Who doesn't love a good turkey burger party? They're juicy, satisfying, and we can pile on toppings galore, made from ground turkey (a lean poultry meat).
But what do we serve on the side? That's the million-dollar question, my friends.
We need sides that can keep up with the strong flavors of our turkey burgers without getting lost in the mix.
Remember those classic summer barbecues? We were always torn between potato salad and baked beans.
Spoiler alert: it doesn't have to be so complicated!
So, let's chat about the best side dishes to pair with turkey burgers and make our meals even better.
Top 13 Side Dishes for Turkey Burgers
Here are our top picks for the perfect pairing with your juicy turkey burgers:
1 - Sweet Potato Wedges
Sweet potato wedges are a tasty twist on regular fries (sweet potatoes are a starchy root vegetable). They offer a slightly sweet flavour that pairs well with turkey burgers.
We can bake or fry these wedges for a crispy finish. Watch the cook time-we want them tender, not mushy.
Toss them with your favourite spices or herbs to kick things up a notch.
Serving them with a dip is smart; try sweet potato soup side ideas.
Plus, everyone likes mixing it up with great dipping options.
2 - Quinoa and Arugula Salad
Quinoa and arugula salad? Sounds fancy, right?
This dish is light and super easy to whip up. Quinoa brings a nutty vibe and is a complete protein.
Arugula adds a peppery kick; pair it with arugula salad side ideas.
We can throw in some cherry tomatoes and feta for extra oomph.
Drizzle with a nice lemon vinaigrette, and we're golden. It's refreshing and won't steal the spotlight from our turkey burger.
Perfect for a summer BBQ or a quick weeknight meal. Easy to make more bright with fresh herbs.
3 - Zucchini Fries
Zucchini fries? Let's chat.
They're a crispier alternative to regular fries (lower in starch and calories than potatoes).
We can bake or fry them, but baking is usually less messy. Season them with salt and pepper.
Parmesan makes them fancy.
Dipping sauce is essential. Ranch or marinara works well.
Kids think they're getting a treat.
Slice them thin. Thin is key. They can turn mushy if we don't watch the time.
Zucchini fries are a low-carb win. We keep our meals light and zesty.
4 - Grilled Corn Salad
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Grilled corn salad? This is the side we didn't know we needed.
Fresh corn gives us sweetness (Zea mays). Grilling brings out a smoky flavour.
Toss in some lime juice for a zesty kick.
We can sprinkle cilantro on top. It adds freshness and a pop of colour.
Mix in diced red onion for crunch. It liven things up a bit.
This dish shines at summer barbecues and pairs nicely with grilled salmon side ideas.
Just keep it cool until serving!
5 - Avocado and Mango Salsa
Grilled corn salad is like summer on a plate. It's fresh and super simple.
We grill corn to caramelize it. The smoky flavour hits.
Toss in lime juice for brightness.
Get some cilantro in there for colour. Diced red onion adds crunch (and a sharp, slightly sweet bite).
This salad cools us down at BBQs. Batch-making is easy.
Keep it chilled before serving.
We can make it our own with extra toppings; it also pairs well with mango salsa chicken side ideas.
6 - Parmesan Garlic Roasted Cauliflower
Cauliflower is like that friend who tags along everywhere and surprisingly fits in.
Parmesan garlic roasted cauliflower is super versatile. We can serve it as a side or a snack.
Toss the florets with olive oil, garlic, and parmesan (use about 1-2 tablespoon olive oil per 1 lb cauliflower). Get that golden crispiness by roasting it.
It's all about the texture.
We can tweak the seasoning too. A bit of paprika or chili flakes adds zing.
This dish pairs well with eggplant parmesan side ideas.
7 - Cucumber Feta Salad
Cucumber feta salad brings a crunch like a refreshing breeze. It's cool and quick to whip up.
We simply chop cucumbers and crumble the feta (traditionally a briny sheep's milk cheese). Toss in some olive oil and lemon juice for zing.
Herbs add a nice touch. Fresh dill or parsley really shine.
Let it sit for a few minutes to mingle.
This salad is a great way to use up garden cucumbers. Perfect alongside burgers or grilled meats.
It's light and adds a nice contrast.
8 - Sriracha Coleslaw
Sriracha coleslaw is like the cool kid at the picnic.
It's crunchy and spicy, adding flair to any plate.
We mix cabbage with creamy dressing and swirl in Sriracha for heat (start with about 1 teaspoon Sriracha per cup of dressing).
This side hits the spot and pairs awesome with turkey burgers.
Chill it beforehand for maximum crispness. Easy to prep ahead of time.
Feel free to adjust the spice level-more hot sauce for the brave or less for a mellow vibe.
Also, shredded carrots add sweetness, so toss some in for balance.
9 - Grilled Pineapple Rings
Grilled pineapple rings add a sweet twist to any meal.
They bring a tropical vibe we can't resist (pineapple is high in vitamin C).
These rings caramelize on the grill. It's all about that smoky flavor.
We can slice fresh pineapples or use canned ones. Fresh is a treat, but canned works too.
A sprinkle of brown sugar or cinnamon boosts the sweetness.
Pair them with our turkey burgers for a fun contrast.
They also shine on skewers with shrimp. Grilled pineapple may surprise us, but in the best way.
10 - Baked Parmesan Brussels Sprouts
Baked parmesan brussels sprouts? Oh, they're not just for fancy places anymore.
They're crispy, cheesy, and a great change from traditional veggies.
We toss them with olive oil, salt, and parmesan before baking (about 1 tablespoon olive oil per 1 lb sprouts). That's the secret to perfect crunch.
Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. These sprouts can hold their own against any dish.
Add herbs or spices for a twist. Kids might be tricked into eating greens.
It's a win-win situation.
11 - Broccoli Slaw
Broccoli slaw? It's like a salad that doesn't take itself too seriously.
We're trading traditional lettuce for crunchy broccoli (rich in vitamin C and fiber). This gives a nice bite and some extra nutrients.
A mix of shredded carrots adds colour and sweetness. Toss everything with a zesty dressing.
Chill it for a crisp finish. It pairs well with burgers or on its own.
Leftovers are even better the next day. It's one of those dishes that gets along with everything.
Just keep it bright and fresh.
12 - Roasted Red Pepper Hummus with Veggies
Roasted red pepper hummus with veggies? It's a fun twist on the usual dip.
Creamy and flavourful, this dish brings zing to our snack times. We can easily scoop it up with crunchy carrots, cucumbers, or pita chips.
The roasted peppers add sweetness (roasted red peppers, Capsicum annuum). We can adjust garlic for extra kick or smoothness.
Hummus also doubles as a sandwich spread. Perfect for quick lunches or picnic bites.
Prep ahead of time. It tastes even better after sitting a while.
13 - Lemon Herb Couscous
Couscous is like the little sibling of pasta. It's light and fluffy, a nice change from heavier sides.
Making lemon herb couscous is simple. We just boil water and toss in the couscous (use a 1:1.5 water-to-couscous ratio for quick-cooking couscous).
Add lemon juice and fresh herbs for zing. It takes no time and is super versatile.
Serving it warm is great, but it's also refreshing cold.
We can switch up the herbs based on what we have. Mint or parsley both work well.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
