Sliders have become a popular appetizer at restaurants or a perfect snack for a party. They’re usually filled with delicious ingredients, are the perfect portion size and super convenient to eat by hand. The problem with sliders is that the ingredients may not necessarily be the healthiest options. Some slider recipes call for cuts of fatty meat, or meat that is loaded with seasonings, or pieces of cold cuts that are full of sodium or preservatives.
I decided to take a closer look at sliders and came up with a way to make them delicious and healthier. I took away all the fatty cuts of meat and created a turkey patty that is packed with flavor and protein. Placing the onion in the food processor is a quick trick to keeping these turkey patties moist while giving them an extra boost of flavor.
Try your favorite toppings or add extra vegetables on top. You can even use lettuce leaves instead of a bun for extra flavor or crunch. These sliders are great plain, but try mixing and matching different toppings to elevate the flavor. The possibilities are endless!
Healthy Sliders
Makes 12 sliders
- 1 small yellow onion
- 1 pound ground lean turkey
- ¾ cup chopped cilantro or parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon fresh black pepper
- Peel and slice the onion into quarters. Place the onion quarters in a food processor or blender and pulse until the onion is finely chopped and released some of its liquid.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, onion, cilantro, salt, garlic powder and black pepper until combined.
- Using your hands, take about ¼ cup of the turkey mixture and form a small, round patty. Do not over mix. Make a tiny dimple in the center of each patty.
- Cook the patties any of the following ways:
- On grill over medium heat and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat until the patties are cooked, about 5 minutes each side.
- In a preheated oven at 350F for about 25 minutes until the patties are cooked through.
- Assemble the sliders while warm on crisp lettuce leaves or on small slider rolls. Top with your favorite vegetables or spreads.
Featured photo by Alice Pasqual