the skewers be grilled?

Grill for 12–15 minutes over medium-high heat, turning every few minutes to cook evenly and develop char.

What sides pair well with these skewers?

They go well with a crisp green salad, steamed rice, or chilled white or rosé wines.

Savory Fruit Turkey Skewers

Juicy turkey and fresh fruit grilled with herby maple glaze for a sweet-savory summer dish.

Prep Time
25 mins
Time to Cook
15 mins
Overall Time
40 mins
Authored by Clara

Recipe Type Retro American Dishes

Skill Level Required Easy

Cuisine Type American

Recipe Output 4 Number of Portions

Dietary Needs Lactose-Free, Free of Gluten

The Ingredients You'll Need

Skewers

01 1.1 lbs turkey breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
03 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
04 1 small red onion, cut into wedges
05 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
06 1 cup seedless red or green grapes
07 2 tablespoons olive oil
08 1 teaspoon kosher salt
09 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Herby Maple Glaze

01 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
02 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
03 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
04 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
05 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
06 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
07 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
09 Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Prepare Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning.

Step 02

Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss turkey cubes, bell peppers, onion, pineapple, and grapes with olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper.

Step 03

Assemble Skewers: Thread turkey and fruit alternately onto skewers, evenly distributing ingredients.

Step 04

Preheat Grill: Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.

Step 05

Prepare Glaze: Whisk together maple syrup, lemon juice, parsley, thyme, Dijon mustard, garlic, smoked paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 06

Grill Skewers: Grill skewers for 12 to 15 minutes, turning every 3 to 4 minutes, until turkey is cooked through and lightly charred.

Step 07

Apply Glaze: Brush skewers with maple glaze during the last 5 minutes of grilling, turning to coat all sides.

Step 08

Rest and Serve: Remove skewers from grill and let rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving.

Tools You'll Need

  • Grill or grill pan
  • Skewers (metal or wooden)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Basting brush
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy Information

Review each ingredient to identify allergens and consult an expert if needed.
  • Contains mustard (Dijon)

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Keep in mind these details are for general guidance and shouldn't replace professional advice.
  • Caloric Content: 260
  • Fats: 7 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 20 grams
  • Proteins: 28 grams