Heart-Healthy Bifteki

Savor the flavors of the Mediterranean with this Heart-Healthy Bifteki recipe, a nutritious twist on a classic Greek favorite. Made with lean ground turkey, aromatic herbs like fresh parsley and mint, and tangy low-fat feta cheese, these flavorful patties are both wholesome and satisfying. Nestled in warm whole-grain pita bread and topped with crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, and refreshing cucumber slices, this dish delivers a delicious balance of texture and taste. The star of the meal? A creamy homemade tzatziki sauce, crafted with protein-packed Greek yogurt, fresh dill, and a hint of zesty lemon. Ready in just 40 minutes, this low-fat, high-protein meal is perfect for those seeking a heart-healthy option without sacrificing bold, savory flavors. Great for weeknight dinners or lunch on the go!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 16 oz Lean ground turkey
• 0.5 cup Whole wheat bread crumbs
• 0.5 cup Low-fat feta cheese, crumbled
• 0.5 cup Red onion, finely chopped
• 2 Garlic cloves, minced
• 0.25 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.25 cup Fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1 tsp Dried oregano
• 2 tsp Olive oil
• 1 tsp Lemon zest
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 0.25 tsp Ground black pepper
• 4 Whole grain pita bread
• 1 cup Romaine lettuce, shredded
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 Cucumber, sliced
• 1 cup Plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp Lemon juice
• 0.5 cup Cucumber, finely grated and excess moisture removed
• 1 tbsp Dill, chopped
• 1 Garlic clove, minced

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, feta cheese, chopped red onion, minced garlic, parsley, mint, oregano, olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 2

Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each one into an oval patty about 1 inch thick.

Step 3

Preheat a non-stick grill pan or a skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease with a drop of olive oil if necessary.

Step 4

Cook the bifteki patties for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 5

While the bifteki patties are cooking, prepare the tzatziki sauce by combining the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, grated cucumber, dill, and minced garlic in a bowl. Mix well and set aside.

Step 6

Warm the whole grain pita bread slightly in a toaster or on the grill.

Step 7

Assemble each serving by placing a bifteki patty on a warm pita, atop a bed of shredded lettuce. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce over the top.

Step 8

Fold the pita around the bifteki and vegetables, or serve open-faced. Enjoy your delicious heart-healthy meal!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1857.8 grams (1857.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2608

Total Fat 98.30g	126%
Saturated Fat 30.90g	155%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.80g
Cholesterol 413mg	138%
Sodium 5142mg	224%
Total Carbohydrate 276.50g	101%
Dietary Fiber 38.50g	138%
Total Sugars 41.50g
Protein 189.70g	379%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1646mg	127%
Iron 30mg	168%
Potassium 4155mg	88%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 32.2%

Protein: 27.6%

Carbs: 40.2%