Heart-Healthy Summer Recipe: Terrific Turkey Burgers

Switching to turkey is an easy, low-sodium alternative to beef that tastes just as great. Give this twist on a turkey burger a try for your next gathering!

a turkey burger on a bun with lettuce and tomato

Updated June 25, 2026

By Adi Ganz, MD, Cardiologist, Virtua Cardiology

Let's just clear the air: turkey burgers, historically, ain't it. They're often dry, flavorless, mushy circles of meat that fall apart the second you bite into them. If a traditional burger is like that one friend who's fun to hang out with but isn't exactly the best influence, a turkey burger is your gym buddy who insists on 6 a.m. yoga classes and will judge you for ordering fries at brunch.

But here's the thing...with the right seasonings, toppings, and cooking techniques, turkey burgers can have their day in the sun. In fact, we dare say that this turkey burger can stack up to any of its beef besties and even give them a run for their money.

And best yet, these burgers have less saturated fat, which is associated with better heart health. And fewer fats also mean fewer calories, so turkey burgers can help you cut back if you're looking to manage your weight. Plus, turkey is packed with nutrients like selenium, which supports immunity and thyroid health, and B vitamins (especially B6 and B12) that play a role in energy production and brain function.

So feel free to gobble gobble this burger with confidence!

Terrific Turkey Burgers

Ingredients:

1 lb ground turkey
1 package (10 oz) frozen spinach
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons pepper
2 teaspoons garlic powder
Provolone cheese to melt

Directions:

Take turkey out of package and place in mixing bowl, add seasonings and olive oil, and mix together.
Defrost package of spinach until warm, wringing out any excess water. Once thawed, add spinach to turkey mixture and mix again.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and bake for 12 minutes, 6 minutes on each side, (or until almost cooked all the way through). These can also be put on the grill for a charred smoky flavor. Once there’s about 2 minutes left, add slice of provolone and cook until melted.
Take out of oven, or off of grill, and enjoy!

Estimated Nutrition Value (per burger):

Calories: 270
Protein: 28g
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Monounsaturated Fat: 5g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 0g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 700mg
Vitamin B6: 40% DV
Vitamin B12: 35% DV
Selenium: 55% DV
Iron: 10% DV
Calcium: 15% DV

Note: This estimate does not include a bun or additional toppings like guacamole, lettuce, tomato, or red onion.

Don't put your heart health on the back burner.

Looking for more heart-healthy tips and recipes? Visit Virtua Cardiology to learn how you can protect your heart and enjoy a healthier lifestyle. Schedule a consultation with our expert cardiologists and get personalized care tailored to your heart health needs.