Turkey Summer Sliders! That’s right, we’re bringing a taste of summer right to your kitchen with these delightful little bites of sunshine. Think tender turkey, vibrant veggies, and a burst of flavor all nestled in a soft slider bun. Reminds me of those carefree summer days in Italy, gathered with family and friends around a picnic table overflowing with delicious food.
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These Turkey Summer Sliders are inspired by those simple, happy moments, and we can’t wait to share this easy turkey sliders recipe with you. Perfect for a light lunch, a casual get together, or just a fun way to enjoy a little bit of summer any time of year.

Why You Will Love This Turkey Summer Sliders Recipe
Oh, you’re going to adore these sliders! First off, they are incredibly easy turkey sliders to throw together. We’re talking minimal prep time and maximum flavor. Lucia’s always saying, “Life’s too short to spend all day in the kitchen!” and these summer sandwich sliders are proof you don’t have to.
These Turkey Summer Sliders are not only delicious but also lighter and healthier than your average burger. Made with lean turkey, they’re a fantastic light lunch slider option that won’t weigh you down. Trust us, you’ll be reaching for seconds… maybe thirds. And we invite you to Follow us on Pinterest for even more delicious recipe inspiration!
Ingredients Needed for This Turkey Summer Sliders Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make these scrumptiously good Turkey Summer Sliders:
- For the Turkey Patties:
* 1 pound ground turkey
* 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (Lucia uses her homemade, of course!)
* 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
* Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Sliders:
* 12 slider buns
* 1/4 cup mayonnaise
* 2 tablespoons pesto
* 6 slices provolone cheese, halved
* 1 cup arugula
* 1/2 cup thinly sliced tomato
* 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
How to Make This Turkey Summer Sliders Recipe
Ready to get cooking? It’s easy peasy! Now, don’t forget to try our recipe for Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls for a sweet treat.
- 1. Prepare the Turkey Patties: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, chopped red onion, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- 2. Shape the Patties: Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions and shape each portion into a small patty, about 2 inches in diameter.
- 3. Cook the Patties: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the turkey patties for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and no longer pink inside. Teresa always says, a quick sear on each side helps seal in the juices.
- 4. Assemble the Sliders: While the patties are cooking, whisk together the mayonnaise and pesto in a small bowl. Spread this mixture evenly on the top and bottom halves of the slider buns.
- 5. Add Cheese: During the last minute of cooking, place a half-slice of provolone cheese on top of each patty and let it melt slightly.
- 6. Build the Sliders: Place the cheesy turkey patties on the bottom halves of the slider buns. Top with arugula, sliced tomato, and thinly sliced red onion.
- 7. Serve Immediately: Cover with the top halves of the slider buns and serve immediately. Watch those Turkey Summer Sliders disappear! It’s also a good opportunity to try our popular recipe for Cinnamon Roll Pancakes.
How to Serve This Turkey Summer Sliders Recipe
These Turkey Summer Sliders are perfect for a quick lunch, a summer barbecue, or even a fun appetizer for a party.
Serve them alongside a fresh salad or a bowl of crispy potato chips. If you’re feeling fancy, a small side of pasta salad would be divine. For toppings, consider adding a dollop of extra pesto or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra kick of flavor!
How to Store This Turkey Summer Sliders Recipe
If you have any leftover Turkey Summer Sliders (which is highly unlikely!), here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Refrigeration: Store assembled sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: We don’t recommend freezing assembled sliders, as the buns can become soggy. However, you can freeze the cooked turkey patties in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To reheat refrigerated sliders, wrap them in foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Remember, you can always prepare the toppings from the Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni And Cheese Balls as a side.
Tips to Make This Turkey Summer Sliders Recipe
Want to make sure your Turkey Summer Sliders are a smashing success? Here are a few of our favorite tips:
- Ingredient Swaps: Don’t have provolone cheese? Use mozzarella or fontina instead! You can also substitute ground chicken for ground turkey.
- Success Tips: Don’t overmix the turkey mixture. Overmixing will result in tough patties. Also, make sure your skillet is hot before adding the patties to get a nice sear.
- Common Mistakes to Avoid: Soggy buns can ruin the experience. If you’re not serving the sliders immediately, keep the wet ingredients (mayo/pesto mixture, tomato slices) separate until you’re ready to assemble.
- Pro Tips for Best Results: Toast the slider buns lightly before assembling to prevent them from getting soggy. This adds a lovely texture and flavor.
Helpful Notes for This Turkey Summer Sliders Recipe
A few extra tidbits to ensure success:
- For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Dijon mustard adds a lovely tang, but you can use your favorite mustard.
- Adjust the amount of Italian herbs to your liking.
- If you don’t have slider buns, you can use small dinner rolls instead.
Variation of This Turkey Summer Sliders Recipe
Want to mix things up a bit? Here are a few variations you can try:
- Seasonal Twists: In the fall, add a pinch of nutmeg to the turkey patties for a warm, cozy flavor. In the winter, use cranberries instead of tomatoes for a festive touch.
- Optional Versions: Add a slice of avocado for extra creaminess. Or, top with some caramelized onions for sweetness.
- Creative Modifications: Use a different type of cheese, like Swiss or Gouda. Add some grilled peppers or zucchini for a veggie boost.
What kind of turkey is best for Turkey Summer Sliders?
You can use deli sliced turkey, ground turkey formed into patties, or even leftover roasted turkey. Choose a lean turkey option for a healthier slider.
What are some good toppings for Turkey Summer Sliders?
Popular toppings include lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, cheese, avocado, and various sauces like mayonnaise, mustard, or a special slider sauce. Get creative with flavors that complement the turkey.
Can I make Turkey Summer Sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the sliders ahead of time, but it’s best to add any sauces or toppings that might make the buns soggy just before serving. This will keep them fresh and delicious.
What are some side dish ideas to serve with Turkey Summer Sliders?
Great sides include potato salad, coleslaw, fruit salad, corn on the cob, or a simple green salad. These light and refreshing options pair well with the sliders.
How can I make my Turkey Summer Sliders healthier?
Use whole wheat slider buns, lean turkey, low-fat mayonnaise, and load up on fresh vegetables. You can also use avocado instead of mayonnaise for a healthier fat option.
Conclusion
So there you have it, our easy peasy recipe for Turkey Summer Sliders! We hope you enjoy making and sharing these little bites of sunshine as much as we do. They’re perfect to bring those summer flavors to mind. Give these Turkey Summer Sliders a try, and let us know what you think in the comments below! Buon appetito!
Turkey Summer Sliders: The Easiest Light Lunch Recipe EVER
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
Description
Delicious and easy Turkey Summer Sliders recipe, perfect for light lunches, parties, and summer barbecues. Tender turkey patties, fresh veggies, and a flavorful pesto mayo come together in these delicious slider buns.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 slider buns
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons pesto
- 6 slices provolone cheese, halved
- 1 cup arugula
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced tomato
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, chopped red onion, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions and shape each portion into a small patty, about 2 inches in diameter.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the turkey patties for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- While the patties are cooking, whisk together the mayonnaise and pesto in a small bowl. Spread this mixture evenly on the top and bottom halves of the slider buns.
- During the last minute of cooking, place a half-slice of provolone cheese on top of each patty and let it melt slightly.
- Place the cheesy turkey patties on the bottom halves of the slider buns. Top with arugula, sliced tomato, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Cover with the top halves of the slider buns and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: turkey sliders, summer sliders, sandwich sliders, easy recipe, light lunch
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