Tired of sad, lonely veggie burgers at your summer cookouts? It’s time to level up! This recipe transforms a simple meatless patty into a gourmet experience. We’re talking sweet, smoky grilled red onions, a savory wilted spinach and garlic topping, and a generous crumble of tangy feta cheese. It’s the ultimate vegetarian burger that will have even the most dedicated carnivores asking for the recipe. Let’s get grilling!
Ingredients
• 2 medium red onions, cut into 1/2-inch or 1.25 cm slices
• 4 refrigerated or frozen meatless burger patties
• 1/4 cup or 60 ml bottled vinaigrette salad dressing
• 4 cups or 120 g fresh spinach leaves
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon or 15 ml olive oil
• 1/2 cup or 75 g crumbled feta cheese
• 4 hamburger buns, split and toasted
Instructions
1. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the onion slices on the grill rack directly over the heat. Grill for 15 to 20 minutes, turning once, until tender and slightly charred. During the last 8 to 10 minutes of cooking, add the burger patties to the grill, turning once halfway through, until heated through. Remove onions and patties from the grill and brush the warm onion slices with the vinaigrette dressing.
2. While the burgers grill, prepare the spinach topping. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and fresh spinach, and cook, stirring constantly, for about 30 seconds or until the spinach is just wilted. Remove the skillet from the heat and immediately stir in the crumbled feta cheese.
3. Assemble your burgers. Place the vinaigrette-brushed onion slices on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with a grilled veggie patty, a generous spoonful of the spinach and feta mixture, and finally, the top bun. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
• PER BURGER: 350 cal., 14 g total fat (4 g sat. fat), 17 mg chol., 920 mg sodium, 37 g carb., 7 g dietary fiber, 21 g protein.
Pro Tips
• Lightly oil your grill grates before preheating to prevent the onions and burger patties from sticking.
• For a different flavor profile, swap the feta cheese for crumbled goat cheese or a dairy-free feta alternative.
• For a simple dessert, grill slices of pineapple, peaches, or nectarines until caramelized and serve with a drizzle of honey or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this veggie burger recipe vegan
A: Absolutely! To make this recipe vegan, use your favorite plant-based burger patty, swap the feta for a dairy-free feta alternative, and choose vegan hamburger buns. Most vinaigrettes are vegan, but check the label to be sure.
Q: Is this vegetarian burger a good source of protein
A: Yes, this is a high-protein vegetarian meal. Each burger contains approximately 21 grams of protein, primarily from the meatless patty and feta cheese, making it a satisfying and filling option. The exact amount may vary based on the brand of patty you use.
Q: How can I store and reheat leftovers
A: For best results, store the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the patty and onions on the grill or in a skillet. The spinach topping is best made fresh, but can be gently reheated in a pan if necessary.
Q: What kind of veggie patty works best for grilling
A: A firm, store-bought veggie patty is ideal for grilling as it’s less likely to fall apart. Look for patties made from soy protein, mushrooms, or black beans that are specifically labeled as ‘grillable’ for the best texture and hold.
