1. Start
  2. Dishes
  3. Turkey Burger Salad Bowl

Turkey Burger Salad Bowl

Save Share Skip to Recipe
By Erin Wallace • January 25th, 2026
Juicy grilled turkey burger patties served over crisp salad greens with diced tomatoes, cucumber, and a creamy dill yogurt dressing. Save
Juicy grilled turkey burger patties served over crisp salad greens with diced tomatoes, cucumber, and a creamy dill yogurt dressing. | simplestatekitchen.com

Create a vibrant salad bowl by seasoning ground turkey with paprika and oregano, forming into patties, and pan-searing until golden. Layer crisp mixed greens, tomato, cucumber, bell pepper, and avocado in bowls, then top with sliced turkey patties and crumbled feta. Finish with a homemade Greek yogurt dressing infused with lemon juice and fresh dill for a fresh, protein-packed meal ready in just 35 minutes.

The afternoon sun was slanting through my kitchen window when I first created this turkey burger salad bowl on a whim. I had ground turkey that needed using and a fridge full of farm stand vegetables from my Saturday morning haul. The combination was so refreshing and satisfying that it immediately became part of my regular rotation. That golden moment when the juicy burger meets crisp vegetables continues to bring me joy with every preparation.

My sister dropped by unexpectedly one summer evening as I was assembling these bowls, the kitchen filled with the aroma of sizzling turkey patties and fresh herbs. She raised an eyebrow at the deconstructed burgers but became an instant convert after her first bite. Now she texts me whenever she makes her own version, always with some creative twist that I end up borrowing for my next batch.

Ingredients

  • Ground turkey: The leaner protein base that absorbs all those wonderful seasonings while staying juicy if you dont overcook it.
  • Smoked paprika: This changed everything for my turkey patties, adding that subtle smoky depth that plain ground turkey sometimes lacks.
  • Greek yogurt: Creates a creamy, tangy dressing that feels indulgent without weighing down all those beautiful vegetables.
  • Fresh dill: Brings a bright, herbal note to the dressing that perfectly complements the earthiness of the turkey.
  • Avocado: Adds that buttery richness that makes each bite feel complete and satisfying.

Instructions

Mix your patties with a light hand:
Combine ground turkey with onion, garlic, paprika, oregano, salt and pepper just until integrated. The mixture should feel loose rather than compressed, which keeps the burgers tender.
Form and cook to perfection:
Divide into four equal patties and cook in a hot skillet with olive oil for about 5-6 minutes per side. Youll know theyre done when they reach that beautiful golden color and the internal temperature hits 165°F.
Whisk up your dressing:
In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, salt and pepper. The consistency should be pourable but still coat the back of a spoon.
Assemble your colorful bowls:
Layer the mixed greens as your base, then arrange tomato, cucumber, bell pepper and avocado around the edges. The visual appeal is half the experience.
Crown with protein and finish:
Slice each rested turkey patty and place atop the vegetables. Sprinkle with feta and drizzle that beautiful yogurt dressing just before serving.
Save
| simplestatekitchen.com

One Friday night, I served these bowls for an impromptu gathering on my patio. The conversation had lulled until everyone took their first bites, then suddenly the table came alive with appreciative murmurs. Someone asked for the recipe, someone else proposed we make it a monthly tradition. Food has this beautiful way of creating connection, and this simple deconstructed burger bowl somehow became our friendship cement that evening.

Meal Prep Magic

I discovered the true versatility of this recipe during a particularly chaotic work week. The patties can be formed and refrigerated a day ahead, the vegetables prepped and stored separately, and the dressing kept in a jar ready to shake and pour. When dinner time rolls around, I only need to cook the patties and assemble, turning a 35-minute recipe into a 15-minute lifesaver without sacrificing freshness.

Customization Corner

My kitchen motto has always been recipes are just suggestions, and this bowl embraces that philosophy beautifully. When bell peppers werent available, I substituted grated carrots for sweetness and crunch. During a dairy-free experiment, I swapped the yogurt dressing for a simple olive oil and lemon drizzle with extra herbs. Each variation taught me that the soul of this dish remains intact even as the details shift with necessity or whim.

Serving Suggestions

The beauty of these bowls lies in their complete meal status, but occasionally I like to elevate the experience with thoughtful accompaniments. A glass of chilled rosé transforms a weeknight dinner into something that feels celebratory, while sparkling water with cucumber slices keeps things refreshing on warmer evenings.

  • For heartier appetites, add a side of roasted sweet potato chunks tossed with the same spices used in the turkey patties.
  • Warm pita triangles or flatbread make excellent vehicles for scooping up any remaining dressing and vegetables.
  • For a lovely presentation touch, sprinkle with pomegranate seeds in winter or fresh corn kernels in summer.
A close-up of sliced turkey burger resting on a colorful salad bowl with avocado, red bell pepper, and crumbled feta cheese. Save
A close-up of sliced turkey burger resting on a colorful salad bowl with avocado, red bell pepper, and crumbled feta cheese. | simplestatekitchen.com

This turkey burger salad bowl represents everything I love about cooking - simple ingredients transformed into something that nourishes body and spirit. Its proof that healthy eating doesnt require sacrifice or complexity, just a bit of care and imagination.

Recipe FAQs

Cook the patties for 5-6 minutes per side over medium heat until they're golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) using a meat thermometer. This ensures they're juicy inside while safely cooked through.

Yes, prepare the dressing up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate in an airtight container. The flavors will develop and meld beautifully overnight. Give it a quick stir before drizzling over your salad.

Goat cheese, crumbled blue cheese, or crispy bacon bits all work wonderfully. For a dairy-free option, simply omit the cheese or use plant-based alternatives. Toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts add nice texture too.

Absolutely. Cook the turkey patties and prepare the dressing ahead. Store salad greens separately from wet ingredients, then assemble just before eating to keep everything fresh and crisp.

Yes, grilling works perfectly. Preheat your grill to medium heat and cook patties for 5-6 minutes per side. You'll get beautiful grill marks and a slightly smoky flavor that complements the salad nicely.

Try adding roasted sweet potatoes, sliced radishes, shredded carrots, or blanched broccoli florets. Roasted beets and artichoke hearts also add wonderful flavor and visual appeal to the bowl.

Pin
Juicy grilled turkey burger patties served over crisp salad greens with diced tomatoes, cucumber, and a creamy dill yogurt dressing.
Print

Turkey Burger Salad Bowl

Fresh salad bowl featuring turkey patties, mixed greens, vegetables, and zesty yogurt dressing for a satisfying meal.

Prep 20m
Cook 15m
Total 35m
Servings 4
Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

Turkey Patties

  • 1.1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 0.75 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking

Salad

  • 4 cups mixed salad greens
  • 1 large tomato, diced
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 small avocado, sliced
  • 0.33 cup crumbled feta cheese

Yogurt Dressing

  • 0.5 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1
Prepare Turkey Mixture: Combine ground turkey, chopped onion, minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt in a large bowl. Mix gently until ingredients are just incorporated, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
2
Form Patties: Divide the turkey mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a compact burger patty approximately 0.75 inch thick.
3
Cook Turkey Patties: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place patties in the skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer cooked patties to a plate and allow to rest.
4
Prepare Yogurt Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, fresh dill, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
5
Assemble Salad Bowls: Distribute mixed salad greens evenly among 4 serving bowls. Arrange diced tomato, sliced cucumber, sliced bell pepper, and sliced avocado over the greens in each bowl.
6
Add Turkey and Cheese: Slice each rested turkey patty into strips. Place sliced patty portions on top of the vegetables in each bowl. Sprinkle 0.33 cup crumbled feta cheese evenly across all servings.
7
Finish and Serve: Drizzle each bowl with yogurt dressing immediately before serving to maintain crispness of the greens.
Additional Information

Equipment Needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Skillet or grill pan
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories 345
Protein 31g
Carbs 9g
Fat 20g

Allergy Information

  • Contains dairy products including Greek yogurt and feta cheese
  • Risk of cross-contamination from packaged ingredients
  • Always verify ingredient labels for potential allergen exposure
Erin Wallace profile photo
Erin Wallace

Sharing easy, family-friendly recipes and kitchen hacks for everyday cooks.