Spinach and Feta Turkey Burgers: A Mediterranean Twist on a Classic

Forget dry, bland turkey burgers! This recipe for Spinach and Feta Turkey Burgers will revolutionize your perception of this healthier alternative to beef. Bursting with vibrant Mediterranean flavors from fresh spinach, salty feta cheese, aromatic garlic, and a hint of lemon, these burgers are incredibly juicy, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this flavorful and nutritious meal!

## Why You’ll Love These Spinach and Feta Turkey Burgers

* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of spinach, feta, garlic, and lemon creates a delightful flavor profile that elevates the humble turkey burger to a whole new level.
* **Juicy and Tender:** Ground turkey is often perceived as dry, but this recipe incorporates ingredients that ensure a moist and tender burger every time.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Packed with protein, iron, and vitamins, these burgers are a wholesome and guilt-free meal option.
* **Quick and Easy:** With minimal prep time and simple cooking instructions, these burgers are perfect for a weeknight dinner.
* **Versatile:** These burgers are incredibly versatile and can be customized with your favorite toppings and served on buns, lettuce wraps, or even crumbled over a salad.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Ground Turkey:** 1.5 pounds of lean ground turkey (93% lean or higher is recommended)
* **Fresh Spinach:** 5 ounces, roughly chopped
* **Feta Cheese:** 4 ounces, crumbled
* **Garlic:** 3 cloves, minced
* **Egg:** 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* **Breadcrumbs:** 1/2 cup of plain breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs work well too)
* **Lemon Juice:** 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed
* **Lemon Zest:** 1 teaspoon
* **Dried Oregano:** 1 teaspoon
* **Salt:** 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
* **Black Pepper:** 1/4 teaspoon (or to taste)
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon, for cooking

**Optional Toppings:**

* Burger buns or lettuce wraps
* Tomato slices
* Red onion slices
* Cucumber slices
* Tzatziki sauce
* Hummus
* Avocado slices

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### 1. Prepare the Spinach

* **Wash and Chop:** Thoroughly wash the fresh spinach and roughly chop it into smaller pieces. Even pre-washed spinach should get another rinse just to be sure.
* **Sauté (Optional, but Recommended):** For best results (and to reduce excess moisture), sauté the chopped spinach in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, or until wilted. This will also help to concentrate the flavor. If you skip this step, be sure to squeeze out as much excess water as possible from the raw spinach before adding it to the burger mixture. Place the spinach in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze firmly to remove the liquid. This prevents soggy burgers.
* **Cool Slightly:** Allow the sautéed (or squeezed) spinach to cool slightly before adding it to the other ingredients. This is important so that the heat doesn’t partially cook the egg in the mixture.

### 2. Combine the Ingredients

* **In a Large Bowl:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, cooled spinach, crumbled feta cheese, minced garlic, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
* **Gently Mix:** Using your hands or a spatula, gently mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough burgers. Overmixing develops the gluten in the breadcrumbs and compacts the ground turkey, which can lead to a dry final product. Aim for a homogeneous mixture where all the ingredients are evenly distributed, but don’t go overboard.

### 3. Form the Patties

* **Divide the Mixture:** Divide the turkey mixture into 4 equal portions. The easiest way to do this is to eyeball it and then adjust as needed. You can also use a kitchen scale for precise portions.
* **Shape the Patties:** Gently shape each portion into a patty that is about 3/4 inch thick. Avoid pressing down too hard, as this will also result in a denser, tougher burger. Slightly flatten the patties in the center, as they tend to puff up during cooking.
* **Make a Thumbprint (Optional):** Make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb. This helps prevent the burgers from bulging in the middle while cooking, ensuring they cook more evenly.

### 4. Cook the Burgers

There are three main methods for cooking these burgers:

**A. Stovetop Cooking:**

* **Heat Olive Oil:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the burgers to prevent sticking.
* **Cook the Burgers:** Carefully place the patties in the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the burgers are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate doneness. The burgers should be nicely browned on both sides.
* **Doneness Check:** To ensure the burgers are cooked through, you can also cut into the center of one patty. The juices should run clear, and the meat should no longer be pink.

**B. Grilling:**

* **Preheat Grill:** Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350-400°F or 175-200°C). Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. Use a grill brush to remove any debris and then rub the grates with an oil-soaked paper towel using tongs.
* **Grill the Burgers:** Place the patties on the grill grates and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the burgers are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Close the lid of the grill between flips to help retain heat and cook the burgers evenly. Avoid pressing down on the burgers with a spatula, as this will squeeze out the juices and dry them out.
* **Doneness Check:** As with stovetop cooking, use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate doneness. The juices should run clear, and the meat should no longer be pink.

**C. Baking:**

* **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
* **Bake the Burgers:** Place the patties on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the burgers are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). No need to flip them during baking.
* **Doneness Check:** Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate doneness. The juices should run clear, and the meat should no longer be pink.

### 5. Serve and Enjoy!

* **Assemble the Burgers:** Serve the Spinach and Feta Turkey Burgers on your favorite burger buns or lettuce wraps. Add your desired toppings, such as tomato slices, red onion slices, cucumber slices, tzatziki sauce, hummus, or avocado slices.
* **Serve Immediately:** For the best flavor and texture, serve the burgers immediately after cooking. They are also delicious served crumbled over a salad or alongside roasted vegetables.

## Tips for Perfect Spinach and Feta Turkey Burgers

* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the burger mixture will result in tough burgers. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooking turkey burgers will make them dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
* **Sauté the Spinach:** Sautéing the spinach before adding it to the burger mixture helps to reduce excess moisture and concentrate the flavor. If you skip this step, be sure to squeeze out as much excess water as possible from the raw spinach.
* **Use Breadcrumbs:** Breadcrumbs help to bind the ingredients together and absorb excess moisture, resulting in a more tender burger.
* **Add Lemon Juice and Zest:** Lemon juice and zest add brightness and acidity to the burgers, enhancing the overall flavor.
* **Let the Burgers Rest:** After cooking, let the burgers rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful burger.
* **Toast the Buns:** Toasting the burger buns adds a nice texture and prevents them from getting soggy.
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings to create your own unique burger experience. Some other topping ideas include roasted red peppers, grilled halloumi cheese, or a dollop of pesto.
* **Make Ahead:** The burger mixture can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This is a great option for busy weeknights. Just form the patties and cook them when you’re ready to eat.
* **Freezing Instructions:** Cooked turkey burgers can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Wrap each burger individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. To reheat, thaw the burgers in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat them in the microwave, oven, or skillet.

## Variations

* **Spicy Spinach and Feta Turkey Burgers:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the burger mixture for a spicy kick.
* **Mediterranean Spinach and Feta Turkey Burgers:** Add chopped Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of dried thyme to the burger mixture for a more pronounced Mediterranean flavor.
* **Greek Spinach and Feta Turkey Burgers:** Add a dollop of tzatziki sauce on top of the burgers for a classic Greek twist.
* **Spinach and Feta Turkey Meatballs:** Form the turkey mixture into small meatballs instead of patties and bake or simmer them in your favorite tomato sauce.
* **Use Different Cheese:** If you don’t like feta cheese, you can substitute it with another type of cheese, such as goat cheese, ricotta cheese, or mozzarella cheese.

## Serving Suggestions

These Spinach and Feta Turkey Burgers are delicious served with a variety of sides:

* **Salads:** Greek salad, cucumber salad, or a simple green salad.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted potatoes, sweet potatoes, or asparagus.
* **Grilled Vegetables:** Grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant.
* **Fries:** Sweet potato fries or regular french fries (air fryer fries are a healthier option!).
* **Rice or Quinoa:** A simple side of rice or quinoa complements the flavors of the burgers perfectly.

## Nutritional Information (per burger, without bun or toppings)

* Calories: Approximately 250-300
* Protein: 30-35 grams
* Fat: 10-15 grams
* Carbohydrates: 5-10 grams

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Conclusion

These Spinach and Feta Turkey Burgers are a flavorful, healthy, and easy way to enjoy a classic American meal with a Mediterranean twist. Whether you’re grilling them up for a summer barbecue or whipping them up for a quick weeknight dinner, these burgers are sure to be a hit. So, ditch the bland turkey burgers and try this recipe for a truly unforgettable culinary experience! Enjoy!