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These smashed turkey pitas combine bold flavors and vibrant textures in a light yet hearty meal. Juicy herb-packed ground turkey is smashed onto pillowy pita bread and seared meat-side down until crisp and browned, then topped with a bright orange-fennel salad in a tangy vinaigrette, adding crunch, sweetness and a refreshing contrast. A drizzle of herby tahini dressing pulls it all together. It’s a balanced and delicious dish with Mediterranean flair.
For the orange-fennel salad: Squeeze the juice from 1 orange half into a large bowl. Peel and dice the other half and add to the bowl. Toss in the feta, olives, mint, olive oil, parsley, capers, fennel bulb and fronds, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper until evenly combined. Set aside.
For the tahini dressing: Add the tahini, lemon juice, fennel fronds, mint, parsley, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, several grinds of pepper and 1 tablespoon water to a blender. Blend on high until smooth and bright green. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Set aside at room temperature until ready to serve.
For the turkey pita: Heat a large griddle or flat-top grill over medium heat.
Mix the turkey, parsley, coriander, dill, cumin, garlic, onion, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a large bowl until evenly combined. Divide the turkey mixture into 4 portions (about 1/2 cup each). Spread onto the pitas until almost reaching the edges, leaving about a 1/2-inch border on each.
Brush the olive oil over the griddle. Sear the turkey pitas turkey-side down, pressing occasionally with a spatula, until browned, about 4 minutes. Turn them over and continue to cook until the pitas are golden and crisp, about 2 minutes more.
Transfer the pitas to a platter and drizzle with the tahini dressing. Top evenly with the orange-fennel salad. Sprinkle with more feta. Garnish with fennel fronds.
Cook’s Note
You can also use the flat side of a cast-iron grill pan. When cooking the turkey pitas, use 1 tablespoon of the olive oil for each batch of 2 pitas.
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