The Greek Turkey Burger with Tzatziki Recipe brings together the bright, fresh flavors of the Mediterranean in a juicy, wholesome burger that’s perfect for any weeknight or weekend gathering. This recipe perfectly balances succulent turkey patties seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices alongside a cool, creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. Every bite delivers a harmony of textures—from the crisp onions and fresh greens to the tender, flavorful turkey—making it a standout dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet pack incredible flavor and texture, each contributing to what makes this Greek Turkey Burger with Tzatziki Recipe so irresistible. From fresh herbs to simple spices and wholesome buns, everything plays its part to create a well-rounded meal.
- Ground turkey (1½ lbs, 93% lean): The lean protein base that keeps the burgers juicy without heaviness.
- Red onion (¼ cup, finely chopped): Adds a sharp, sweet bite that brightens the patties.
- Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, chopped): Brings a burst of herbaceous freshness.
- Fresh dill (2 tbsp, chopped plus 1 tbsp for tzatziki): The quintessential herb giving the burger and sauce that authentic Greek flavor.
- Garlic cloves (3 total, minced): Provides savory depth, enhancing both patties and tzatziki.
- Dried oregano (1 tsp): Adds warmth and earthiness to the turkey mixture.
- Ground cumin (½ tsp): Lends a gentle smoky undertone, elevating the complexity.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and balancing all flavors.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp for cooking, 1 tbsp for tzatziki): Keeps the patties moist and enriches the sauce.
- Greek yogurt (½ cup): The creamy base of the tangy tzatziki sauce.
- Cucumber (¼ cup, finely grated and drained): Adds crunch and freshness to the tzatziki, ensuring it’s not watery.
- Lemon juice (1 tbsp): Brings bright acidity to the sauce for balance.
- Burger buns (4 whole wheat or brioche): Provide the perfect vehicle to hold all those delicious ingredients.
- Arugula or baby spinach (1 cup): Offers a peppery green crunch as a healthy topping.
- Tomato (1, sliced): Adds juiciness and a fresh burst of color.
- Red onion (¼, thinly sliced): For additional sharpness and texture layers.
- Optional crumbled feta cheese: A salty, creamy touch that pairs beautifully with the herbs.
How to Make Greek Turkey Burger with Tzatziki Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
Start by mixing Greek yogurt, finely grated cucumber (make sure it’s well drained to avoid watery sauce), olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, fresh dill, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Stir everything until it’s smooth and refrigerate to let the flavors meld while you prepare the burgers. This sauce is the cooling counterpoint to the warm, seasoned turkey patties, so don’t skip this step!
Step 2: Mix the Turkey Patty Ingredients
In a large bowl, gently combine the ground turkey with chopped red onion, parsley, dill, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything just until combined—overmixing can make the burgers tough. Divide this mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a patty about ¾ inch thick.
Step 3: Cook the Turkey Patties
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the patties carefully and cook each side for 4 to 5 minutes. You want a nice golden-brown crust on the outside while ensuring the inside reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Resist the urge to press down on the patties with your spatula—it squeezes out the juices!
Step 4: Toast the Buns
While the patties are finishing, lightly toast the burger buns in the oven or on a skillet. This adds texture and prevents the buns from getting soggy once you add the juicy patty and toppings.
Step 5: Assemble Your Greek Turkey Burger with Tzatziki
Generously spread the chilled tzatziki sauce on both halves of each toasted bun. Layer on fresh arugula or baby spinach, the cooked turkey patty, thick tomato slices, thinly sliced red onion, and if you like, a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese. Top with the other half of the bun and get ready to enjoy true Mediterranean-inspired bliss!
How to Serve Greek Turkey Burger with Tzatziki Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like extra dill or parsley sprinkled on top add an inviting aroma and a bright finishing touch. For a little zing, add a few thinly sliced pickled red peppers or olives. A wedge of lemon on the side lets guests add a dash of acidity if they wish—simple ideas that bring your Greek Turkey Burger with Tzatziki Recipe to life.
Side Dishes
This burger pairs beautifully with Greek-style sides such as a simple cucumber and tomato salad, roasted lemon potatoes, or even light grilled veggies like zucchini and eggplant. For a casual meal, a crisp side of sweet potato fries or classic kettle chips adds satisfying crunch that complements the tender turkey.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to mix things up, serve the turkey patties open-faced on large lettuce leaves for a low-carb spin. You can also turn the tzatziki into a dip for grilled pita triangles alongside the burger for a mezze platter vibe. Layering individual burger components separately on a platter for build-your-own fun is another crowd-pleaser for gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover turkey patties and tzatziki sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The patties will keep well for up to 3 days, while the tzatziki maintains its freshness for around 2 days due to the fresh cucumber and yogurt.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked turkey patties individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. For best quality, avoid freezing the tzatziki sauce as yogurt-based sauces can separate upon thawing. Instead, prepare fresh tzatziki when ready to serve.
Reheating
Reheat turkey patties gently in a skillet over low-medium heat or microwave them in short bursts to avoid drying out. Add fresh tzatziki sauce after reheating for the best flavor balance. Toast buns again briefly to bring back their softness and crunch.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works similarly and will give you a mild, tender burger. Just watch for moisture levels as turkey tends to be leaner and you may need to adjust cooking times slightly.
Is the tzatziki sauce difficult to make?
Not at all! It’s a simple mix of Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon, and herbs. The key is draining the grated cucumber well and letting it chill so all the flavors come together beautifully.
What if I don’t have fresh dill?
Fresh dill has a unique taste, but if you don’t have it, dried dill can be a substitute—just use about one-third the amount as dried herbs are more potent. You can also experiment with fresh mint for a different but delicious twist.
How can I make the patties juicier?
Make sure not to overmix and cook them just until done to retain moisture. Incorporating finely chopped onion and a bit of olive oil inside the patties helps keep them juicy too.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Use gluten-free burger buns or serve the patties wrapped in lettuce leaves to keep everything gluten-free without sacrificing any flavor.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Greek Turkey Burger with Tzatziki Recipe is like taking a lovely short trip to the Mediterranean right from your kitchen. It’s fresh, flavorful, and downright satisfying, combining healthy ingredients with bold tastes in the best way possible. Gather your favorite people, whip up this recipe, and enjoy that perfect juicy bite with cool, creamy tzatziki—trust me, it’s going to be a hit.
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-inspired turkey burger recipe featuring lean ground turkey mixed with fresh herbs and spices, topped with homemade tzatziki sauce, and served on toasted whole wheat or brioche buns with fresh vegetables and optional feta cheese. Perfect for a quick and nutritious meal ready in just 25 minutes.
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 the Tzatziki Sauce: In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, fresh dill, and salt. Mix well until smooth, then cover and refrigerate to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the burgers.
- Form the Turkey Patties: In a large bowl, add the ground turkey, finely chopped red onion, parsley, dill, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Gently mix the ingredients together without overworking the meat, then divide and shape the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties.
- Cook the Turkey Burgers: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the turkey patties in the skillet and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) indicating the burgers are fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Toast the Buns: While the patties cook or immediately after, lightly toast the burger buns either in a separate skillet or in the oven until golden and slightly crispy.
- Assemble the Burgers: Spread a generous amount of the chilled tzatziki sauce on both the top and bottom halves of each toasted bun. Layer with arugula or baby spinach, place a cooked turkey patty on the bottom half, add slices of tomato and thinly sliced red onion, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese if desired. Close with the top bun and serve immediately for a fresh, flavorful meal.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the grated cucumber well to prevent watery tzatziki sauce.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey patties reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- Feel free to substitute fresh herbs based on availability; mint can add a nice twist to the tzatziki.
- For a lighter option, use whole wheat buns and skip the feta cheese.
- Leftover tzatziki can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and used as a dip or sauce for other dishes.
