Spinach Feta Turkey Burgers: A Flavorful and Healthy Alternative

Turkey burgers get a bad rap for being dry and bland, but these spinach feta turkey burgers are here to change that perception! With the addition of salty feta nutrient-packed spinach and aromatic herbs, these turkey burgers are flavorful, moist, and incredibly satisfying. Keep reading to learn all about how to make these delicious spinach feta turkey burgers at home.

Ingredients

The star ingredient is lean ground turkey which provides lots of protein while keeping these burgers relatively low in fat and calories. To boost moisture and nutrition, chopped fresh spinach is mixed right into the burger mixture. Spinach contains antioxidants like vitamin A and vitamin C as well as minerals like manganese and magnesium.

For a salty, tangy kick crumbled feta cheese is added. Feta is a Greek cheese made from sheep or goat’s milk that has a distinctive briny flavor. The creaminess of the feta helps bind the burgers while also amping up the flavor.

Onion and garlic provide aromatic flavor and add moisture as they cook down. Dried Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and parsley give these burgers a distinctly Mediterranean taste. Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper round out the seasoning.

Instructions

Making these turkey burgers is simple. First, chop one cup of fresh spinach finely and squeeze out any excess moisture. Then, combine the ground turkey, spinach, feta, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Overmixing will result in dense, rubbery burgers.

Divide the mixture into four or five portions and form into patties. Make the patties thinner than desired as they will plump up as they cook.

To cook, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through and browned on both sides. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Serving Suggestions

While these spinach feta turkey burgers are delicious on their own, they pair nicely with toppings and sides. For a Greek-inspired burger, try topping with tzatziki sauce, tomato, red onion, and arugula on a whole wheat bun. Tzatziki is a creamy sauce made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and dill. Its cool, tangy flavor complements the burgers perfectly.

Or go for more Mediterranean flair by skipping the bun and serving the turkey burger over a bed of spinach dressed with lemon vinaigrette and topped with roasted red peppers. Other fresh veggie sides like cucumber salad or tomato basil mozzarella salad would also be fantastic.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with toppings and accompaniments to keep these burgers exciting. Some ideas are guacamole, bacon, caramelized onions, roasted red pepper hummus, pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese.

Benefits

There are many benefits to choosing turkey burgers over traditional beef burgers. Turkey is lower in saturated fat and calories while still providing lots of protein. Each spinach feta turkey burger has around 25-30 grams of protein. The vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from the spinach are also a major perk.

Since these burgers get flavor from spices and mix-ins rather than just the meat itself, they can satisfy a craving for a juicy burger without all the guilt. Variations in toppings and sides makes them a versatile option for many different meals from quick weeknight dinners to backyard barbecues.

Making your own turkey burgers allows you to control the quality of ingredients. You can avoid unwanted additives like preservatives, artificial flavors, colors, etc. that are found in many store-bought frozen turkey burgers. Grinding your own meat also lets you choose the leanness.

Storage

Leftover spinach feta turkey burgers keep well for several days in the refrigerator. Let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container. They can be eaten cold, but the best way to reheat is in the microwave until warmed through. The burgers also reheat nicely in a skillet or on the grill.

Freeze cooked burgers in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. Uncooked turkey burger patties can also be individually frozen on a parchment lined baking sheet then transferred to a freezer bag once solid.

Final Thoughts

Craving a satisfying burger but looking for a healthier alternative? These spinach feta turkey burgers deliver on all fronts. With their Mediterranean-inspired flavors, lean turkey base, and addition of nutrient-rich spinach, these burgers are flavorful, good for you, and versatile. Keep a batch in the freezer for easy weeknight meals or throw them on the grill at your next cookout. No matter how you serve them up, this spinach feta turkey burger recipe is sure to be a new favorite.