If you are craving a burger that bursts with fresh, vibrant flavors and feels lighter yet incredibly satisfying, this Greek Turkey Burger with Tzatziki Recipe will become your new favorite. Juicy turkey patties infused with fragrant herbs and spices, paired with a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce, make every bite a delightful Mediterranean escape. Whether it’s a weekday dinner or weekend cookout, this recipe brings wholesome goodness and tantalizing tastes together in perfect harmony.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential for capturing the authentic flavors and textures that make this recipe shine. Each component plays a unique role in building a burger experience that’s juicy, herbaceous, and refreshingly creamy.
- Ground turkey (93% lean, 1½ lbs): Lean enough to keep the burger healthy yet moist when cooked properly.
- Red onion (¼ cup, finely chopped): Adds a subtle sharpness and crunch to the patties.
- Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, chopped): Brings bright, grassy notes that lift the meat’s flavor.
- Fresh dill (2 tbsp, chopped): A key Mediterranean herb that pairs beautifully with tzatziki and turkey.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Infuses the patties with a robust, savory depth.
- Dried oregano (1 tsp): Provides an earthy, warm undertone that’s classic in Greek cooking.
- Ground cumin (½ tsp): Adds a gentle warmth and complexity to the seasoning.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the patties.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp for cooking): For browning the patties with a subtle fruity richness.
- Greek yogurt (½ cup): The creamy base of the homemade tzatziki sauce.
- Cucumber (¼ cup, finely grated and drained): Brings cooling crunch and moisture to the sauce.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp for tzatziki): Adds silkiness and a fresh fruity note.
- Lemon juice (1 tbsp): Gives the tzatziki a lively citrus brightness.
- Garlic clove (1, minced for tzatziki): Adds a mild pungency to the sauce.
- Fresh dill (1 tbsp for tzatziki): Tie the sauce back to the herbaceous patties.
- Salt (to taste in tzatziki): Balances the flavors perfectly.
- Burger buns (4 whole wheat or brioche): Choose your favorite for texture and flavor contrast.
- Arugula or baby spinach (1 cup): Adds peppery greens that freshen each bite.
- Tomato (1, sliced): Juicy and slightly sweet, essential for a classic burger experience.
- Red onion (¼, thinly sliced): Adds a pleasant crunch and bite as a topping.
- Optional crumbled feta cheese: For an extra tangy, creamy layer that’s pure Greek magic.
How to Make Greek Turkey Burger with Tzatziki Recipe
Step 1: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
Begin by crafting the cooling tzatziki that will bring the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and herbal notes to your burger. In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt with the finely grated and drained cucumber, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped dill, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and refrigerate to allow the flavors to meld beautifully while you prepare the patties.
Step 2: Prepare and Season the Turkey Patties
In a large mixing bowl, tenderly combine the ground turkey with finely chopped red onion, fresh parsley, dill, garlic, dried oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix since that can make the burgers dense. Once the mix is combined, form it into 4 evenly sized patties for consistent cooking.
Step 3: Cook the Turkey Burgers
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and gently cook each turkey patty for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safe and perfectly juicy. This cooking method gives you a lovely golden crust while preserving moisture inside.
Step 4: Toast the Buns
Lightly toast the whole wheat or brioche buns in your skillet or oven. Toasting helps to add crunch and prevents the buns from becoming soggy when you add the juicy patties and tzatziki sauce.
Step 5: Assemble Your Greek Turkey Burger with Tzatziki Recipe
Spread a generous amount of the chilled tzatziki sauce on both halves of each toasted bun. Layer with a handful of fresh arugula or baby spinach, add the cooked turkey patty, then top with ripe tomato slices, thinly sliced red onion, and if you like, a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese. Cap it all with the top bun and get ready to savor this mouthwatering Greek-inspired feast.
How to Serve Greek Turkey Burger with Tzatziki Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like extra dill or parsley make exquisite garnishes that elevate the visual appeal and boost the herbaceous flavor profile. A few cucumber slices or a wedge of lemon on the side can also refresh the palate between bites. For those who love a little extra tang, a light drizzle of olive oil or a dusting of paprika adds a lovely finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This burger pairs wonderfully with Mediterranean-inspired sides: think crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with oregano and garlic, a light Greek salad with olives and tomatoes, or even grilled vegetables like zucchini and eggplant. For a healthier twist, serve it with a quinoa tabbouleh or a simple cucumber and tomato salad tossed in lemon dressing.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond the bun if you want to surprise your guests or enjoy a low-carb option—serve the turkey patties atop grilled portobello mushrooms or wrapped in large lettuce leaves for burger “lettuce cups.” Alternatively, turn the filling into sliders on mini buns for delightful party finger food. Layering the burger on a wooden board with scattered herbs and lemon wedges makes for an irresistible and rustic presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover turkey patties and tzatziki sauce in airtight containers and refrigerate. The patties remain moist and flavorful for up to 3 days, and the tzatziki will keep its bright, creamy freshness when covered well.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual turkey patties tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They will maintain quality for up to 3 months. Freeze the tzatziki separately in a small airtight container, but note its texture may change slightly upon thawing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh when possible.
Reheating
Reheat turkey patties gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 325°F until warm through, careful not to dry them out. Avoid microwaving to preserve juiciness. For the tzatziki, stir it well after thawing or just use fresh sauce for best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken will work just as well and yield a similarly tender and flavorful burger. Just keep an eye on cooking time, as it may vary slightly.
How can I make the tzatziki sauce thicker?
After grating the cucumber, make sure to squeeze out as much water as possible. Using Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt also helps create a thicker, creamier sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The turkey burger itself is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to select gluten-free buns or serve wrapped in lettuce if you want to keep the whole dish gluten-free.
Can I grill the burgers instead of using a skillet?
Yes! Grilling adds a wonderful smoky flavor and char. Just oil the grill grates well and cook the patties over medium heat until they reach the proper internal temperature.
What can I substitute for fresh dill if I don’t have any?
If fresh dill is unavailable, dried dill weed can be used, but use about one-third of the amount since it is more concentrated. Fresh parsley with a small pinch of dried dill can also work in a pinch.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Turkey Burger with Tzatziki Recipe is a true standout that brings together healthy ingredients and vibrant, Mediterranean flavors in a way that feels both fresh and indulgent. Whether you’re feeding family or entertaining friends, it’s a recipe that’s simple to make, joyful to eat, and sure to be requested again. Go ahead, give it a try and taste the magic for yourself!
Print
Greek Turkey Burger with Tzatziki Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A flavorful and healthy Greek Turkey Burger recipe served with homemade tzatziki sauce, fresh herbs, and crisp vegetables on toasted whole wheat or brioche buns. Perfect for a quick, nutritious weeknight dinner that combines Mediterranean flavors with lean protein.
Ingredients
For the Turkey Burgers
- 1½ lbs (680 g) ground turkey (93% lean)
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup cucumber, finely grated and drained
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- Salt, to taste
For Serving
- 4 whole wheat or brioche burger buns, toasted
- 1 cup arugula or baby spinach
- 1 tomato, sliced
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- Optional: crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Tzatziki Sauce: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, and salt to taste. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate to allow flavors to meld.
- Make Turkey Patties: In a large bowl, gently combine ground turkey with finely chopped red onion, parsley, dill, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Form the mixture into four equal-sized patties, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Cook Patties: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the turkey patties for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring they are fully cooked and juicy.
- Toast Buns: Lightly toast the burger buns either in the skillet or in the oven until golden brown to enhance texture and flavor.
- Assemble Burgers: Spread a generous amount of the prepared tzatziki sauce on both the top and bottom halves of each bun. Layer with arugula or baby spinach, the cooked turkey patty, sliced tomato, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese if desired. Close the burgers with the top bun and serve immediately.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the grated cucumber well to prevent a watery tzatziki sauce.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure turkey patties are cooked thoroughly to a safe internal temperature.
- Optional feta cheese adds a salty, creamy contrast but can be omitted for a lighter option.
- Can be served with a side of Greek salad or sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
- Ground turkey can be substituted with ground chicken if preferred.
