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Summer Turkey Patties with Mediterranean Veggies are perfect for anyone craving a colorful twist on the usual burger night. I’ll never forget that one summer afternoon when I wanted to try something different from our typical weekend burgers. My kids were asking for variety, and I was yearning for a dish that felt fresh and light. That’s when the idea for turkey patties with zucchini, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs blossomed in my mind.
I’d seen delicious Provençal-style veggies—bright tomatoes, onions, zucchini, and potatoes—tossed in olive oil and garlic. Pairing them with lean turkey made so much sense. The result? Juicy patties cooked alongside these Mediterranean flavors, creating a meal that’s as healthy as it is satisfying. My family gave it two thumbs up, especially when they realized how comforting yet light it turned out.
Whether you’re looking for a quick turkey patty recipe on a busy Tuesday or a simple alternative to heavy burgers, Summer Turkey Patties with Mediterranean Veggies will fit right in. Keep reading for a brand-new dish that balances flavor, ease, and health in every bite.
Ingredients: Keeping Things Simple
I love that this recipe calls for ingredients I usually have on hand. Here’s what you need:
Turkey Patties
- 1 pound ground turkey (try 93% lean for a good balance of moisture)
- 1 egg (helps bind the patties)
- 3 tablespoons seasoned breadcrumbs (adds flavor and texture)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon ground thyme (for a mild herbal note)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing; you can add more if needed)
Vegetables Provençal
- 1 medium onion, sliced into rounds
- 28 ounces diced tomatoes, drained slightly (fresh or canned, but I prefer canned for convenience)
- 2 small zucchini, cut into half-inch rounds
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (or 2 small fresh cloves)
- Salt to taste (somewhere between ½–1 teaspoon)
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme (similar flavor to the patties for consistency)
- 16 ounces canned sliced potatoes, drained (or use parboiled fresh potatoes)
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley (for garnish)
That’s it—simple ground turkey recipes don’t need a huge list of fancy items. And if you have leftover fresh herbs, feel free to toss them in, too.
Cooking Instructions (Step by Step)
1. Combine the Patty Mixture
In a medium bowl, add your ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and ground thyme. Mix gently with your hands or a fork. Avoid pressing or squeezing too hard; you just want everything combined.
2. Shape and Sear
Form the mixture into patties—usually 6 or so, but you can make them larger or smaller depending on your preference. Warm 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the patties in the pan, leaving a bit of space between each. Cook for about 3 minutes on each side, or until golden. Remove the patties and set them aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Onion
If needed, add a dash more oil to the skillet. Drop in your onion slices and cook for about 3 minutes. You want them lightly brown, not fully caramelized.
4. Build the Provençal Base
Stir in the diced tomatoes, zucchini rounds, minced garlic, salt, and thyme. Lower the heat slightly. Cover the pan, and let everything simmer for 8–10 minutes. This time allows the zucchini to soften and the flavors to blend.
5. Incorporate the Potatoes and Patties
Add the sliced potatoes, stirring gently. Then lay your cooked patties on top of the veggies. Cover the skillet again and cook for another 3–5 minutes so the patties absorb some of that savory sauce and everything heats through.
6. Garnish and Serve
Right before you plate this up, sprinkle in dried parsley or any fresh herbs you like. That pop of color can make your entire dish look bright and appetizing. Serve hot, and enjoy!
Why These Patties Are Amazing
- High-Protein Meal: Ground turkey is packed with protein, which is great for energy.
- Family-Friendly Turkey Dish: Kids usually love turkey’s mild flavor, and the bright veggies can be cut into smaller pieces if needed.
- Low-Fat Dinner Ideas: Turkey tends to have fewer calories and less fat than many beef options.
- Quick Turkey Patty Recipe: You can have dinner on the table in around 30 minutes, which is a gift on busy nights.
- Healthy Comfort Food: There’s something soothing about a warm skillet meal, yet it doesn’t feel too heavy.
I see this dish as a perfect blend of cozy and refreshing. It works whether you’re watching your diet, cooking for picky eaters, or just want an effortless dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Crusty Bread: A slice of whole-grain bread or a classic baguette can mop up the tomato juices.
- Salad Greens: Serve alongside a bright salad to add more crunchy elements.
- Bun-Style: Turn these patties into a burger by nestling them in whole-wheat buns with some extra sauce on top. You can call it an Italian turkey burger recipe for those craving a handheld meal.
If you’re on a tighter meal plan, you can skip the bread entirely and pair it with a small side of quinoa or brown rice. Or just eat it as-is since you already have zucchini and tomato plus potatoes in there.
Summer Turkey Patties with Mediterranean Veggies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Mains
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A light and flavorful summer meal, these turkey patties are pan-seared and served with Mediterranean veggies like zucchini, tomatoes, onions, and potatoes. Perfect for a quick, healthy dinner in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
Turkey Patties
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons Italian seasoned bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Mediterranean Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, sliced into rounds
- 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes, drained slightly
- 2 small zucchini, cut into half-inch rounds
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- 16 ounces canned sliced potatoes, drained
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and thyme until combined. Shape into 6-8 patties.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Add onions to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, zucchini, garlic, salt, and thyme. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes until the zucchini softens.
- Add sliced potatoes, stirring gently. Place the cooked turkey patties on top of the vegetables. Cover and let everything warm for 3-5 minutes.
- Sprinkle with dried parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For a low-carb version, swap potatoes with cauliflower.
- Fresh tomatoes can be used instead of canned for a fresher taste.
- Try grilling the patties for a smoky summer twist!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 turkey patty with vegetables
- Calories: 226 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: summer turkey patties, Mediterranean turkey burger, healthy turkey patties, zucchini and turkey skillet, quick turkey patty recipe
FAQ
Because this dish is unique, I’ve put together some common questions and answers to guide you:
Yes, you can. Just shape your best ever turkey burgers, place them on a preheated grill, and cook each side for around 3–4 minutes. Make sure they reach 165°F inside. Then, you can sauté the Provençal vegetables in a separate skillet or a grill-safe pan right alongside them. It’s a fun way to turn this into an easy summer grilling recipe.
Swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or a little almond flour. The rest of the dish—tomatoes, onions, zucchini, potatoes, and turkey—should be naturally gluten-free as long as your seasonings are certified GF. That way, you still have a turkey patties protein meal, but with no gluten triggers.
Absolutely, especially if you season it properly. A small amount of salt, garlic, thyme, or a favorite turkey burger seasoning can bring out fantastic flavor. The veggies in the pan also soak the patties in a warm, garlicky sauce. Some folks even call these best italian turkey patties because of the subtle herbs that give them a classic Italian flair.
You can. Brown your patties, cook the veggies, and store them separately in airtight containers. When you’re ready to eat, warm everything in a skillet. If you need to freeze them, place the raw or cooked patties in a freezer-safe bag and label them. For the vegetables, you can freeze them too, but the texture might soften after thawing. This is why some prefer to freeze the turkey patties alone and make fresh veggies later.
They generally have fewer calories and less saturated fat, which is why many folks consider them a healthy turkey burger option. Each patty is still high in protein. If you compare it to certain 80% lean ground beef, turkey could be a leaner choice, especially for heart health and weight management. That’s why I often put it at the top of my “healthy comfort food” list.
No worries. You can use fresh potatoes. Just peel, cut into small chunks, and parboil them until almost fork-tender (roughly 10 minutes). Drain and then proceed as written. You can also skip the potatoes for a low-carb turkey recipes approach. The dish still tastes great with just zucchini, tomatoes, and onions.
Storage Tips and Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the skillet cool, then store everything in sealed containers. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently on the stove or in the microwave. The flavors often deepen by the next day.
If you ever make a giant batch and want to freeze some patties, place them on a parchment-lined tray so they don’t stick. Move them into a freezer bag once they’re solid. They can hang out in your freezer for 2–3 months. Thaw them in the fridge the day before you plan to cook or reheat.
Similar Recipes You Might Like
Some nights, you might feel like rotating your protein choices. Here are a few suggestions that blend convenience with flavor. They’re part of my collection of healthy family meals:
- Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta – Quick & Easy Dinner
This is a dream for pasta lovers. Everything simmers on the stovetop, so you skip the oven hassle. - Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken – Easy & Flavorful
If you prefer tossing ingredients in a slow cooker, this tender chicken dish might be your go-to. - Chicken Asparagus Pasta – Easy & Tasty Dinner Recipe
Another easy dinner that sneaks in more greens, perfect when asparagus is in season. - Chicken Power Bowl with Roasted Veggies – Healthy & Easy
Build your own power bowl with lean chicken and vibrant roasted vegetables. It’s ideal for meal prep, too.
These dishes share a common goal: get dinner on the table fast, while still giving your family something nutritious and tasty.
Social Sharing and Saving for Later
Cooking is more fun when we do it together or share ideas. If you whip up these summer turkey patties and love them, I’d be thrilled if you spread the word! Here are two easy ways to share:
- Healthy Turkey Patties with Mediterranean Veggies – Easy & Delicious!
- Easy Turkey Patties with Mediterranean Veggies – Healthy & Delicious!
Pin one (or both!) to your favorite low-calorie summer meal board. You can also share your finished plate on social media so your friends know you’ve got a fresh meal idea in your back pocket. Tag me so I can see how yours turned out!
Could This Dish Work for Big Gatherings?
Yes, you can easily scale it up. Double or triple the turkey mixture and spread the cooking across two skillets if needed. For the vegetables, you can cook them in a large pot or Dutch oven. Keeping everything warm might be a little trickier, but as long as you plan your timing, you can feed a crowd with minimal stress.
If you plan on a potluck, you can keep the patties and sauce in a covered dish or in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting. People might see “turkey patties with zucchini and tomatoes” and think it’s fancy, but it’s still approachable. When guests learn that it’s also lower in fat and calories, they usually pile it onto their plates without hesitation.
Trying Different Seasonings
Italian turkey patties recipe typically calls for herbs like oregano or basil. Here, we went with thyme and parsley to keep it in line with Provençal vibes. But you can definitely try a blend like Italian seasoning if that’s on hand. Or explore something with a smoky kick by adding paprika or chipotle powder. Think of this recipe as a blank canvas—start with the basics, then season to match your family’s tastes.
Related Recipes to Explore
If you love easy dinners that pack a flavor punch, you might also want to check out:
- Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta – Quick & Easy Dinner
Perfect for those nights you crave pasta but don’t want a complicated recipe. - Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken – Easy & Flavorful
Let your slow cooker do the work for a sweet, savory outcome that kids adore. - Chicken Asparagus Pasta – Easy & Tasty Dinner Recipe
A bright and fresh combo, especially when asparagus is in season. - Chicken Power Bowl with Roasted Veggies – Healthy & Easy
Mix and match your favorite vegetables and grains for a custom meal bowl.
Sometimes, all we need is a little “nudge” toward mealtime inspiration. These dishes fit well with the same theme of convenience, flavor, and family appeal.
Give It a Try and Share
Cooking can be a joyful way to bring people together. If you decide to make these Italian Ground Turkey Patties With Vegetables Provençal, I’d love to hear how it went. Maybe post your version on social media or pin it for later. I’ve included two pins below if you’d like a quick way to save it for the future:
- Healthy Turkey Patties with Mediterranean Veggies – Easy & Delicious!
- Easy Turkey Patties with Mediterranean Veggies – Healthy & Delicious!
Feel free to drop a comment on the blog or send me a picture of your plate. Hearing your success stories makes my day. It also helps others see they can pull this off, even if they’re new to cooking.