Mediterranean Patty Over Arugula & Roasted Tomatoes

There’s something magical about Mediterranean flavors—they’re bright without trying too hard, healthy without being boring, and they make you feel like you’re eating outside on a sunny patio even if you’re actually sitting at your kitchen counter doing homework. This dish is one of my go‑tos when I want something that feels fresh and grown‑up but still easy enough to pull together after a long day.

The star is a juicy hamburger patty mixed with spinach and herbs, which makes it taste lighter and way more interesting than a regular burger. Instead of a bun, it sits on a bed of peppery arugula with sweet roasted tomatoes that basically melt into the greens. It’s simple, colorful, and honestly kind of elegant for something that takes barely any effort.

This dish is honestly perfect when you want something that feels healthy but still cozy. The herbs make the patty taste bright, the tomatoes add sweetness, and the arugula keeps everything crisp and fresh. Plus, it looks like something you’d order at a café, which is always a bonus when you’re trying to convince your family that teenagers can cook real food.

Ingredients

For the Mediterranean Patties

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey if you want it lighter)

• 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

For the Salad Base

• 3 cups fresh arugula

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• Optional: squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of balsamic glaze

Directions

Roast the Tomatoes

• Preheat your oven to 400°F.

• Toss the cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

• Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 12–15 minutes, until they’re soft and starting to blister.

• (Your kitchen will smell amazing at this point.)

Make the Patties

• In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, chopped spinach, parsley, mint, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.

• Form the mixture into 4 patties.

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

• Cook the patties for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until they’re browned and cooked through.

• They’ll look super green inside at first because of the spinach—don’t panic, that’s the point.

Assemble the Plate

• Spread the arugula on a plate.

• Spoon the warm roasted tomatoes over the greens so they wilt just a little.

• Place a patty right on top.

• Finish with a squeeze of lemon or a tiny drizzle of balsamic if you want to feel extra fancy.