Craving a quick, delicious meal that doesn’t leave you drowning in dishes? This one-pot recipe for crispy skillet turkey burgers with tomato-feta salad is here to save the day.
Juicy turkey burgers paired with a zesty Mediterranean-inspired salad make for a flavorful and fuss-free dinner.
Perfect for busy nights, this recipe combines bold taste with minimal effort—what more could you ask for?
Elevating the Burgers with Simple Ingredients
What makes these turkey burgers so special? It’s all about the small, thoughtful additions.
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- Cheese: Shredded Monterey Jack melts into the patties, creating pockets of creamy texture.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These add structure to the burgers without making them dense.
- Oregano and Lemon Zest: Both ingredients give a subtle Mediterranean flair, enhancing the burger’s aroma.
The Salad That Completes the Dish
The tomato-feta salad isn’t just a side dish—it’s an essential part of the recipe. Juicy cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh arugula are brought to life with a drizzle of lemon-oregano olive oil. Here’s why it works so well:
- Tangy Balance: The feta and lemon juice cut through the richness of the burgers.
- Textural Variety: Arugula adds a slight crunch, while the tomatoes provide a refreshing burst of juiciness.
This salad acts as both a vibrant topping for the burgers and a standalone accompaniment, ensuring every plate feels complete.
Time-Saving Tips for Cooking This Recipe
This one-pot recipe is already streamlined, but these tips will make your experience even smoother:
- Prep Ahead: Chop the onion and mix the salad dressing earlier in the day.
- Batch the Patties: Form all four patties before heating the skillet, so they’re ready to go.
- Use Pre-Washed Greens: Save a step by purchasing a pre-washed arugula.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This one-pot recipe isn’t just great for weeknights—it shines for a variety of occasions. Here’s why they’re so versatile:
- Casual Weeknight Dinner: Quick to make and easy to clean up, perfect for busy schedules.
- Weekend BBQ Alternative: Cook the patties in a skillet indoors for all the grilled flavor without firing up the grill.
- Meal Prep-Friendly: Make the burgers and salad in advance for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Make It Your Own: Easy Modifications
One of the best things about this one-pot recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are a few ideas to suit different tastes or dietary needs:
- Low-Carb Version: Swap the buns for lettuce wraps or serve the burgers over the salad.
- Dairy-Free Option: Skip the cheese and use a vegan mayo for a creamy, plant-based alternative.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the burger mixture for a little heat.
These simple tweaks allow you to personalize the recipe while keeping it true to its one-pot promise.
Whether you’re cooking for the family or enjoying a solo dinner, this one-pot recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors to your table without the hassle.
Easy Crispy Skillet Turkey Burgers with Tomato-Feta Salad
Equipment
- 12-inch nonstick skillet
Ingredients
For the Lemon-Oregano Mayo:
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil divided
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh oregano divided
- 1 garlic clove minced
- ¾ teaspoon grated lemon zest divided
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice divided
- 7 tablespoons mayonnaise divided
For the Salad:
- 12 ounces cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 small red onion halved and sliced, divided
- 1 teaspoon pepper divided
- ¾ teaspoon table salt divided
- 2 ounces feta cheese crumbled (½ cup)
- 1 cup baby arugula
For the Turkey Burgers:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 ounces Monterey Jack cheese shredded (½ cup)
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
Prepare the Salad:
- Whisk 2 tablespoons oil, 1½ teaspoons oregano, garlic, ½ teaspoon lemon zest, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, ¼ teaspoon pepper, and ¼ teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Add tomatoes and half the onion. Toss to coat and set aside.
Make the Lemon-Oregano Mayo:
- Whisk 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, remaining 1½ teaspoons oregano, ¼ teaspoon lemon zest, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and ¼ teaspoon pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
Form and Cook the Turkey Patties:
- Combine ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, Monterey Jack cheese, remaining pepper (½ teaspoon), remaining salt (½ teaspoon), and ¼ cup mayonnaise in a bowl. Mix thoroughly.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions, form into balls, and flatten to ¾-inch thick patties.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook patties until browned and cooked through (160°F internal temperature), about 5 minutes per side.
Assemble the Burgers and Serve:
- Toss the salad with feta cheese and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Toast buns if desired. Spread a layer of lemon-oregano mayo on the bun bottoms. Add turkey patties, top with remaining onion and arugula, and close with bun tops. Serve with the tomato-feta salad.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.