What to Eat with Turkey Burgers for a Healthy Meal

Turkey burgers are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers. With less fat and calories than beef turkey burgers make a great option for a meal that is satisfying but doesn’t compromise your health goals.

When building your healthy turkey burger meal, the sides you choose are just as important as the burger itself. The right sides can pack extra nutrition and flavors into your plate without adding many calories.

Here are some of the best sides to enjoy with turkey burgers for a well-rounded. healthy meal

Salads

Salads are a no-brainer for any healthy meal They provide a hefty serving of vegetables along with other nutritious ingredients like beans, nuts, seeds, and whole grains With the right dressing, salads can be very filling too.

Some great salad options for turkey burgers include:

• Caesar Salad: Romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, croutons, and a light Caesar dressing.

• Greek Salad: Romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a red wine vinaigrette.

• Broccoli Raisin Salad: Broccoli florets, raisins, red onion, sunflower seeds, and a sweet poppyseed dressing.

• Kale and Quinoa Salad: Kale, quinoa, dried cranberries, walnuts, and a lemon vinaigrette.

• Asian Chicken Salad: Romaine lettuce, shredded chicken, mandarin oranges, toasted almonds, chow mein noodles, and an Asian sesame dressing.

Vegetables

roasted or grilled veggies are an easy way to add nutrients and flavors. Some great options include:

• Oven Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Diced sweet potatoes tossed in olive oil, salt, and pepper then roasted until tender.

• Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, red peppers, yellow squash, and red onion grilled until charred and tender.

• Sauteed Spinach: Fresh spinach quickly sauteed with olive oil and garlic.

• Blistered Green Beans: Green beans blistered in a skillet with olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes.

• Honey Glazed Carrots: Carrots roasted with a bit of honey, butter, and thyme.

Grains

Whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and farro make excellent plant-based sides. You can enjoy them plain, seasoned, or mixed into a salad. Some examples:

• Quinoa Tabouli: Quinoa, tomatoes, cucumber, parsley, lemon juice, and olive oil.

• Wheat Berry Pilaf: Wheat berries cooked with veggie stock and mixed with sauteed onions and herbs.

• Cilantro Lime Brown Rice: Brown rice cooked in cilantro lime broth.

• Barley Risotto: Barley cooked risotto-style with veggie broth and parmesan.

• Farro Caprese: Farro tossed with tomatoes, basil, and balsamic vinegar.

Slaws and Tangy Sides

For something refreshing, try a tangy slaw, bean salad, or pasta salad on the side. Some ideas:

• Apple Cabbage Slaw: Shredded cabbage and apples tossed in a creamy yogurt dressing.

• White Bean Salad: White beans, tomatoes, red onion, fresh herbs, olive oil, and red wine vinegar.

• Pesto Pasta Salad: Fusilli, cherry tomatoes, spinach, fresh mozzarella, and pesto.

• Greek Three Bean Salad: Chickpeas, kidney beans, green beans, red onion, olives, feta, and red wine vinegar.

• Curried Chickpea Salad: Chickpeas, golden raisins, almonds, red onion, cilantro, and a curried yogurt dressing.

Vegetarian Protein Sources

For extra protein and nutrition, add some plant-based protein foods like beans, tofu, tempeh, nuts or seeds. Some options:

• Edamame Succotash: Sauteed corn, edamame, red bell peppers, and scallions.

• Hummus and Veggies: Carrot sticks, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips served with hummus.

• Baked Tofu: Marinated and baked tofu cubes.

• Spicy Black Beans: Black beans sauteed with salsa and served over brown rice.

• Lemon-Herb Tempeh: Marinated, baked tempeh served over mixed greens.

Oven Fries

When you need something crispy, oven-baked fries are a healthier alternative to deep fried. Sweet potato fries are especially delicious. Simply slice potatoes, toss with oil, and bake until crisped. Herby seasonings like rosemary or thyme add extra flavor.

Fresh Fruit

Don’t forget fruit on the side! Grapes, melon, berries, and citrus fruits like oranges or grapefruit make the perfect light, sweet accompaniment to a savory turkey burger. The natural sugars and vitamin C round out the meal.

Healthy Fats

Adding some healthy fats keeps the meal satisfying and aids nutrient absorption. Good options include:

• A drizzle of olive oil over cooked veggies or grains.

• Nuts or seeds sprinkled on a salad.

• Sliced avocado on the burger or salad.

• Nut butter with apple slices.

With endless combinations of nutritious ingredients, it’s easy to create healthy, well-balanced meals featuring turkey burgers. Use the ideas here to up your nutrition and enjoyment!