Spinach and Feta Grilled Turkey Burgers
Savory, rich turkey burgers that won't fall apart (IF you follow my instructions!).
Savory, rich turkey burgers that won't fall apart (IF you follow my instructions!).
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- black pepper to taste
- mayonnaise
- 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese
- dijon mustard
- 1 bag baby spinach (6 ounces)
- 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey
- mixed greens
- roasted garlic whipped feta
- 4 cloves roasted garlic (finely chopped)
- 4-6 hamburger buns (i like whole wheat here.)
- extra olive oil for oiling the grates and brushin
- Carbohydrate 2.77131588541556 g
- Cholesterol 79.1687124226667 mg
- Fat 13.0254484149311 g
- Fiber 0.647555533017549 g
- Protein 16.60369945534 g
- Saturated Fat 4.93822564692035 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (153g)
- Sodium 364.296784275105 mg
- Sugar 2.12376035239801 g
- Trans Fat 3.01834181141632 g
- Calories 197 calories
Step-by-step
- Pour the teaspoon of olive oil in a heavy skillet with a tight fitting lid over high heat. When it is shimmery and hot add the roasted garlic to the pan and stir for about 10 seconds or until it's fragrant.
- Add the spinach all at once and flip it a couple of times with tongs.
- Turn the heat off, add the lid and let sit for 2 minutes.
- Remove the lid, flip a couple more times, add the lid and leave for 1 more minute.
- Use the tongs to gently transfer the spinach and garlic to a colander on a plate. Let it rest until room-temperature. Either chill in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or proceed to the next step.
- Roughly chop the wilted spinach and garlic so you can more easily mix it through the ground turkey.
- Add it to a mixing bowl with the turkey, feta, salt, and pepper. Gently but thoroughly mix everything together until all of the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Form into 4 to 6 burger patties that are at least 3/4 of an inch thick.
- Place the formed patties onto a parchment lined cookie sheet and let it rest in the freezer while you preheat your grill.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high.
- Soak a wadded paper towel generously with olive oil and use tongs to rub it over the clean grill grates, heavily oiling them.
- Ease the burger patties onto the grill and do not move them for 6 minutes, leaving the cover of the grill open.
- After 6 minutes, flip the burgers just once and let them continue to cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the burgers release from the grill and the interior temperature of the thickest part of the burgers reaches 165°F.
- Transfer the burgers to a clean plate.
- Brush each of the insides of the buns with olive oil and toast them directly on the grill just until they have grill marks.
- Use tongs or a spatula to transfer the buns to a clean plate or baking sheet.
- Serve each burger on a bun topped as desired.
My Go-To Weeknight Dinner: Spinach and Feta Grilled Turkey Burgers
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a constant uphill battle. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and all the other demands of daily life, the last thing I want is to spend hours in the kitchen. That's why I rely heavily on quick, easy, and satisfying recipes that the whole family enjoys. One of my absolute favorites is this Spinach and Feta Grilled Turkey Burger recipe. It's flavorful, packed with nutrients, and surprisingly simple to make, even on the busiest of weeknights.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. The burgers themselves are incredibly adaptable. I often adjust the seasonings depending on what we’re in the mood for. Sometimes I add a little garlic powder, other times a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. The feta cheese adds a lovely tangy and salty flavor that perfectly complements the earthiness of the spinach and the leanness of the ground turkey. The spinach itself adds a wonderful textural element, and it’s so easy to prepare – simply wilt it in a pan with a little garlic before mixing it into the patties. This ensures that it’s not overpowering, but adds a depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish.
My family loves how juicy and flavorful these burgers are. The key, I’ve found, is to not overwork the turkey mixture. Gentle mixing ensures that the patties don’t become tough. Letting the patties rest in the freezer for a bit before grilling helps them hold their shape beautifully. And grilling them to perfection (165°F internal temperature) guarantees a juicy, delicious result every time. I usually opt for whole wheat buns for a healthier option, but you can use any type you prefer.
Beyond the burgers themselves, the toppings are where you can really let your creativity shine. A simple smear of mayonnaise or Dijon mustard is always a winner, but I also love adding fresh mixed greens, roasted garlic whipped feta (a game-changer!), or even a quick avocado crema for a creamier, more decadent option. The possibilities are endless!
This recipe is more than just a quick weeknight meal; it's a staple in our household. It's a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. It’s a reminder that even amidst the chaos of life, we can still enjoy delicious, nutritious food that satisfies both our palates and our souls. So, the next time you’re looking for a quick, easy, and absolutely delicious dinner option, give these Spinach and Feta Grilled Turkey Burgers a try. I promise you won't be disappointed.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overmix the turkey mixture – this will result in tough burgers.
- Allow the patties to rest in the freezer for a short period before grilling – this helps them hold their shape.
- Grill the burgers to an internal temperature of 165°F – this ensures they are cooked through and juicy.
- Get creative with the toppings! The possibilities are endless.
Variations:
- Spicy Burgers: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the turkey mixture for a kick.
- Mediterranean Burgers: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Kalamata olives to the turkey mixture.
- Cheese Lovers Burgers: Add different types of cheese, such as provolone or pepper jack, along with the feta.
This recipe is a real winner, whether you’re a busy professional, a stay-at-home mom, or anyone who appreciates a delicious, healthy meal that doesn't take forever to prepare. Enjoy!
