As much as I love salads, I’m always on the lookout for new recipes/ways to get my lettuce fix. This is my new favorite salad recipe! Of course, it’s actually a recipe for naked greek feta burgers that you eat on top of salad (or a bun), but you get the idea =). It’s really hard to make a good burger with extra lean meat, because fat is what keeps burgers moist. But it’s not impossible to make great burgers with lean meat. The key is adding shredded zucchini! It sounds weird, but trust me you’ll end up with tender, juicy burgers every. single. time. (This trick also works for meatballs.)
I’ve made this recipe with extra lean ground turkey, beef, and chicken, and it was equally delicious with all three! Feel free to use whatever is on sale or in your freezer. I added some feta, fresh dill, and oregano for a greek-flavor, which paired perfectly with tzatziki or (if you’re rushed for time like I was) store-bought OPA Greek Yogurt Feta Dill or Caesar dressing. Enjoy!
Naked Greek Feta Turkey Burgers
~6-1/2 oz grated zucchini (when squeezed 5-1/2 oz)
1 lb extra lean ground turkey (or chicken or beef)
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried minced onion
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
dash of salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
1. Using kitchen towel, squeeze excess moisture out of zucchini. (You should have about 5 1/2 oz after.)
2. Combine all ingredients in large bowl and stir gently to combine. Using a 1/4 scoop, portion meat and press lightly into patties, about 1/2 inch thick.
3. Heat nonstick skillet (or grill pan) over medium to medium high heat. Cook patties until brown on both sides (and cooked through), about 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Serve over lettuce with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, feta, and tzatziki sauce. (If you don’t have time to make your own tzatziki, OPA makes some great greek yogurt dressings. The feta dill and caesar are great.) You could also serve these on slider buns. Makes 10 (slider-sized) burgers (4-5 servings).
