If you are craving a burger that bursts with fresh flavors and wholesome goodness, you absolutely must try this Spinach Feta Turkey Burgers with Dill-Yogurt and Mediterranean Salad Recipe. It’s an incredible combination of juicy turkey patties folded with vibrant spinach and tangy feta, topped with a refreshing dill-infused yogurt sauce, and served alongside a zesty chopped Mediterranean salad that’s packed with crunchy veggies and briny olives. The harmony of tastes and textures in this recipe will quickly make it one of your favorite go-to meals, perfect for weeknights or weekend gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Spinach Feta Turkey Burgers with Dill-Yogurt and Mediterranean Salad Recipe plays a vital role, whether it’s enhancing the juiciness of the burger, adding a crisp bite to the salad, or brightening everything up with fresh herbs. These simple but essential components come together beautifully to create a harmonious blend of Mediterranean-inspired flavors and textures.
- Ground turkey: The lean base for the burgers provides protein without heaviness and beautifully absorbs the flavors of mix-ins.
- Baby spinach: Adds a fresh, slightly earthy flavor and a lovely green look while boosting nutrition.
- Feta cheese: Offers a tangy, salty richness that perfectly complements the mild turkey.
- Greek yogurt: Forms the creamy, refreshing base for the dill-yogurt sauce, lightening the dish with probiotic goodness.
- Fresh dill: Lends a bright, herbal note that truly elevates the yogurt sauce and ties into the salad’s flavors.
- Garlic: Provides a savory depth, both crushed into the patties and grated into the sauce.
- Cherry tomatoes: Give the salad juicy bursts of sweetness and vibrant color.
- Persian cucumbers: Bring a cool crispness that balances the warm, spiced turkey.
- Kalamata olives: Add an intense, salty bite that anchors the Mediterranean essence of the salad.
- Fresh parsley and lemon juice: Brighten the salad with fresh herbal and citrus notes.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Used both in the salad and cooking the patties, giving a fruity richness and helping meld the flavors.
- Spices (oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper): Essential for seasoning the turkey burgers to perfection and layering complex flavor.
- Egg: Acts as a binder in the patties, keeping them juicy and holding together nicely on the grill or pan.
How to Make Spinach Feta Turkey Burgers with Dill-Yogurt and Mediterranean Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dill-Yogurt Sauce
Start by combining the non-fat Greek yogurt with finely chopped fresh dill, freshly grated garlic, lemon juice, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and set it aside to allow the flavors to meld. This sauce will provide a cool, tangy contrast to the warm, savory burgers and is the perfect finishing touch.
Step 2: Make the Mediterranean Salad
Grab a large bowl and toss together chopped little gem or Romaine lettuce with halved cherry tomatoes, diced Persian cucumbers, finely diced red onion, sliced Kalamata olives, and freshly chopped parsley. Drizzle the mixture with extra-virgin olive oil and lemon juice, then season with kosher salt and freshly-cracked black pepper. Toss everything just until combined to keep the veggies crisp and fresh.
Step 3: Mix the Burger Ingredients
In a large bowl, add ground turkey, finely chopped baby spinach, crumbled feta cheese, one large egg, finely grated garlic cloves, crushed red pepper flakes, dried oregano, kosher salt, and freshly-cracked black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to gently but thoroughly mix everything together. The spinach and feta not only add flavor, but also moisture, keeping these burgers juicy and tender.
Step 4: Form and Cook the Turkey Burgers
Shape the turkey mixture into four evenly sized patties, pressing just enough to hold their shape but not too compacted. Heat two tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely browned on the outside. Avoid pressing down on the burgers so they stay juicy.
Step 5: Assemble the Burgers
Once the patties are cooked, plate them beside generous servings of the chopped Mediterranean salad. Dollop or spread the dill-yogurt sauce over each turkey burger or serve it on the side for dipping. The combination of warm, flavorful patties with the crisp salad and cool sauce is simply irresistible.
How to Serve Spinach Feta Turkey Burgers with Dill-Yogurt and Mediterranean Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Add a few fresh dill sprigs or a sprinkle of crumbled feta over the burgers to enhance their visual appeal and infuse an extra hit of that signature Mediterranean flavor. A wedge of lemon on the side is also fantastic for those who like a little citrus brightness at the table.
Side Dishes
While the chopped Mediterranean salad is already a vibrant side, consider pairing the burgers with warm pita bread or crispy sweet potato fries. These additions round out the meal without overpowering the fresh, light qualities of the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Spinach Feta Turkey Burgers with Dill-Yogurt and Mediterranean Salad Recipe on toasted whole-grain buns or wrapped in large lettuce leaves for a low-carb option. For a fun twist, plate individual components in small bowls for a DIY-style meal where everyone builds their own burger and salad mixes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover turkey burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the dill-yogurt sauce in a separate covered jar to maintain its freshness and texture. The salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be kept refrigerated for a day if necessary.
Freezing
To freeze the burgers, shape the patties and place them on a parchment-lined tray to freeze individually for about an hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together. Frozen patties can be kept for up to 3 months and cooked from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftover turkey burgers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in a toaster oven to preserve their juiciness. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the best texture. Rewarm the dill-yogurt sauce briefly or serve it cold as originally intended, which enhances the refreshing experience.
FAQs
Can I substitute the ground turkey with another type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well in this recipe and will yield a similar texture and flavor. For a richer taste, some like to mix in a bit of ground lamb, which complements the Mediterranean profile beautifully.
Is it possible to make the dill-yogurt sauce dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative, such as coconut or almond yogurt, but be sure to choose an unsweetened variety to maintain the savory balance of the sauce.
How spicy are these turkey burgers?
The crushed red pepper flakes add just a gentle hint of heat that complements rather than overwhelms the other flavors. You can adjust the amount or omit it entirely to suit your spice preference.
What are some other ways to enjoy the Mediterranean salad?
This vibrant salad is versatile and tastes amazing served as a topping for grilled fish, alongside falafel, or even as a colorful addition to a grain bowl for lunch or dinner.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance for a quick weeknight meal?
Definitely! You can make the dill-yogurt sauce and chop the salad ingredients a day ahead and store them in the fridge. Even the turkey patties can be formed and kept refrigerated overnight, speeding up your cooking time after a busy day.
Final Thoughts
This Spinach Feta Turkey Burgers with Dill-Yogurt and Mediterranean Salad Recipe is pure sunshine on a plate, perfect for those who love bright, fresh flavors paired with wholesome, satisfying ingredients. It’s a dish I happily make again and again, especially when I want a healthy meal that feels anything but ordinary. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite burger and salad combo.
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Spinach Feta Turkey Burgers with Dill-Yogurt and Mediterranean Salad Recipe
These Spinach Feta Turkey Burgers are a flavorful and healthy twist on the classic burger, featuring tender ground turkey blended with fresh spinach, tangy feta, and aromatic herbs. Served with a refreshing dill-yogurt sauce and a chopped Mediterranean salad, this meal combines bright, fresh ingredients for a delightful and balanced dish perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
Dill-y Yogurt
- ½ cup non-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill
- 1 garlic clove, finely grated
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly-cracked black pepper
Chopped Mediterranean Salad
- 2 cups roughly chopped little gem or Romaine lettuce
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- 2 Persian cucumbers, diced
- ½ red onion, diced
- ½ cup pitted and sliced Kalamata olives
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly-cracked black pepper
Spinach Feta Turkey Burgers
- 1 pound ground turkey (substitute ground chicken if desired)
- 2 cups baby spinach, finely chopped
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, finely grated
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon dry oregano
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly-cracked black pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Dill-y Yogurt Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the non-fat Greek yogurt, finely chopped fresh dill, finely grated garlic clove, lemon juice, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed, then cover and refrigerate to allow flavors to blend while you prepare the rest of the dish.
- Make the Chopped Mediterranean Salad: In a large bowl, mix together the roughly chopped little gem or Romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, diced Persian cucumbers, diced red onion, sliced Kalamata olives, and finely chopped fresh parsley. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and lemon juice, then season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Toss gently to combine and set aside to marinate.
- Prepare the Burger Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ground turkey, finely chopped baby spinach, crumbled feta cheese, large egg, finely grated garlic cloves, crushed red pepper flakes, dry oregano, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed without overworking the meat.
- Form the Patties: Divide the turkey mixture into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty approximately ¾ inch thick, making a slight indentation in the center of each to help them cook evenly.
- Cook the Burgers: Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the turkey patties and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the burgers are browned and cooked through. Avoid pressing down on the patties to keep them juicy.
- Serve: Place cooked burgers on plates and top each with a generous spoonful of the dill-yogurt sauce. Serve alongside the chopped Mediterranean salad for a fresh, vibrant finish to this satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken for turkey if preferred.
- For an added flavor boost, toast burger buns lightly before serving.
- The dill-yogurt sauce can be made a few hours ahead and stored refrigerated to deepen the flavors.
- Leftover salad can be stored separately in the fridge for up to one day but is best fresh.
- Use fresh herbs where possible for the best flavor in the sauce and salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
