Ever feel like you want all the hearty satisfaction of a great burger, but maybe without the bun? I get it, truly.
This Turkey Burger Salad is my answer—it’s a deluxe, all-in-one meal that’s anything but boring. Think of it as your favorite burger joint experience, served in a vibrant, generous bowl.
Why This Salad Wins Dinner
Let’s be honest, the phrase “bunless burger” can sound a bit… disappointing. It often whispers of compromise.
This recipe shouts the opposite. It’s a celebration, packing juicy mini turkey patties, creamy avocado, salty feta, and crunchy croutons over crisp greens.
The star, though, might just be the creamy sun-dried tomato dressing. It ties everything together with a punch of umami richness that you’ll want to put on everything.
Ingredients Needed for the Recipe
Gathering everything first makes the process so smooth. Here’s what you’ll need.
- For the Sun Dried Tomato Dressing: Buttermilk, mayonnaise, and sour cream create a luscious, tangy base. Sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, chives, lemon zest, and juice build incredible, savory depth.
- For the Turkey Patties: Ground turkey (I prefer 85% lean for flavor), Montreal steak seasoning for a quick flavor boost, and a little olive oil for cooking.
- For the Salad Base: A big head of green leaf lettuce forms the foundation. Then come the toppings: ripe avocado, sweet cherry tomatoes, crunchy croutons, briny feta cheese, and sharp red onion.
How to make Turkey Burger Salad (Ground Turkey Salad)?
It comes together in a few simple stages. First, we make the dressing so the flavors can start mingling.
Step 1 – Make the Dressing
Simply combine all the dressing ingredients in a food processor. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
No processor? Just mince the sun-dried tomatoes very finely and whisk everything together in a bowl. It’ll be just as delicious.
Step 2 – Form the Patties
Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a bowl, gently mix the ground turkey with the steak seasoning.
Shape the meat into small, golf ball-sized meatballs, then flatten them gently into mini patties. This size ensures quick, even cooking.
Step 3 – Cook the Patties
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for about 3 minutes per side, in batches if needed, until they develop a nice golden-brown sear.
Transfer the seared patties to a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for 4-6 minutes, just until their internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 4 – Assemble the Salad
On a large platter or in individual bowls, create a bed of the torn lettuce. Artfully arrange the avocado slices, tomatoes, croutons, feta, and red onion.
Top it all with the warm, juicy turkey patties. Serve immediately with that glorious sun-dried tomato dressing drizzled generously over the top.
Your Dressing, Your Way
While the sun-dried tomato version is a favorite for good reason, flexibility is key in any kitchen.
If you’re not a fan, or simply want to mix it up, you have fantastic options. A bright lemon tahini dressing or a tangy feta cheese dressing would be wonderful here.
Even a simple, high-quality bottled ranch or a drizzle of balsamic glaze can work in a pinch. The goal is a sauce you love.
Tips
- Don’t crowd the skillet when browning the patties. Giving them space ensures a proper sear instead of steaming.
- An instant-read thermometer is your best friend for perfect turkey. Take the guesswork out and aim for 165°F at the center.
- For a time-saver, make the dressing a day ahead. Its flavor actually improves as it chills in the fridge.
- You can absolutely cook the mini patties in an air fryer. At 400°F, they should be done in about 10 minutes—just flip halfway through.
Making it Your Own
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. It’s a perfect template for what you have on hand or are craving.
Swap the green leaf lettuce for romaine, butter lettuce, or even a spring mix. Try blue cheese instead of feta for a sharper bite.
Add crispy bacon bits, pickled jalapeños, or a handful of toasted nuts for extra texture and flavor. This is your burger salad, after all.
I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. It’s proof that eating well doesn’t mean sacrificing an ounce of flavor or fun.
Turkey Burger Salad Recipe (Ground Turkey Salad)
Description
This turkey burger salad bowl has all the deluxe fixings of a great burger, minus the bread. It's hearty, colorful, and served with a creamy sun-dried tomato dressing that's definitely not playing around.
ingredients
For the Sun Dried Tomato Dressing
For the Turkey Burger Salad
Instructions
Make the Sun Dried Tomato Dressing
-
In food processor, blend buttermilk, mayonnaise, sun dried tomatoes, sour cream, lemon juice, chives, garlic and lemon zest until smooth.
Make the Turkey Burger Salad
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Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). In a medium bowl (or just using the container the turkey comes in), sprinkle turkey with steak seasoning and mix with hands until well combined. Form turkey into golf ball-sized meatballs, then flatten into patties. Place on a plate.
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Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. In batches if necessary, cook turkey patties 3 minutes per side or until golden brown.
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Transfer patties to a rimmed baking pan and place in the oven. Bake 4 to 6 minutes or until internal temperature of patties reaches 165°F.
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Arrange lettuce on a large platter. Top with avocado, grape tomatoes, croutons, feta cheese, red onion, and turkey patties. Serve with Sun Dried Tomato Dressing.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 452kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 30g47%
- Saturated Fat 7g35%
- Trans Fat 0.04g
- Cholesterol 91mg31%
- Sodium 442mg19%
- Potassium 972mg28%
- Total Carbohydrate 15g5%
- Dietary Fiber 6g24%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 34g68%
- Calcium 184 mg
- Iron 3 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- In an air fryer set at 400°F, these little turkey burgers should take about 10 minutes. This may vary slightly based on your model of air fryer, how spaced out the burgers are in the basket, etc.
