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These Greek Turkey Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce are a delightful twist on the classic burger, combining the lean protein of ground turkey with the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. The addition of spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese creates a juicy, flavorful patty that’s topped with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout, these burgers are sure to become a new favorite.
Key Ingredients
The secret to these delicious Greek Turkey Burgers lies in the carefully selected ingredients. Ground turkey provides a lean base, while fresh spinach adds nutrients and moisture. Sun-dried tomatoes bring a concentrated burst of flavor, and feta cheese offers a tangy, salty note. The aromatic combination of garlic, oregano, and red onion enhances the Mediterranean profile. The tzatziki sauce, made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, and dill, provides a cool, creamy contrast to the savory burger.
Ingredients List
| For the Turkey Burgers: | For the Tzatziki Sauce: |
|---|---|
| 1 pound ground turkey | ½ English cucumber, grated |
| ½ cup fresh spinach leaves, chopped | 1 cup plain Greek yogurt |
| â…“ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped | 1 medium clove garlic, grated |
| ¼ cup red onion, minced | 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar |
| ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled | 1 tablespoon fresh dill, minced |
| 2 cloves garlic, pressed | ¼ teaspoon kosher salt |
| 1 egg, whisked | â…› teaspoon freshly ground black pepper |
| 1 tablespoon olive oil | |
| 1 teaspoon dried oregano | |
| ½ teaspoon kosher salt | |
| ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper | |
| 4 soft whole-wheat hamburger buns | |
| Bibb lettuce leaves | |
| Sliced red onion |
Helpful Tools
To make these Greek Turkey Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce, you’ll need a few essential tools. A large mixing bowl is crucial for combining the burger ingredients thoroughly. A non-stick grill pan or outdoor grill will give you those perfect grill marks and smoky flavor. Don’t forget a sharp knife for chopping vegetables and a box grater for the cucumber in the tzatziki sauce. Lastly, a meat thermometer will ensure your burgers are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Pro-Tips
1. Don’t overmix the burger ingredients. Gently combine them just until incorporated to keep the burgers tender. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense patties.
2. Chill the formed patties for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them hold their shape and prevents them from falling apart on the grill. You can even prepare them a day ahead and refrigerate overnight.
3. For extra flavor, toast your burger buns on the grill for the last minute of cooking. This adds a nice crunch and prevents the buns from getting soggy from the tzatziki sauce.
4. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas are another great option if you’re looking for more quick and healthy dinner ideas.
5. When making the tzatziki sauce, be sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the grated cucumber. This prevents the sauce from becoming watery and ensures a thick, creamy consistency.
How to Make Greek Turkey Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, minced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the pressed garlic, egg, olive oil, dried oregano, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture over the turkey mixture and gently combine with your hands until just mixed.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into patties. Place on a parchment-lined plate or cutting board.
- Refrigerate the patties for at least 30 minutes to help them hold their shape during cooking.
- While the patties are chilling, prepare the tzatziki sauce. Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess liquid using a paper towel.
- In a bowl, combine the drained cucumber, Greek yogurt, grated garlic, red wine vinegar, minced dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate.
- Heat a non-stick grill pan over medium heat and spray with cooking spray.
- Place the turkey burgers on the grill, cover with an upside-down sheet pan or lid, and cook for about 5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Toast the burger buns on the grill for the last minute of cooking if desired.
- Assemble the burgers by spreading tzatziki sauce on the buns, adding the cooked patties, and topping with lettuce leaves and sliced red onion.
Variations
1. For a spicier version, add 1-2 teaspoons of harissa paste or red pepper flakes to the burger mixture.
2. Swap the ground turkey for ground chicken or lean ground beef if you prefer a different protein.
3. Make it low-carb by serving the burgers in lettuce wraps instead of buns, and use the tzatziki as a dipping sauce for vegetable sticks.
Greek Turkey Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce
These Greek Turkey Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce are a delightful twist on the classic burger, combining the lean protein of ground turkey with the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. The addition of spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese creates a juicy, flavorful patty that’s topped with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce.
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 burgers
Ingredients
Burger Patties:
- 1 pound Ground turkey
- ½ cup Fresh spinach leaves, chopped
- â…“ cup Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ¼ cup Red onion, minced
- ¼ cup Feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 cloves Garlic, pressed
- 1 Egg, whisked
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
Tzatziki Sauce:
- ½ English cucumber, grated
- 1 cup Plain Greek yogurt
- 1 medium clove Garlic, grated
- 1 tablespoon Red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Fresh dill, minced
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt
- â…› teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
For Serving:
- 4 Whole-wheat hamburger buns
- Bibb lettuce leaves
- Sliced red onion
Instructions
1. Combine: In a large bowl, mix turkey, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, onion, and feta. In a separate bowl, whisk garlic, egg, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Combine both mixtures gently.
2. Shape & Chill: Divide into 4 patties. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help hold shape.
3. Make Tzatziki: Grate cucumber and squeeze out excess liquid. Mix with yogurt, garlic, vinegar, dill, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate.
4. Cook: Heat a grill pan over medium heat. Cook patties for about 5 minutes per side (internal temp 165°F).
5. Assemble: Toast buns. Spread tzatziki on buns, add patties, lettuce, and onion.
Notes
- Avoid Overmixing: Combine ingredients gently to keep the turkey patties tender.
- Firmness: Chilling the patties for 30 minutes is essential to prevent them from falling apart on the grill.
- Moisture Control: Thoroughly squeeze all liquid out of the grated cucumber to ensure your tzatziki is thick and creamy.
- Safe Cooking: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the burgers reach exactly 165°F without overcooking them and drying them out.
- Make Ahead: Patties can be prepped up to 24 hours in advance; tzatziki lasts up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grill
- Cuisine: Greek / Mediterranean
FAQ
Q: Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can form the patties up to a day in advance and refrigerate them until ready to cook. The tzatziki sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
Q: How do I prevent turkey burgers from drying out?
A: The key is not to overcook them. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F internal temperature, and avoid pressing down on the burgers while cooking to retain their juices.
Q: Can I freeze these turkey burgers?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked patties for up to 3 months. Place parchment paper between each patty to prevent sticking, and thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.
Conclusion
These Greek Turkey Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce offer a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional beef burgers. The combination of lean turkey, fresh Mediterranean flavors, and cool, creamy tzatziki creates a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a standout dish for your next barbecue, these burgers are sure to impress. For more delicious ideas, follow me on Pinterest.