This turkey reuben recipe gives the beloved deli staple, the Reuben, a lighter twist. This version of the classic combines the lean protein of turkey with the tangy, savory flavors of the original to create a filling, guilt-free sandwich that’s great for lunch or dinner.
What You’ll Need:
Ingredients:
- 8 slices rye bread
- 4 slices reduced-fat Swiss cheese
- 8 ounces smoked turkey, thinly sliced
- ⅔ cup sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
- ¼ cup fat-free Thousand Island dressing
- 1 tablespoon canola oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (optional)
Equipment:
- Large nonstick skillet
- Heavy skillet (optional)
Let’s Get Cooking!
- Spread the Love: Spread about ¾ teaspoon of Dijon mustard on each slice of bread, if using. Place a slice of cheese on 4 of the bread slices.
- Layer the Goodness: Divide the turkey evenly over the cheese. Top each serving with 2½ tablespoons of sauerkraut and 1 tablespoon of dressing.
- Complete the Masterpiece: Top each serving with the remaining bread slices, mustard sides down.
- Heat It Up: Heat 1½ teaspoons of canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 sandwiches to the pan; top with another heavy skillet if desired. Cook for 3 minutes on each side or until golden. Remove the sandwiches from the pan and keep them warm. Repeat the process with the remaining oil and sandwiches.
Pro Tip: For a crispy melty experience, you can grill the sandwiches instead of using a skillet.
Nutritional Information:
One serving of this turkey reuben clocks in at approximately 255 calories, with 38% of those calories coming from fat. It also provides 19.6 grams of protein 18.9 grams of carbohydrates, and 3.4 grams of fiber.
Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use regular Swiss cheese instead of reduced-fat?
Yes, you can use regular Swiss cheese instead of the reduced-fat variety in this recipe, which is meant to keep it lighter.
What can I substitute for Thousand Island dressing?
Make your own Thousand Island dressing with mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, and a little hot sauce if you don’t have any on hand. As an alternative, you could use ranch dressing or even just a basic mayonnaise and Dijon mustard combination.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the turkey with slices of portobello mushrooms or another meaty vegetarian option.
How can I store leftover turkey reuben sandwiches?
Wrap leftover sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Additional Resources:
- For a twist on the classic, try grilling your turkey reuben sandwiches.
- Explore different variations by using different types of bread, cheese, and spreads.
- Get creative with the toppings! Add a layer of avocado, roasted peppers, or even a fried egg for an extra burst of flavor.
This turkey reuben recipe offers a delicious and healthier alternative to the traditional Reuben. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a perfect option for a quick and satisfying meal. So grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy this flavorful fusion of classic comfort food.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving: 255 calories; calories from fat 38%; fat 10.7g; saturated fat 4.8g; mono fat 3.9g; poly fat 5g; protein 19.6g; carbohydrates 18.9g; fiber 3.4g; cholesterol 44mg; iron 0.7mg; sodium 865mg; calcium 311mg. Advertisement
Weve had these many times. I typically omit the mustard and use our panini press so no oil is needed. Very tasty and easy.
Why wouldnt you serve them to company?
I really liked this recipe, my hubby not as much. I used marbled rye bread and wish I did not use as much sauerkraut.
soooo good!! love these!
I like this version. Im not a fan corned beef but my husband is and he likes this lighter version. I do make my own lighter “thousand island” dressing though.
These sandwiches are good. I wouldn’t serve these to guests, but we thought they were a great, healthy alternative to the classic reuben. I will definitely make them again.
Good, quick sandwich for lunch.
Delicious, simple, and very filling meal! I went light on the sauerkraut, but boyfriend loved it. Thousand island adds a great sweetness.
Fabulous, easy sandwich to make. Very tasty and flavorful!
This recipe is. ok. Its good, but not brilliant. I personally dont think it has the same amount of flavor as a regular reuben. But if Im looking for something a little lighter, I think Id consider making this again.
I was expecting greatness. These sandwiches were good, but nothing amazing. I even used full-fat thousand island dressing…
I have to say it was great. I made my own 1000 dressing which was ketchup, sweet pickle relish and light mayo. I was afraid it would be a failure recipe but it was really good. I grilled them like grilled cheese as well.
DH really loves these! Healthy, delicious, and makes an easy weeknight meal.
This was a simple and delicious way to use leftover turkey, perfect for a relaxed dinner. I used a Foreman Grill – which worked very well, heating the entire sandwich. Will definitely make again!.
Just three stars because this is a classic sandwich recipe and really doesn’t need a recipe. But its good! No need for oil if you use cooking spray. Somewhere on the CL website, I made the Thousand Island Dressing, which is much simpler to make than store-bought dressing.
Tried this for a quick evening meal and both my husband & I thought it was delicious. I had to use whole wheat because rye bread was unavailable where I lived, but it was still delicious. It is a keeper.
Delicious! A great, fast and easy weeknight meal. My teenager asked me to make them again–and again and again. And I will!.
Big hit with family. A really fast meal that is very good. I used my George Foreman grill and it worked well with this recipe.
Outstanding. I only calculated about 300 calories because I made my own dressing using CL’s recipe from “Iceberg Lettuce Wedges with Thousand Island Dressing” and used 1/2 oz of shredded full-fat Swiss cheese per sandwich. Whatever the count, they are great. Since they were getting a little dark, two minutes was more than enough for the second side. I adore classic reubens, and while these are undoubtedly lighter, that just means they’re not as greasy! .
I love this sandwich and it is a wonderful alternative to the traditional Reuben. Upon reexamining the nutritional information, I’m not sure how the previous reviewer was able to determine that this sandwich had more than 400 calories. The 80 calories per slice of rye bread I used were increased by 115 calories by the turkey and cheese. Adding the oil and dressing, I estimate my nutritional value was 325 calories. A delicious light sandwich that I will make again.
These sandwiches were so delicious! I never thought that fat-free Thousand Island bread could taste so good! My Recipes’ nutritional information isn’t quite up to par, though. 255 calories per sandwich? Hardly. I knew that couldnt be right based on the bread alone. Each sandwich had 430 calories due to the bread I used, which had 120 calories per slice. I also cooked them with vegetable spread rather than oil. Great sandwiches, just dont be fooled in to believing theyre light. Advertisement.