Can I make this recipe with frozen turkey burgers?

Absolutely! While homemade patties have better flavor, on super busy nights, a quality frozen turkey burger works perfectly. Just cook according to package directions and proceed with the recipe. You might want to add extra seasoning after cooking to compensate for the typically milder flavor of frozen patties.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Simply omit the cheese or substitute your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative. The bowls are still incredibly flavorful without cheese, especially if you add avocado for that creamy element. For the dressing, choose a dairy-free option like a vinaigrette or dairy-free ranch alternative.

What's the best way to meal prep these bowls?

Cook the turkey patties and store them separately. Chop all vegetables and store in individual containers or compartments. When ready to eat, reheat the patty and assemble your bowl with fresh ingredients. Keep dressing separate until serving time. This preparation method will give you fresh-tasting meals all week!

My turkey burgers always turn out dry—what am I doing wrong?

Turkey burgers can dry out easily because they're leaner than beef. Three things help: 1) Don't overwork the meat when mixing, 2) Don't press down on the patties while cooking (this squeezes out precious juices), and 3) Don't overcook them—use a meat thermometer and remove them from heat as soon as they hit 165°F.

Turkey Burger Salad Bowls Recipe

Description

A fresh, delicious, and healthy twist on a classic! These Turkey Burger Salad Bowls feature juicy turkey burgers served over a vibrant mix of greens, beans, veggies, and crunchy tortilla strips. Perfect for a quick and hearty meal, these bowls are customizable with your favorite toppings and dressings.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the turkey burgers:

1 lb. lean ground turkey (such as 93% lean)
1 tablespoon grill seasoning (such as hamburger seasoning or steak seasoning)
A few dashes of Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon canola oil

For the salad:

1 (6 oz) bag of mixed greens
1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
3/4 cup frozen corn, thawed (or use canned corn, drained)
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 orange bell pepper, chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup tortilla strips (or crushed tortilla chips)

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Instructions

Make the burger patties:
Combine the ground turkey, grill seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl. Mix everything together until just combined, but do not over-mix to avoid tough patties.
Cook the turkey burgers:
Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the turkey patties and cook for 6-7 minutes, then flip them and continue cooking for an additional 5-6 minutes until the burgers are cooked through. If grilling, grease your grill and cook the patties over medium-high heat, flipping them once until fully cooked. Optional: Add cheese on top of the burgers when you flip them for a melty finish.
Assemble the salad:
In salad bowls, layer the mixed greens, black beans, corn, tomatoes, bell pepper, cheese, and tortilla strips. Place a cooked turkey burger on top of each salad. Drizzle with your choice of dressing. Alternatively, toss the salad ingredients with the dressing and then add the burgers on top. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Turkey burgers: Feel free to swap the turkey patties with beef, chicken, or even bean burgers for a vegetarian option.
Mixed greens: Substitute with baby spinach, romaine lettuce, or even coleslaw mix for a crunchy base.
Beans: Black beans are ideal, but pinto beans or other varieties work well too.
Corn: Frozen corn that’s been thawed is convenient, but canned corn, drained, is a great option.
Tomatoes: Use diced tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, halved cherry tomatoes, or even pico de gallo for a flavorful addition.
Cheese: White cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack are excellent choices. Cheese cubes or topping the turkey burgers with cheese also work well.
Tortilla strips: Crushed tortilla chips, homemade flour tortilla strips, or alternatives like croutons or wonton strips add a crunch.
Dressing: Creamy cilantro lime or ranch dressings are great, but any preferred dressing works wonderfully.
Toppings: Customize with avocado, jalapeños, cucumber, red onion, bacon, or other favorites.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 400
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 780
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 90mg